2025-10-29

Foreign nationals residing in Japan for medium to long-term periods must always carry their “Residence Card.” They must present it when requested by police officers or other authorities. Here, we explain the requirements for the photo on the “Residence Card.”

What is a Residence Card?

A Residence Card is a card issued to foreign nationals staying in Japan for medium to long-term periods, serving as an alternative to an ID card.

Issued by the Minister of Justice, the card displays the holder’s name, date of birth, nationality/region, address, status of residence, period of stay, and other details. For foreigners residing in Japan, this card is an essential item supporting the foundation of their daily lives. For instance, presenting the Residence Card is required in various everyday situations, such as opening a bank account, signing leases or mobile phone contracts, and handling procedures at government offices.

Furthermore, foreigners holding a Residence Card are obligated to carry it at all times. For instance, if requested by a police officer or other authority, it must be presented immediately. Failure to carry it could result in disadvantage, making constant possession essential. Furthermore, upon moving, the holder must report the new address within 14 days, and this record is also noted on the card.

As described above, the Residence Card is not merely an ID; it is the “key” enabling foreign nationals to reside in Japan with peace of mind.

Required Documents for Application

When applying for or renewing a Residence Card, several types of documents must be prepared.

First, the application form and passport are essential. Additionally, depending on the type of residence status and the application details, documents such as an employment contract with your employer, a certificate of enrollment, tax payment certificates, or a certificate of residence may be required. For work visas in particular, documents proving the employment relationship are highly important. For student visas, a certificate issued by the school is necessary.

Incomplete or insufficient documents at the time of application will result in rejection, significantly delaying the process. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare your documents after confirming the official guidelines provided by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).

Furthermore, since your photo will be printed on the Residence Card, you must submit a photograph. Detailed specifications exist for the photo’s size, background, and other aspects. Just like the required documents, you must prepare a photo that meets these standards.

Photograph Requirements

Clear specifications exist for photographs used on Residence Cards.

First, the size must be 4cm tall by 3cm wide, and the photograph must have been taken within the six months prior to the application date. The background should be plain and light-colored (such as white or light blue); photographs with patterns or shadows are not acceptable.

The photograph must be a full-face, headshot view of the upper body, without a hat and against a plain background. Additionally, photos with sunglasses or masks are not acceptable, and hair must not cover the eyes or face. This is because the face must be immediately recognizable.

The facial expression must show the mouth closed and eyes fully open. Blurred or discolored photos are also unacceptable. Therefore, photos taken at a photo booth or professional photo studio are safer than self-taken photos.

The photo will appear on your Residence Card for several years and be used daily for identity verification. Therefore, it is crucial to select a photo that not only meets the above requirements but also looks clean and allows for immediate identification.

Summary

The Residence Card is the most important form of identification for foreign nationals residing in Japan. Consequently, detailed specifications exist for the photograph, including size, background, and facial expression.