■ What is a Residence Card?
A residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) is an official identification document issued to foreign nationals who are permitted to stay in Japan for a medium to long-term period. It certifies the holder’s immigration status and includes important information such as name, nationality/region, date of birth, status of residence, and period of stay. Residence cards are required for various administrative processes and daily life in Japan.
■ Airports Where Residence Cards Are Issued on Arrival
The following major international airports in Japan issue residence cards immediately upon entry for eligible foreign nationals. These are officially designated as residence card-issuing airports by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
◆ Airports Where Residence Cards Are Issued (on-the-spot issuance):
- Narita International Airport (Chiba)
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (Aichi)
- Kansai International Airport (Osaka)
- New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido)
- Hiroshima Airport (Hiroshima)
- Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka)
Foreign nationals who enter Japan through one of these airports with a mid-to-long term visa will receive their residence card at the immigration counter immediately after arrival.
■ Airports Where Residence Cards Are NOT Issued
At other regional airports or seaports in Japan (e.g., Naha Airport, Sendai Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Shizuoka Airport, Komatsu Airport, Ishigaki Airport, etc.), residence cards are not issued on-site. Instead, a document called the Residence Card Issuance Notice (a small notification slip) is handed out after immigration clearance.
This document informs the individual that the actual residence card will be issued after resident registration is completed with the local municipal office.
■ Procedure When Entering Through a Non-Issuing Airport
1. Receive the Residence Card Issuance Notice
Upon arrival at a non-designated airport, you will be given a “Residence Card Issuance Notice” instead of the actual residence card. It is important to keep this document safe, as it will be required for further procedures.
2. Complete Resident Registration (Jūmin Tōroku)
Foreign nationals staying mid- to long-term in Japan must register their address at the local city/ward/town office within 14 days of settling into their residence. This is a legal requirement.
Required documents:
- Passport
- Residence Card Issuance Notice
- Lease agreement or proof of residence (may be required)
- Personal seal (hanko) – optional, depending on the municipality
Once you complete the registration, your information will be forwarded to the Immigration Services Agency, which will process and issue your residence card.
3. Receive the Residence Card by Mail
After your information is processed, your residence card will be mailed to your registered address, usually within 1–2 weeks. The card is typically delivered via registered mail or “本人限定受取郵便” (personal delivery to recipient only).
Ensure that:
- Your address is accurate
- Your mailbox is labeled properly
- Someone is available to receive the mail if required
■ Important Notes
◆ Who is eligible for a residence card?
Not all foreign nationals are eligible for a residence card. Only those with mid- to long-term residence statuses will receive one. Visitors with short-term stay visas (90 days or less) are not eligible.
Examples of eligible statuses:
- Student
- Technical Intern
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Business Manager
- Dependent
- Long-Term Resident
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National, etc.
◆ If you fail to register your address
If you do not complete resident registration within 14 days, not only will your residence card not be delivered, but you may also be violating immigration law. This could result in penalties or affect your ability to stay legally in Japan. Additionally, failure to obtain a residence card can make it difficult to open a bank account, sign a mobile phone contract, or enroll in the National Health Insurance system.
■ Summary Table
| Airport Name | Residence Card Issued? |
|---|---|
| Narita Airport | Yes |
| Haneda Airport | Yes |
| Chubu Airport | Yes |
| Kansai Airport | Yes |
| New Chitose Airport | Yes |
| Hiroshima Airport | Yes |
| Fukuoka Airport | Yes |
| Others (e.g., Naha, Sendai, Kagoshima, Komatsu) | No (Card sent by post after resident registration) |
■ Final Remarks
If you enter Japan through an airport not designated for immediate residence card issuance, be sure to:
- Keep your Residence Card Issuance Notice safe
- Visit your local city office within 14 days to register your address
- Wait for your card to be mailed to your residence
Failure to complete these steps can lead to serious issues with your legal status and daily life in Japan.