JapanLifeGuide

Blog

  • My Number Card in Japan: What Foreign Residents Need to Know

    What Is the My Number System?

    My Number (個人番号) is Japan’s national identification number system used for tax, social security, and administrative procedures.
    Every resident of Japan, including foreign residents with a valid Residence Card, is assigned a 12-digit My Number.

    Important distinction:

    • My Number (number itself): Automatically assigned
    • My Number Card (photo ID card): Optional, but strongly recommended

    Do Foreign Residents Need a My Number?

    Yes.
    If you are registered as a resident in Japan, you will be issued a My Number regardless of nationality.

    You need it for:

    • Employment and payroll
    • Tax filing and year-end adjustment
    • Opening some bank or investment accounts
    • Social insurance procedures
    • Government online services (e.g., e-Tax)

    My Number Notice vs My Number Card (Comparison)

    Item My Number Notice My Number Card
    What it is Paper notification with your number Plastic photo ID card
    Issued automatically Yes No (application required)
    Photo ID No Yes
    Used as official ID No Yes
    Online government services No Yes (e-Tax, My Portal)
    Convenience store certificates No Yes (resident records, tax certs)
    Recommended for foreigners △ ◎

    How to Get a My Number Card (Step-by-Step)

    Step 1: Register Your Address

    After moving to Japan, register your address at the municipal office.
    → My Number is generated automatically.

    Step 2: Receive the My Number Notice

    You will receive a paper notice by mail within a few weeks.

    Step 3: Apply for the My Number Card

    You can apply:

    • Online (PC or smartphone)
    • By mail
    • At supported convenience store kiosks
    • At the municipal office

    Required items:

    • My Number notice
    • Residence Card
    • Photo (or take one at the office)

    Step 4: Receive the Card

    You will be notified when the card is ready.
    Pick it up at the municipal office with ID and set a PIN code.

    How Long Does It Take?

    • Application to issuance: about 1–2 months
    • Timing varies by municipality and season

    Is the My Number Card Mandatory?

    No.
    But in practice, not having it causes friction:

    • More paperwork
    • In-person procedures instead of online
    • Extra documents for banks and employers

    For foreign residents staying medium- to long-term, having the card is rational.

    Common Misunderstandings (Important)

    • ❌ “Tourists can get My Number” → False
    • ❌ “The card is mandatory” → False
    • ❌ “Banks always require the card” → False (but many prefer it)
    • ✅ “Foreign residents can apply” → True

    Practical Recommendation

    If you plan to:

    • Work in Japan
    • Open bank / investment accounts
    • File taxes yourself
    • Stay longer than one year

    → Apply for the My Number Card early.

    Disclaimer

    This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or administrative advice.
    Procedures and requirements may vary by municipality and are subject to change.
    Always confirm the latest information with your local municipal office or official government sources.

    Last updated: 2026-02

  • How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner

    A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents

    Who Can Open a Bank Account in Japan

    You must meet certain requirements to open a personal bank account in Japan:

    • You must be a resident with a valid Residence Card (在留カード) — tourists and short-term visitors cannot open a standard account.
    • You must have a registered address in Japan. Banks require proof of residency such as a resident certificate (jūminhyō).
    • Many banks require that you have lived in Japan for at least several months; however, practices vary by bank (some allow accounts earlier, especially Japan Post Bank).
    • You usually need a Japanese phone number for identity verification.

    Important: Each financial institution ultimately sets its own criteria, so check with the specific bank you plan to use.

    Documents You Typically Need

    Although requirements vary slightly by bank, most Japanese banks will ask for the following:

    Identity and Residency:

    • Valid Residence Card (在留カード)
    • Passport
    • Proof of current address (resident registration / jūminhyō or utility bill)

    Contact Information:

    • Japanese phone number (often required for verification)

    Signature or Seal:

    • A signature is usually sufficient
    • Some banks may ask for a personal seal (inkan), but a signature is increasingly acceptable.

    Optional but Helpful:

    • My Number Card or proof of My Number may be requested for easier processing.

    How to Open the Account

    In-Branch Application (Common Method)

    1. Visit the local branch of your chosen bank.
    2. Bring all required documents.
    3. Fill out the application form at the counter.
    4. Bank staff will verify your identity and documents.
    5. Your cash card and passbook may be issued on the spot or mailed later.

    Note: Major banks like Mitsubishi UFJ often require in-person applications and may not accept online applications for account opening.

    Online or App Application (If Supported)

    Some banks, such as Japan Post Bank, allow online or app-based applications with English support.

    • You upload your documents electronically.
    • After review, your card may be mailed to your address.

    Examples of Banks and Their Practices

    • Japan Post Bank (Yūcho)
      • Often allows accounts with shorter residency (>3 months).
      • Offers online and app applications with multiple language options.
    • Mizuho Bank
      • May allow accounts if you have proof of employment or a longer residency.
    • Major Private Banks (SMBC, MUFG, etc.)
      • Typically require longer residency and in-person applications; practices vary.
    • Online Banks (Rakuten, Sony Bank, SBI Shinsei, Seven Bank)
      • Often offer easier processes with online applications and English support.

    When You Will Receive Your Passbook and Cash Card

    • If opening in branch: you often receive the passbook immediately and the cash card soon after.
    • If opening online/app: the cash card is usually mailed to your registered address within days to a couple of weeks.

    Common Things to Know

    • Most banks operate weekdays only, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for in-branch services.
    • Some branches may have limited English support; bringing someone who can help translate can be useful.
    • Fees, ATM access, and services vary by bank. Online and digital banks often have lower fees.

    Summary Checklist (Simple)

    Before going to the bank, make sure you have:

    • Residence Card (valid, with your current address)
    • Passport
    • Proof of address (jūminhyō or utility bill)
    • Japanese phone number
    • Signature or seal (optional)
    • My Number Card (recommended)
    • Bank application form completed (if available online)

    Disclaimer

    This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or administrative advice.
    Banks in Japan may have different requirements, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify the latest account opening requirements with the specific bank or financial institution directly, and consult official sources if needed.

    Last updated: 2026-02

  • How to Get a My Number Card in Japan

    A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents

    What Is the My Number Card?

    The My Number Card is a government-issued identification card that contains your 12-digit Individual Number.
    It is used for taxation, social security, and administrative procedures in Japan.

    Foreign residents who have completed address registration are eligible to receive a My Number.

    Is the My Number Card Mandatory?

    • Your My Number itself is mandatory
    • Applying for the physical My Number Card is optional

    Even if you do not apply for the card, you are automatically assigned a My Number once your address is registered.

    However, the My Number Card is increasingly required for:

    • Tax procedures
    • Employment paperwork
    • Online government services
    • Bank account applications

    When Can You Apply?

    You can apply after your address registration is completed at your local municipal office.

    In most cases:

    • A My Number notification letter is mailed to your registered address within 2–3 weeks
    • You can apply for the card as soon as you receive this notification

    How to Apply for a My Number Card

    Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

    You can apply online using a smartphone or PC.

    You will need:

    • Your My Number notification
    • Residence Card
    • A digital photo

    The online application process takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

    Option 2: Application at the Municipal Office

    You can also apply directly at your city or ward office.

    Bring:

    • Residence Card
    • Passport (if requested)
    • Application form (if already issued)

    English support may be available depending on the municipality, but it is not guaranteed.

    Application Fees

    • First-time issuance: Free
    • Reissuance due to loss or damage: A fee may apply

    Fees and procedures for reissuance vary by municipality.

    How Long Does It Take?

    • Processing time is typically about 1 to 1.5 months
    • You will receive a notification postcard when the card is ready
    • The card generally must be collected in person at the municipal office
      (Exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, depending on the municipality)

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Applying before completing address registration
    • Missing the card pickup deadline
    • Forgetting the PIN codes
    • Losing the notification postcard

    If the card is not collected within the specified period, the application may be canceled.

    How the My Number Card Is Used

    The My Number Card is commonly required for:

    • Tax filing (Kakutei Shinkoku)
    • Employment and payroll procedures
    • Opening or maintaining bank accounts
    • Accessing online government services

    Its importance continues to increase as Japan expands digital administrative services.

    Summary

    The My Number Card is a central administrative ID in Japan.
    Applying early helps prevent delays in banking, taxation, and employment procedures.

    Disclaimer

    This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or administrative advice.
    Laws, regulations, and local procedures may change, and requirements can vary by municipality.
    Always confirm the latest information with your local municipal office or official Japanese government sources.

    Last updated: 2026-02

  • How to Register Your Address in Japan

    A Complete Resident Registration Guide for Foreign Residents

    Who Needs to Register an Address in Japan

    Foreign residents who stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to register their address at the local city, ward, or town office once their place of residence is decided. This applies to employees, students, freelancers, and business owners.

    Visitors staying under a short-term visa (tourist status) are not required to register an address.

    Deadline: When You Must Register

    You must submit a moving-in notification within 14 days after you start living at your new address.

    This deadline is counted from the day your residence is fixed, not necessarily from your entry date into Japan.

    Failing to register within this period may result in administrative guidance or warnings from the local government.

    Where to Register Your Address

    You must go to the municipal office (City Office / Ward Office) that has jurisdiction over your residential address.

    Search example:
    “Shinjuku City Office resident registration”

    Required Documents

    Prepare the following documents before visiting the office:

    • Residence Card
    • Passport
    • Your residential address (lease agreement or written address details)
    • My Number notification card (if already issued)

    The registration itself is free of charge.

    Step-by-Step Registration Process

    1. Visit the local municipal office
    2. Take a number and request a moving-in notification form
    3. Fill out the form (staff assistance may be available)
    4. Submit the form and documents
    5. Your address is registered on the same day

    The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the office.

    What Happens After Address Registration

    Once your address is officially registered, you will be able to:

    • Apply for or update your My Number
    • Enroll in National Health Insurance
    • Open a Japanese bank account
    • Sign contracts for mobile phones and utilities

    Address registration is the foundation for most administrative procedures in Japan.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • Missing the 14-day registration deadline
    • Registering a temporary or incorrect address
    • Forgetting to update the address after moving
    • Assuming the landlord handles the registration (they do not)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I register my address without a lease contract?

    In many cases, yes. However, requirements may vary by municipality, and additional confirmation may be requested.

    Is English support available at city offices?

    Some municipalities provide English assistance, but availability depends on the location. Do not assume English support is guaranteed.

    Summary

    Registering your address is a legal obligation and the first essential administrative step after moving to Japan as a foreign resident. Completing this process promptly ensures access to healthcare, banking, and other public services.

    Disclaimer

    This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice.
    Japanese laws, regulations, and administrative procedures may change, and requirements can differ by municipality.
    For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult your local municipal office or official government sources.

    Last updated: 2026-02

    Recommended Next Articles:

    • How to Get a My Number Card in Japan
    • Opening a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner