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Home›Residence Card & Visa›Residence Card Validity Period Renewal (Permanent Resident)

Residence Card Validity Period Renewal (Permanent Resident)

While permanent resident status itself has no expiry, the residence card must be renewed every 7 years (for those under 16, it expires the day before their 16th birthday). The required documents are minimal, there is no fee, and the new card is generally issued on the same day.

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Documents needed

✓Residence Card Validity Period Renewal Application form (download from Immigration Services Agency website)
✓Residence card (present at the counter)
✓Passport (or certificate of status of residence) — present at the counter; if you cannot present it, a written explanation is required
✓Photo (4cm high × 3cm wide), 1 print — taken from the front within 6 months, no hat, no background. Not required if you are under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (before June 13, 2026 the exemption applied to those under 16)
✓Document checklist (download from the Immigration Services Agency page)
✓Application for kanji name notation on the residence card (only if you want your name shown in kanji)
✓Written explanation (reference format) if you apply after the application window has closed
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Steps

1

Check the expiry date on your residence card (top right). You can apply from three months before it expires — or six months before if the card expires on your 16th birthday or the day before

2

Download the 'Residence Card Validity Period Renewal Application' form from the Immigration Services Agency website and fill it in

3

Prepare a photo (4cm high × 3cm wide, no hat, no background, taken within 6 months before applying) — not required if you are under 1 year old on the date the card is issued

4

Bring all documents to your regional immigration office counter to apply (no fee required)

5

Your new residence card is generally issued on the same day

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Important notes

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Permanent resident status itself does not expire, but the residence card has its own expiry date. Losing the card's validity does not cancel your permanent resident status, but failing to renew it may result in a fine

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Application window: from three months before the expiry date until the expiry date — or from six months before if the card expires on your 16th birthday or the day before

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Card validity periods: 7 years for those 16 and older / for those under 16: the day before their 16th birthday (cards issued on or after November 1, 2023) or their 16th birthday (older cards), whichever comes first within 7 years of issuance

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There is no application fee

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Online applications are not currently available for this procedure. Please visit your regional immigration office in person

Official info verified: 2026-09-10 / Source: moj.go.jp ↗
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