A Simple Residence Card Renewal Japan Guide For Foreigners

Any foreign national with a residence card in Japan knows that they don't last forever. There is an expiration date.

We created this guide to help you prepare for your residence card renewal in Japan. 

Important clarification: what “residence card renewal” means in Japan

In Japan, you normally do not renew the residence card itself.

When people say “residence card renewal,” they usually mean applying for either:

• an Extension of Period of Stay, or

• a Change of Status of Residence.

Once your application is approved, a new residence card is issued with a new period of stay.

Throughout this guide, “residence card renewal” refers to these official procedures.

When can I renew my Japanese residence card?

The earliest you can renew your Japanese residence card depends on your current residence status. 

The residence renewal application is as follows:

• Permanent resident → 2 months before the expiration date

• Persons residing with other residence status → 3 months before the expiration date

For those under 16 years old, your residence card is valid until your 16th birthday or until the expiration date of your period of stay, whichever comes first. If it's the former, you can renew your residence card 6 months before you turn 16.

Be aware, if a residence card expires, the holder may face penalties for illegal stay if they do not renew it in time.

Who processes residence card renewal applications in Japan?

Applications for residence card renewal (officially, an Extension of Period of Stay or a Change of Status of Residence) are handled by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, which operates under the Ministry of Justice.

You must submit your application at the regional immigration office that has jurisdiction over your registered address in Japan.

In other words, you cannot apply at any immigration office—you must use the office responsible for your place of residence.

How to renew your residence card in Japan

1. Know when your residence card expires.

⑨ and ⑩ shows a Japanese residence card's expiration date. 

The front of your residence card, near the middle, will show the period and the expiration date. 

In the example above, the period of stay is 4 years and 3 months, with the expiration date being October 20th, 2018.

You can renew your Japanese residence card up to 3 months before it expires.

2. Prepare the necessary documents.

The most basic documents you need to renew your residence card in Japan are:

• Renewal of residence card validity period application form

• 1 photo of yourself (4 cm x 3 cm)

• Passport or Certificate of Residence (住民票, juminhyo)

• Your current residence card

• Revenue stamp (収入印紙, shunyu inshi): this stamp is a fee when you renew a residence card.

Any additional documents are dependent on your residence status. For example, all the necessary documents will be different for those under a Business Manager Visa vs. an Artist Visa. Some common necessary documents include an employment certificate, recent pay stubs, a tax payment certificate, and a marriage certificate.

2.1 Updated fees for residence card renewal

When you submit your application to renew your period of stay or change your status of residence (the procedures commonly associated with a “residence card renewal”), you must pay a revenue stamp fee when your application is approved. These fees were revised starting April 1, 2025.

Important: These revised fees apply only to applications accepted on or after April 1, 2025. If your application is received by March 31, 2025, you can still pay the old fee (e.g., ¥4,000 for extension or change, ¥8,000 for permanent residence) even if approval happens after April 1.

💡 Notes

• The fee is typically paid with a revenue stamp (収入印紙, shūnyū inshi) that you bring when you pick up your new residence card after approval.

• Revenue stamps can usually be purchased at post offices or some legal offices; convenience stores may not carry the denominations required.

Please check the Ministry of Justice's application documents for each residence status for more detailed information.

3. Visit the immigration office to submit your documents.

If possible, make an appointment with your local immigration bureau office to avoid a long wait time. 

When you arrive, submit your documents to the immigration office. The immigration officer will process your paperwork, make necessary copies of your passport and residence card, and provide you with any additional information if needed.

Then, they will hand you a postcard on which you will write your address. This postcard will be sent in about 2 weeks to inform you when your new residence is ready.

4. Wait for your new residence card

Receiving your new residence card can take about 2 to 4 weeks.

While waiting for your new residence card, the back and bottom right corner of your old residence card will have a stamp stating that you are currently renewing your stay or changing your residence status.  

⑬  Permission application column for renewal of the period of stay, etc.

5. Go to the immigration office to pick up your new residence card

The immigration office will send you a postcard stating that your new residence card is ready to be picked up. 

Bring your current residence card, which will be exchanged for your new one.

Before leaving, double-check the valid period and new expiration date.

Congrats, you've just renewed your residence card!

Frequently asked questions

How do you renew your residence card in Japan?

Visit your nearest immigration office to renew your Japanese residence card. See if you can make an appointment to avoid long wait times. 

How long does it take to renew a zairyu card?

It can take about 2-3 weeks to renew your zairyu card after you submit the necessary documents.

Can I keep my residence card when I leave Japan?

Yes, you can. When you leave Japan, you will hand your residence card to the Immigration Officer at the airport. Most of the time, they will punch a hole through it, making it invalid. 

When should I start the residence card renewal process before the expiry date?

You should start the renewal process a few months prior to your residence card’s expiry date. In most cases, the applicant can submit the application form up to 3 months prior to the expiry date for most statuses, and up to 2 months prior if you are a permanent resident renewing the card’s validity. The exact timing is officially determined by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Where do I submit my application?

You must submit your application at the immigration bureau that has jurisdiction over your registered address. You cannot choose another office. The responsible immigration bureau is determined by where you are registered as a resident.

What documents are required for residence card renewal in Japan?

The documents required for the renewal process depend on your residence status, but most applicants must prepare all your documents listed below as a minimum: the official application form, your passport, your current residence card, one photograph, and the basic necessary documents requested by the immigration bureau. In addition to these, other documents are usually required depending on your situation.

Are national pension and resident tax certificates required?

In many cases, yes. For work-related statuses and long-term residents, you may be asked to submit certificates showing payment of national pension and resident tax. These are often requested as part of the supporting necessary documents to confirm your compliance as an applicant.

Do permanent residents follow the same renewal process?

No. A permanent resident does not renew their period of stay. Instead, they renew the validity of the residence card itself. The renewal process is simpler, but the applicant must still submit an application form and the necessary documents to the immigration bureau before the expiry date of the card.

Can I travel overseas while my residence card is being renewed? Do I need a re entry permit?

Yes, in most cases you can travel during the renewal process. If you leave Japan temporarily, you normally use a re entry permit (including the special re-entry system at the airport). Your current residence card and valid re entry permit allow you to return while your application is still being processed. Always confirm your eligibility with the immigration bureau before departure.

How does the immigration bureau determine whether my renewal is approved?

The immigration bureau will review your application form, your residence history, your activity in Japan, and your submitted necessary documents. They will then determine whether you meet the requirements for your current status, including whether you remain eligible under the same status or must apply under a different category.

In closing

Renewing your residence card in Japan is straightforward when you are well-prepared. 

If you have any specific questions or concerns, always consult with your local immigration office or refer to the official resources provided by the Japanese Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency.