photo by zhuanlan
A residence card is an important ID cad issued to residents who reside in Japan for a mid-to-long term period for the purpose of studying, working etc. This credit card size card is used as an ID card while staying in Japan, just like a passport, therefore many people keep their residence cards in their wallets. But people occasionally lose their residence cards for several reasons such as theft, dropping a wallet or other incidents. As it is such an important document, you should report a loss of residence card and request for reissuance immediately when you lost it.
About Residence Card
A residence cards is issued to foreign nationals who live in Japan for a mid-to-long term period. Holder’s name, DOB, sex, nationality, address, visa status, period of stay, work permission and many other important information is printed on it. A resident card plays two roles as a proof of permission to stay in Japan, as well as an permission to land which is normally stated on the passport.
Mid-to-long term residents are required to carry their residence card on them when they go out. It is very important for those residents; therefore, they need to apply for reissuance promptly when they lost the resident card.
*Request for reissuance of resident card must be made within 14 days from the day a holder is aware of the loss, or within 14 days from the first day of re-entry if a holder notice the loss of the card after departing from Japan.
Step 1: Notify the Police
If you lose your residence card, the first thing you have to do is notifying the police. What report you need to submit varies depending on the reason of loss (if you dropped or left: “lost article”; if you had it stolen: “theft”). Report can be submitted at closest police office, police station, driver and vehicle licensing center or railway police station.
- Lost article: submit “report of a lost article” and get “Certificate of report of a lost article”
- Theft: submit “report of theft” and get “Certificate of report of theft”
Step 2: Request for Reissuance at Immigration Office
After reporting loss or theft, visit an immigration office for application for reissuance of residence card. Application can be made at either of your local regional immigration bureau office and Foreign Residents Information Center. Note that you cannot visit any office but only one that is allocated to your address. As a general rule, a card holder him or herself must make an application, but you can have your family member, solicitor or lawyer as your agent.
Required Documents
- Application form (available at immigration office)
- Photo (h4cm x w4cm)
- “Certificate of report of a lost article” or “Certificate of report of theft” issued by the police
- Passport
- ID of agent (if an agent is applying)
*A residence card is re-issued on the day of application if all the documents are correctly submitted. Application is free of charge.
Summary
While your stay in Japan, you probably have many occasions to present your residence card. It is used as both an ID and permission to stay, therefore as important as your passport. If you lose it, you will need to have it reissued as soon as possible. To have your residence card reissued, your need to report loss or theft of it to the police first of all, then visit the immigration office to request for reissuance. Fortunately, both are easy procedures, free of charge and can be done within the same day. So, in case of loss of your residence card, take an action immediately to prevent misuse of your lost residence card.
