If you are a foreign resident in Japan, getting your My Number Card is one of the most useful things you can do. It simplifies everything from opening a bank account to accessing government services online — and yes, foreigners with a valid residence status are eligible to apply. This guide walks you through the My Number Card application process for foreigners in Japan, step by step, so you know exactly what to prepare and what to expect.
What Is a My Number Card?
My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan's national identification system. Every resident — including foreign nationals registered in Japan — is assigned a 12-digit individual number. The My Number Card is the physical ID card that displays this number, your name, address, date of birth, and photo. It also contains an IC chip that allows you to use online government services (through the Myna Portal) and, in many cases, to access healthcare and other administrative tasks more easily.
It is free to obtain and is valid as a photo ID in Japan, which is particularly handy if you do not have a driving licence.
Who Can Apply for a My Number Card?
Any foreign national who is registered in the Basic Resident Register (住民基本台帳) in Japan can apply. This generally means you must hold a valid residence status (such as a work visa, student visa, spouse visa, or permanent residency) and be registered at your local ward or city office. If you have recently moved to Japan and registered your address, you are likely already eligible.
Note: Short-stay visitors (tourist visa or visa-waiver entry) are not registered residents and cannot apply.
What You Need Before You Start
- Your My Number notification letter (通知カード, tsūchi kādo) — this was sent to your registered address when you first registered. If you have lost it, contact your local municipal office.
- Your Residence Card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) — your main ID as a foreign resident.
- A smartphone, PC, or access to a convenience store kiosk terminal.
- A recent photo of yourself (if applying by post or at the office — specific size requirements apply, so check the official site for the latest specifications).
My Number Card Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1 — Choose Your Application Method
There are three ways to apply. Online via smartphone is the most popular and usually the fastest.
| Method | How | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (online) | Scan the QR code on your notification letter and follow the steps on the official Mynaportal or dedicated application site | Most people — quickest and easiest |
| PC (online) | Visit the official My Number Card application website and enter your information manually | Those without a smartphone camera |
| Post (paper form) | Fill in the paper application form that came with your notification letter and post it | Those who prefer paper or lack internet access |
Step 2 — Submit Your Application Online (Recommended)
If applying by smartphone:
- Find the QR code printed on your notification letter (通知カード).
- Scan it with your phone camera — it will direct you to the application page.
- Enter your email address and create an account link.
- Upload a clear, front-facing photo of yourself taken with your phone. The photo must have a plain background and show your full face clearly.
- Enter the required personal details (name, address, date of birth) — double-check these match your Residence Card exactly.
- Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 3 — Wait for the Issuance Notice
After submitting your application, the municipal office processes it. This typically takes around one to two months, though it can vary depending on your area and how busy the office is. Once your card is ready, you will receive a postcard (交付通知書, kōfu tsūchisho) at your registered address telling you to come and pick it up.
Step 4 — Visit Your Local Municipal Office to Collect the Card
You must collect your card in person — it cannot be posted to you. Bring:
- The collection notice postcard you received
- Your notification letter (通知カード) or the reference document number
- Your Residence Card
- Any other ID the notice requests (check the postcard carefully)
At the counter, you will set a four-digit PIN (and in some cases additional PINs for the digital certificate functions). Write them down somewhere safe — you will need them to use the card's online features later.
Practical Tips for Foreign Residents
- Name and address must match your Residence Card exactly. Even small differences can cause delays. If your name is written differently on various documents, use the exact spelling shown on your Residence Card.
- Update your address promptly. If you move, you must update your address at the municipal office — both on your Residence Card and on your My Number Card. Failing to do so can cause issues when you try to use the card.
- Language support is available. Many ward offices in major cities offer multilingual assistance or have staff who can help in English. You can also prepare by using the official English-language guides provided by the Digital Agency of Japan.
- Keep your notification letter safe. You will need the QR code or reference number on it to apply. If you have lost it, visit your local municipal office in person to confirm your My Number before applying.
- Card validity. For foreign nationals, the card's validity period is tied to your period of stay in Japan (not the standard 10-year period for Japanese nationals). You will need to update or renew it when your residence status changes.
Why Bother Getting a My Number Card?
Beyond being a convenient photo ID, your My Number Card unlocks several practical benefits as a foreign resident:
- Easier bank account opening — some banks and online financial services (including applications for accounts at Japan Post Bank, Yucho) accept it as ID.
- Access to the Myna Portal for checking pension records, tax information, and government notifications online.
- Receiving certain government benefits or tax refunds more smoothly.
- Using convenience store terminals to print official documents (住民票, residence certificates) without going to the municipal office.
Summary: Getting Your My Number Card as a Foreign Resident
The My Number Card application process for foreigners in Japan is more straightforward than it might seem. The key steps are: confirm you are registered as a resident, gather your documents, apply online using the QR code on your notification letter, wait for your collection notice (usually one to two months), then visit your local office to pick up your card in person.
It is one of those tasks that feels daunting at first but pays off significantly — both for day-to-day life and for longer-term goals like opening a bank account or using digital government services. Take it one step at a time, and do not hesitate to ask for multilingual assistance at your municipal office if you need it. You have got this.
Please note: Procedures, document requirements, and processing times can change. This article is a general guide — always confirm the latest details on the official Digital Agency of Japan website or your local municipal office before applying.