When can I renew my residence card? If I don't renew it, I will be considered an illegal resident!
Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).
For foreigners living in Japan, a residence card is very important.
Because it is proof of eligibility to live in Japan.
The expiration date of your residence card is printed on it.
If you stay in Japan past the expiration date, you will be considered an illegal resident.
This time, we will explain about renewing your residence card.
Please read carefully to avoid staying illegally.
When can I renew my residence card?
To renew your residence card, you must apply for permission to extend your period of stay.
Applications for extension of period of stay must be made before the period of stay expires.
Those with a period of stay of six months or more can apply from about three months before their expiry date.
However, if there are special circumstances such as hospitalization or a long-term business trip, you may be able to apply more than three months in advance.
For more information, please check with your local regional immigration office.
How to renew your residence card
The process for receiving your new residence card is as follows:
- Gather the necessary documents
- Submit the documents to the local immigration office in your area.
- Wait for the results
- If your renewal is approved, you will be issued a new residence card.
Those who can apply for permission to extend period of stay
The following people can apply for permission to extend their period of stay:
- Applicant (foreigner who wishes to stay in Japan)
- Representative (legal representative of the applicant)
- Agent
An agent is a person who applies for and renews a residence card on behalf of a foreigner.
For example, a person in charge at the company you work for, a lawyer, or an administrative scrivener.
If the applicant is under 16 years of age, or is unable to apply due to illness or injury, a family member, cohabitant, or other person deemed appropriate by the Director-General of the Regional Immigration Bureau may apply on their behalf.
Required documents for applying for extension of period of stay
The following documents are required to apply for a residence permit renewal:
- Residence card
- Passport (valid)
- Application form ("Application for Permission to Renew Period of Stay")
- ID photo
The following conditions must be met for a passport photo:
- Size: 4cm x 3cm
- Period: Photos taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Plain
- How you look: Facing forward, not wearing a hat
The following additional documents may be required:
- Statement of reasons (if there are special circumstances)
- Income and asset documentation (to prove continued employment or education)
The application form can be obtained from the Immigration Services Agency website.
Application for permission to extend period of stay | Immigration Services Agency
Costs for applying for permission to extend period of stay
There is a fee for applying for permission to extend your period of stay.
The fee will be paid in revenue stamps of 4,000 yen*.
*This is like a stamp that proves that you have paid the fee. It can be purchased at post offices, convenience stores, etc.
Payment will be made when renewal is approved.
About online applications
マイナンバーカード（Individual Number Card）If you have a residence card, you can renew it online.
The steps to receive your new residence card via online application are as follows:
- Register as a user on the online residence application system
- Apply for a residence card renewal through the online residence application system
- Wait for the results
- If your renewal is approved, you will receive an electronic Certificate of Eligibility.
- Mail your old residence card to the Immigration Bureau in your area.
- Your new residence card will be sent by mail from the Immigration Bureau.
For more information about online applications, please see the Immigration Services Agency website.
Online procedures for residence application | Immigration Services Agency
What happens if I don't renew my residence card within the expiration date?
If you delay in renewing your residence card, you may lose your residence status.
If you work for a Japanese company, the company may also be punished for "encouraging illegal employment."
The renewal procedure takes approximately two weeks to one month.
When the application period begins, please start the application process as soon as possible.
If your period of stay expires during the application process
If your period of stay expires during the application process, there is a special period.
If you apply for an extension of your period of stay before the expiration date of your visa, you can stay in Japan until one of the following dates:
- Until the application result is released
- Up to two months after the original expiration date
If you lose your residence card
If you lose your residence card, please apply for a reissue.
You must apply for a reissue at your local immigration office within 14 days of realizing that you have lost your residence card.
Summary: Residence card renewal begins about three months before the expiration date. Start the procedure early.
If you delay in renewing your residence card, you may lose your residence status.
Please apply as soon as possible when you are eligible to renew.
To renew your residence card, you will need to apply for an extension of your period of stay.
Prepare the necessary documents and submit them to the Regional Immigration Bureau in your area.
Once your renewal is approved, you will be issued a new residence card.
マイナンバーカード（Individual Number Card） If you have one, you can also apply online.
About us, JAC
JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources) is an organization that supports all specified skilled workers working in the Japanese construction industry. We work with companies that accept specified skilled workers to create a comfortable work environment for all of you.
We also conduct the exams necessary to become specified skilled workers!
JAC has also received many job offers from companies looking to hire specified skilled workers.
Recruiting specified skilled workers! Job Listings
For those of you who want to work in Japan using Specified Skills, we are introducing jobs that match your occupation and aspirations!
If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us!
