2025-06-28

Two terms often heard in relation to foreign residents are “Residence Card” and “Visa”, both of which are indispensable for foreigners, but not many people can accurately explain the definitions and differences between the two. Here is a detailed explanation of the difference between the two.

What is a Residence Card?

A resident card is issued to foreign nationals who will stay in Japan for a medium to long term (3 months or more). The card is issued upon approval by the Immigration Bureau of Japan for new landing permission, permission for change of status of residence, permission for extension of period of stay, etc. applied for by a foreign national.

The resident card also serves as a certificate to prove that the status of residence and period of stay of the foreigner holding the card are legitimate. The resident card contains information such as the foreigner’s name, date of birth, gender, current nationality (region), place of residence in Japan, current status of residence and period of stay, and whether or not the foreigner can work.

Foreign nationals who possess a resident card are obliged to comply with the following

(1) Always carry your resident card
(2) Present your resident card to the police when requested
(3) Do not lend or borrow your resident card to others
(4) Do not make or alter your resident card without permission
(5) Return your resident card when you return to your own country and do not return to Japan
(6) If you lose your resident card If you lose your resident card, report it to the police as soon as possible and follow the procedure for reissuing it within 14 days.
(7) If you change your name, report it within 14 days.
(8) Notify the police within 14 days of any change of residence.
(9) If you wish to continue to stay in Japan after the period of validity, you must go through the renewal procedures.

What is a visa?

A visa is an “entry permit” required to enter a foreign country. Countries that accept foreign nationals will verify their identity in advance and screen them to ensure that there are no problems with their entry into the country. If it is determined that there are no problems, a visa is issued.

The visa must be in the possession of the foreigner at the time of entry into Japan, and the foreigner will be allowed to enter. Visa types are classified according to destination, purpose of travel, and other factors. The specific type and name of visa varies from country to country.

In Japan, however, the term “visa” generally refers to a “status of residence. For example, a “work visa” is a status of residence for foreigners to work in Japan. In addition, if you are staying in Japan as a spouse of a Japanese national, you will have a “status-related visa.

In other words, a foreigner staying in Japan for a medium to long term will have one of these visas. Thus, in general, the current situation is that “visa = status of residence”.

Strictly speaking, however, a visa is an “entry permit” in the sense of a visa, and is different from a “status of residence,” which is a proof that one is permitted to stay in Japan for a medium- to long-term period.

Difference between the two

As explained above, a residence card and a visa are completely different things.

A resident card is a card possessed by a foreigner who is permitted to stay in Japan for a medium- to long-term period. A visa, on the other hand, is strictly speaking an “entry permit” required for foreigners to enter Japan. Upon receiving an application from a foreigner who wishes to enter Japan, the visa is issued after examining the foreigner’s criminal record and other relevant information.

However, in Japan today, “visa” is used in a broader sense of “status to stay in Japan for a mid- to long-term period (residence status).

Summary

A residence card is a card held by a foreigner who is permitted to stay in Japan for a medium- to long-term period, while a visa is a status that indicates that the foreigner has the necessary requirements to stay in Japan. However, strictly speaking, a visa refers to an entry permit.