A residence card (\u5728\u7559\u30ab\u30fc\u30c9, zairy\u016b k\u0101do) 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This document informs the individual that the actual residence card will be issued after resident registration is completed with the local municipal office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon arrival at a non-designated airport, you will be given a \u201cResidence Card Issuance Notice\u201d instead of the actual residence card. It is important to keep this document safe, as it will be required for further procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you complete the registration, your information will be forwarded to the Immigration Services Agency, which will process and issue your residence card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After your information is processed, your residence card will be mailed to your registered address, usually within 1\u20132 weeks. The card is typically delivered via registered mail or \u201c\u672c\u4eba\u9650\u5b9a\u53d7\u53d6\u90f5\u4fbf\u201d (personal delivery to recipient only).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| Airport Name<\/th> | Residence Card Issued?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> |
|---|---|
| Narita Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Haneda Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Chubu Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Kansai Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| New Chitose Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Hiroshima Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Fukuoka Airport<\/td> | Yes<\/td><\/tr> |
| Others (e.g., Naha, Sendai, Kagoshima, Komatsu)<\/td> | No (Card sent by post after resident registration)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u25a0 Final Remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you enter Japan through an airport not designated for immediate residence card issuance, be sure to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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