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
You must register your address before applying.
A bank account is also required for many procedures in Japan.
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