My Number Card for Foreigners in Japan: A Quick Start Guide
Is there a My Number Card for foreigners in Japan? What are MyNa Points (shopping points)? How do I apply for a plastic My Number Card in English? And many more of your frequently asked questions.
If you've newly arrived in Japan or plan to move to Japan soon, or if you've been putting off making your My Number Card, this quick start guide on Japan's My Number System is for you.
What is My Number and the My Number System?
A My Number Card is a plastic ID card with an IC chip embedded in it that has your 12-digit number (個人番号, kojin bango) as well as your name, address, birth date, and a photo. With a My Number Card, you can complete various social security and tax procedures.
The card is part of the My Number System(マイナンバー制度, mai namba seido), which was launched in 2015 to streamline and digitize administrative procedures for residents by reducing paperwork and linking information among agencies.
Your Residence Record/Certificate will have your 個人番号
The 12-digit number is your Individual Number (個人番号) that all residents of Japan is assigned to. That number is on your resident record (住民票 = jyuminhyo).
Is My Number Card required in Japan?
The Japanese government plans to abolish the current health insurance card system on Dec. 2, 2024, and to integrate it into the My Number Card system.
Even if you do not have a My Number Card after December 2, most clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies will still accept your health insurance as long as it’s not expired.
As such, it’s better to apply and to receive your card before your health insurance card expires.
What's the difference between My Number, My Number Card, My Number notification card, and Individual Number Notice?
My Number refers to the unique 12-digits assigned to each resident of Japan. It is the same number sequence as your 個人番号 (kojin bango).
You’ll receive a notification notice one how to apply for a My Number Card
A My Number Card refers to the plastic ID card that contains your photo, name, address, birth date, and place of residence.
The My Number notification card is the format in which residents (before May 25, 2020) received notice of their assigned individual number (replaced by the Individual Number Notice post-May 25, 2020).
Theoretically, all residents will have been issued a My Number notification card (マイナンバー通知カード = mai namba tsuuchi caado) or an Individual Number Notice on how to apply for a My Number Card.
The percentage of Japan’s residents applying for and obtaining a plastic My Number Card has increased in the past couple of years .
Is there a My Number Card for foreigners in Japan?
All *foreigners in Japan who plan to stay longer than 3 months can obtain a My Number Card.
When foreigners register for the first time at their local ward office, they are issued an individual 12-digit sequence (個人番号, kojin bango) that will remain the same their entire life.
Individual Number Notice Example
Then, an Individual Number Notice with the 12-digit number will be sent via registered mail to your residence a few weeks after applying for a residence certificate.
If the individual is not at home when the registered mail arrives, an “Attempted Delivery” slip will be in your mailbox, as you must sign the item off. Have the mail redelivered or pick it up at your local post office.
Contrary to popular belief, having a 12-digit number assigned to you does not yet mean you are a My Number Cardholder. You must apply for the plastic My Number Card using the digits assigned to you through your Individual Number Notice.
*Note: Temporary visitors, diplomats, and officials are not assigned a 12-digit number during their stay.)
What are the benefits of the My Number card?
Having a plastic My Number Card will streamline various paperwork processes for those living in Japan, such as:
Use it as proof of identity or address.
Get a copy of your resident record (住民票, jyuminhyo) and certificate of seal registration at a convenience store than at the ward office.
File your income tax return online.
Apply for your child(ren)’s benefits online.
Enroll your child(ren) in nursery school.
Use it as a health insurance card.
Additionally, you can do other various processes on the MyNa Portal and MyNa app, such as:
Various official procedures
Access personal social security accounts
Confirm tax and social security information
Use in conjunction with the government's COVID-19 vaccination app to show vaccination status.
When you use a plastic My Number Card, you can get MyNa (short for "My Number") points when fulfilling campaign conditions .
What are MyNa points (My Number points)? How do I get them?
MyNa points (My Number points) refer to the government's 2020 incentive campaign to speed up the adoption and usage of plastic My Number Cards.
The first campaign awarded 5,000 points (¥5,000 equivalent) for completing the following steps:
Applying and receiving a plastic My Number Card.
Connecting the My Number Card to a cashless payment system.
Spending ¥20,000 using the cashless payment system.
Individuals who completed these actions received 5,000 points to the cashless payment system connected to their My Number Card.
The second MyNa campaign includes further incentives for using My Number Card as one's health insurance card (7500 points) and connecting a bank account to one's My Number Card (7500 points).
Video. “Maina point 20,000 yen in Japan (2022) Latest information in English” by How to Live in Japan.How to get My Number Card in Japan
The easiest way to get a My Number Card is after receiving your Individual Number Notice. Then there are 4 methods:
Additionally, you can apply at temporary service centers that can help you complete the My Number Card application, even if you did not receive an Individual Number Notice. However, procedures in each city will vary.
I don't read Japanese. How do I apply for a plastic My Number Card in English?
If you can't read Japanese, the easiest method is by postal mail because the application form is provided in English.
The My Number Card English site has detailed steps on how to apply for a plastic Number Card by post.
How do I apply for My Number Card by postal mail?
If you can't read Japanese, the easiest method for applying for a plastic My Number Card for foreigners is by postal mail.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown so you can apply for your plastic My Number Card even if you don't read Japanese.
Step 1. Fill out an Individual Number Card (My Number Card) application
An English My Number Card Online Application Japan (PDF)
Download, print, and fill out the application. The second page of the PDF has detailed instructions on what to fill out.
You’ll also need to attach a 4.5cm × 3.5cm photo of yourself that follows their photo requirements .
Step 2. Assemble the envelope.
Kojin Bango Card’s Envelope Assembly (PDF)
You’ll need to use a vertical standard envelope and place your application form with your photo inside.
The Kojin Bango Card’s Envelope Assembly instructions will provide you with a label. This label covers postage, so simply cut it out and attach it to your envelope.
Then, write your return address in the 住所 field and your full name in the 氏名 field on the envelope.
Step 3. Mail your application.
Place your envelope in any Japanese post box.
How long does it take to receive My Number Card?
It’ll take about 3-weeks or about a month for your card to be created. Your card will then be sent to your local municipal office, where you will need to pick it up in person.
You’ll get a notification by mail when it’s ready.
What happens after applying for My Number Card? How do I get it?
You’ll receive a notification from your local ward office when your plastic My Number Card is ready. Usually, about a month after your application was sent.
You must pick up the card before the deadline listed on the notice.
To pick up your card, bring the following items:
The plastic My Number Card was ready notification
-
One of the following ID:
Basic Resident Registration Card (must have a photo)
A driver's license,
A certificate of driving history (issued on or after April 1, 2012)
A passport
A physical disability certificate
A mental disability certificate
A rehabilitation certificate
A resident card
A special permanent resident certificate
A landing permit for temporary refuge
A permit for provisional stay
After verifying your ID at the counter, you must assign a pin code and a password that will be connected to your My Number Card.
What if I lost My Number Card in Japan?
You would need to bring a “Notification of Loss” that is issued by the police to your local municipal office to receive a new My Number Card
Does My Number Card expire?
Your My Number Card will have the same expiration date as your visa. Once you receive your new residence card, bring your My Number Card to your local municipal office for its expiration date to be updated at no additional cost.
English language resources for My Number Card for foreign residents in Japan
Individual Number Card (English/Japanese): The government site that provides information related to applying for My Number Card. The site is also available in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese.
MyNa Portal (English/Japanese): The government site where you can use your My Number Card to access various government services.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Number Card (English).
English language hotline: 0120-0178-27 or 0570-064-738 (call charges apply).
Frequently asked questions
What is a My Number Card?
A My Number Card is a plastic card with an IC chip that contains a unique 12-digit number assigned to each resident of Japan. The card displays your name, address, date of birth, sex, and your 12-digit My Number.
Who can apply for a My Number Card?
Both Japanese citizens and foreigners who have a resident record in Japan can apply for a My Number Card. The card is free of charge to issue for the first time.
Can a foreigner get a My Number Card in Japan?
Foreigners can obtain a My Number Card by applying for it after they have completed their resident registration in Japan. The "Notice of My Number" will be sent by mail to foreigners after completing the registration.
What is the purpose of the My Number Card?
The My Number Card is helpful for a convenient life in Japan. It is used for various administrative procedures and is becoming increasingly important for daily life in Japan.
Is it necessary to get a My Number Card?
While having a My Number Card is not mandatory, the Japanese government encourages residents to get one. After Dec 2, 2024, the government will abolish the current health insurance card system since the My Number Card already has a health insurance integration. Plus, many government procedures, such as getting your residence record, are much easier with a My Number Card.
In closing
Despite the clear advantages, less than half of Japan's residents have applied for the plastic My Number Card. This suggests a need for greater awareness and understanding of the system, particularly among foreigners who may face language barriers.
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