2022-09-122022-10-04

All foreigners staying in Japan for the medium or long term must carry a residence card.

The residence card contains information such as the foreigner’s citizenship. If the information listed on the residence card changes, you must apply to update the information on the residence card.

Therefore, this article explains how you can change the nationality on the residence card.

Notification of a change of an item on the residence card

To change information on your residence card, such as your citizenship, you need to submit a notification of a change of an item on the residence card

The notification must be filed with the regional immigration office that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence.

The notice of change must be filed within 14 days of the date of the change in information, such as citizenship.

For example, if you change your citizenship on January 1, 2022, you must complete the change process by January 14, 2022.

There is no charge to change your citizenship on your residency card. Once the change process is completed, a residence card with the new citizenship is usually issued the same day.

If the residence card is not issued on the same day and you pick it up at a later date, you must present the following documents.

• Application acceptance stub
• Passport or Certificate of Eligibility
• Current residence card
• Documents proving identity

Who can apply for a change of citizenship on their residence card

• The following persons may report a change of citizenship on a foreigner`s residence card.
• Holder of a residence card (except for persons under 16 years of age)
• If the holder is under 16 years of age, a relative over 16 years of age living with the applicant may apply instead
• If the holder is unable to apply due to illness or other reasons, a relative who is at least 16 years old and lives with the holder may do so instead
• A relative who is over 16 years of age and lives with the applicant, if the applicant so desires (requires a power of attorney, etc.)

In certain cases, the power of attorney may also apply.

• A representative designated by the Director General of Immigration and authorized by the applicant (e.g., an employee of the applicant’s educational institution)
• An attorney or administrative scrivener who has informed the Director General of Immigration and has been authorized by the applicant
• Legal representative of the applicant (except for cohabiting relatives)
• Relatives, cohabitants, etc., if the applicant is under 16 years of age or cannot appear due to illness or other reasons

Documents required to change citizenship on the residence card

The following documents are required to change citizenship on your residence card.

• A photograph that meets the specified standards (if the applicant is 16 years of age or older)
• Passport, etc., proving newly acquired citizenship
• Passport with previous citizenship (if available)
• Current residence card
• Documents proving your identity (if the authorized representative is making the application)