Update to the Method for Verifying New Residence Cards
You can now check your period of stay, type of permit, and permit issuance date in the app
The Immigration Services Agency,August 19, 2026, We have updated the “Residence Card Reader App.”
With this update, regarding the new-style Residence Cards and Specific Residence Cards, information that previously could not be viewed in the app "Period of Stay," "Type of Permit," "Date of Permit Issuance" You can now check [...].
Since June 14, 2026, new-style Residence Cards and other documents have been issued; therefore, not only foreign nationals residing in Japan, but also, Human Resources and General Affairs Staff at Companies That Hire Foreign WorkersIt is also important to understand the new verification method.
What Is the New Residence Card?
Starting June 14, 2026, the My Number Card and the Residence Card will be combined into a single card that integrates their functions. "Specific Residence Card"Distribution has begun.
Accordingly, standard residence cards are also being updated to the new format.
On the new-style Residence Card, some of the information displayed on the front and back of the card has been revised, and for certain information, A system for reading and verifying information stored on an IC chip ...is the case.
With the new-style Residence Cards, it is important not only to examine the front and back of the card, but also to verify the information stored on the IC chip as needed.
What changed in the August 19, 2026, update?
According to the Immigration Services Agency, when the new-style Residence Cards and Specific Residence Cards were scanned using the “Residence Card Reader App,” some information initially could not be viewed within the app.
The application was subsequently modified, and Starting with the version released on August 19, 2026, the following three items are now displayed.
- period of stay
- Types of Permits
- Date of Approval
According to the Information from the Immigration Services Agency, the three items—“Period of Stay,” “Type of Permit,” and “Date of Permit Issuance”— are now displayed as a result of the system update on August 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, according to the agency’s guidance as of August 19, 2026, "Date of Issuance" is not included among the three items that are now displayed.
Comparison of Conventional Verification Methods and the New Verification Method
| checklist | Conventional Verification Methods | How to Verify Using the New Format |
|---|---|---|
| status of residence (in Japan) | Check the front of your Residence Card | Same as before |
| Period of Stay | Check the front of your Residence Card | Same as before |
| period of stay | Verify the information on your Residence Card and other authorization-related documents | Can be checked using the scanning app |
| Types of Permits | Verify the information on your Residence Card and other authorization-related documents | Can be checked using the scanning app |
| Date of Approval | Verify the information on your Residence Card and other authorization-related documents | Can be checked using the scanning app |
| Employment Restrictions | Check the front of your Residence Card | Same as before |
| Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence | Check the back of your Residence Card | Verify using your Residence Card, a scanning app, etc. |
| Card Authenticity and Validity | Check the information on the card and its appearance, etc. | Check by using a scanning app or the expired card inquiry service |
Download the Residence Card Reader App
The “Residence Card Reader Application” is, The official app provided by the Immigration Services AgencyIt is.
The smartphone app is available for iPhone (iOS) and Android. Before using it, please make sure you have updated to the latest version.
Smartphone Version
You can download it from the options below, depending on your device.
*Terms of use may vary depending on the device, operating system, NFC functionality, and other factors. Please check the official support page of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for system requirements.
A desktop version is also available.
The Immigration Services Agency, in addition to the smartphone version, Windows Version · macOS VersionWe also provide information on this.
Companies that hire foreign nationals also need to be cautious.
These changes apply not only to foreign nationals themselves, but also to, Companies that hire and employ foreign nationalsIt is also related to that.
When hiring or employing foreign nationals, it is important for companies to examine both the front and back of the Residence Card and verify at least the following information.
- status of residence (in Japan)
- Period of Stay / Expiration Date of Stay
- Whether There Are Any Employment Restrictions
- Whether or Not a Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence Has Been Granted
On the new-style Residence Card, there are some differences in how information is displayed compared to the previous Residence Card.
Therefore, "If it's not listed on the front or back of the card, that means the information doesn't exist." It is important to be careful not to jump to that conclusion.
A Residence Card alone does not necessarily determine whether you are eligible to work.
When hiring foreign nationals, you should not only verify the status of residence listed on their Residence Card, but also, Whether the actual duties assigned to the employee fall within the scope of activities permitted under that status of residence It is also important to check this.
For example, just because you hold a “Specialist in Science and Technology, Humanities, and International Services” status of residence, that does not mean you can engage in any and all types of work within a company.
Based on the actual job duties, the individual’s educational and employment history, the terms of the employment contract, and other factors, it is necessary to verify on a case-by-case basis whether the position is consistent with the individual’s status of residence.
Verifying whether a residence card is valid and verifying whether the prospective employee is eligible to perform the intended job duties under their current status of residence are two separate matters that must be assessed from different perspectives.
When hiring foreign nationals, it is important to consider not only the validity of their cards, but also, Consistency Between Actual Job Duties and Residence StatusIt is important to verify this.
Also used as a measure against counterfeit residence cards
The Residence Card Reader Application can read the information stored on the IC chip of a Residence Card or similar document.
In addition, the Immigration Services Agency, in conjunction with verifying card information via the app, "Expiration Information Inquiry"We provide guidance on how to use it.
For companies that hire foreign nationals, it is important to prevent illegal employment caused by counterfeit or expired residence cards and other documents. Using official apps or checking for expiration information as needed is one way to verify this.
Key Points Companies Should Consider When Hiring Foreign Nationals
| Points to Confirm | Reasons for Verification |
|---|---|
| status of residence (in Japan) | To confirm whether the resident status allows the individual to engage in the intended job duties |
| Period of Stay / Expiration Date of Stay | To understand when you will need to renew your period of stay, etc. |
| Employment Restrictions | To ensure that employees are not made to work beyond their authorized scope of activities |
| Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence | To verify the permit status when hiring international students, family members staying in the country, and others |
| Actual Job Responsibilities | To verify whether the actual duties align with the activities permitted under the status of residence |
| Card Authenticity and Validity | To prevent illegal employment using counterfeit or expired Residence Cards, etc. |
Important Notes for Use
This article is, Official information from the Immigration Services Agency as of August 31, 2026 This is based on .
The actual display and how to verify the information may vary depending on the type of residence card, differences between the old and new formats, the device used, the operating system, and the application version, among other factors.
When using the “Residence Card Reader App,” please make sure to update to the latest version before using it.
In addition, the specifications of laws, regulations, and systems, as well as the actual operations of the Immigration Services Agency, are subject to change in the future.
When actually carrying out procedures or verifying matters related to the employment of foreign nationals, please refer to the latest information published by the Immigration Services Agency and other relevant authorities.
summary
Key Points for This Session
- Issuance of the new-style Residence Cards and Specified Residence Cards will begin on June 14, 2026
- The "Residence Card Reader App" will be updated on August 19, 2026
- You can now check your “period of stay,” “type of permit,” and “date of issuance” in the app
- Official apps are available for iPhone and Android
- It is also important for companies that hire foreign nationals to understand how to verify the new residence cards.
- It is important to verify not only the validity of the Residence Card but also whether the actual job duties align with the status of residence.
It is expected that the number of foreign nationals holding the new-style residence cards and other documents will gradually increase in the future.
It is important not only for foreign nationals themselves, but also for HR and general affairs staff at companies that employ foreign nationals, to understand the new format of the Residence Card and how to verify it, and to properly confirm their status of residence and work authorization.
Consultations Regarding the Employment and Residence Status of Foreign Nationals
Our firm provides consultation on a wide range of matters, including the acquisition, change, and renewal of residence statuses, as well as verification of residence and work status when hiring foreign nationals, and various immigration and residence management procedures.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment and employment of foreign nationals or their residency status, please feel free to contact us.
“[Important] How to Verify the Period of Stay on the New-Style Residence Card (As of August 19, Reiwa 8)”
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/11_00106.html
"Residence Card Reader App / Expired Card Information Inquiry Support Page"
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/rcc-support.html
Laws, regulations, system specifications, and actual operations at the Immigration Services Agency are subject to change in the future.
In addition, determinations regarding status of residence and eligibility to work vary depending on an individual’s specific residence status, educational and employment history, employment contract, job duties, and other circumstances.
When actually filing applications, completing procedures, or hiring foreign nationals, please check the latest information published by the Immigration Services Agency and other relevant authorities, or consult with a professional as needed.
Inquiry / Access
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
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