'%3E%3Cpath%20stroke='%23000'%20stroke-width='4'%20d='m-35-37-13%2020m5%203%2013-20m5%203-13%2020m63%2042%206-9m1-2%206-9m5%203-6%209m-1%202-6%209m5%203%206-9m1-2%206-9m-96%200%2013%2020m5-3-6-9m-1-2-6-9m5-3%2013%2020m63-42-6-9m-1-2-6-9m5-3%2013%2020m5-3-6-9m-1-2-6-9'/%3E%3Ccircle%20r='24'%20fill='%23cd2e3a'/%3E%3Cpath%20fill='%230047a0'%20d='M0%200a12%2012%200%201%201%2020%2013%2024%2024%200%201%201-40-26A12%2012%200%201%200%200%200'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Blog
The “Specific Residence Card,” which will be implemented starting June 14, 2026 (Sunday), is a new system that allows the integration of the Residence Card and My Number Card into a single card. This article is for those who “understand the outline of the system” and “wish to actually apply for it,” organizing the practical application procedures from an Administrative Scrivener’s perspective, including required documents, application counters, PINs, and processing times. For an overall understanding of the system, please also refer to our other article, ‘What is a Specific Residence Card? Explanation of Preparation and Points to Note‘.
The Specific Residence Card is not “automatically issued without application”; it is an optional system where individuals apply at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau or municipal office counter at their own discretion. According to the Immigration Services Agency’s announcement, the operation start date and acceptance start date are as follows:
📅 Operation Start Date: June 14, 2026 (Sunday)
📅 Application Acceptance Start Date at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus: June 15, 2026 (Monday)
👤 Eligible Persons: Mid- to long-term residents or Special Permanent Residents recorded in the Basic Resident Registration
💻 Online Application: Not available for the time being (in-person application only)
Since the operation start date falls on a Sunday, actual applications at Immigration counters will begin on the following day, June 15 (Monday). Please note that even if you rush to the counter on June 14, your application will be processed on the next business day.
According to the Immigration Services Agency’s announcement, the following four types of documents are required for the application for a Specific Residence Card:
| Document | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📋 ① Application for Specific Residence Card, etc. | Basic information and Status of Residence information of the applicant | Form will be published on the Immigration Services Agency website |
| 🔐 ② PIN Setting Request Form, etc. | Request for setting a PIN to be registered on the card’s IC chip | Submitted concurrently with the application |
| 📷 ③ One photo | Applicant’s facial photograph | Specifications (size, background, etc.) are stated as “to be announced later” at the time of writing this article; please check for the latest information before applying. |
| 📑 ④ Documents related to concurrent applications/notifications | Documents for procedures performed concurrently with the Specific Residence Card application, such as Application for Extension of Period of Stay or notification of residence | Content varies depending on whether there is a concurrent application |
Please note that the specific photo specifications (size, background color, shooting date, etc.) are stated as “to be announced later” by the Immigration Services Agency at the time of writing this article (May 2026). While it is highly likely to follow the general photo specifications for Residence Cards (4cm x 3cm, taken within 3 months prior to application, etc.), please be sure to check the latest announcement from the Immigration Services Agency before actually applying.
💡 Tip from an Administrative Scrivener
We receive many inquiries from clients who wish to switch at the same time as their Application for Extension of Period of Stay. In such cases, the complete set of extension application documents would be submitted as “Documents related to concurrent applications” (④). If you are unsure about the combination, it is efficient to consult us in advance.
There are broadly two routes for applying for a Specific Residence Card. You will use them differently depending on the situation.
🏛 Regional Immigration Services Bureau (including branch offices and district offices)
Suitable for these situations: When applying concurrently with an Application for Extension of Period of Stay or Application for Change of Status of Residence / Standard route for initial applications
Points to note: Acceptance starts from June 15 (Mon). Crowds are expected at the counters.
🏠 Municipal Office Counter
Suitable for these situations: When applying concurrently with a notification of residence upon moving
Points to note: Handled as a set with the mandatory notification of residence
For those residing in Miyazaki Prefecture, the Fukuoka Immigration Services Bureau Miyazaki District Office will be the closest option for the Regional Immigration Services Bureau route.
If you wish for family members to switch simultaneously, you will generally need to prepare application documents for each family member. For children, application by a legal representative is common. Operations may vary depending on the child’s Status of Residence and age, so prior confirmation is recommended.
Since the Specific Residence Card will be integrated with the My Number Card, various electronic certificates will be stored on its IC chip. Accordingly, the submission of a “PIN Setting Request Form, etc.” will be required at the time of application.
The PIN is important information used for online identity verification in administrative procedures and for issuing various certificates at convenience stores. As with the My Number Card, it is advisable to set a number that is difficult for third parties to guess and that you will not forget.
Please note that detailed specifications such as the number of digits and setting attempts for the PIN are not specifically stated on the Immigration Services Agency’s public page at the time of writing this article, and it is possible that guidance will be provided at the counter on the day of application. Referring to the My Number Card system (a 4-digit PIN for user certification electronic certificates and a 6-16 digit PIN for signature electronic certificates), it would be beneficial to consider candidates in advance to be able to answer smoothly on the day.
We will also organize practical points to note from application to receipt.
⚠️ Important Notes
Especially for HR professionals at companies, we want to emphasize that the scenario where new foreign nationals receive a “Specific Residence Card” upon arrival at the airport immediately after joining the company is not envisioned. Upon new Landing, a conventional Residence Card will be issued, and thereafter, the individual will decide whether or not to apply.
To prevent deficiencies or rejections on the day of application, it is advisable for individuals to confirm the following three points in advance.
For companies employing foreign nationals, the period immediately after the system’s launch is likely to see a concentration of inquiries from employees. Keeping the following points in mind internally will help ensure smooth on-site responses.
💬 Core Message
Switching is not an obligation. It is ultimately the individual’s choice, and it is crucial to establish internally that it is not something a company can compel.
We will organize frequently asked questions based on currently published information.
A. The Immigration Services Agency’s official page does not explicitly mention fees. It is highly likely that the handling will be in accordance with existing Residence Card related fees, but please check the latest information on the primary source before applying.
A. Special Permanent Residents recorded in the Basic Resident Registration are eligible and will apply under the framework of a “Specific Special Permanent Resident Certificate.”
A. It is envisioned that you would submit it simultaneously with your extension application documents as required document ④ “Documents related to concurrent applications/notifications.” Since combinations vary depending on individual circumstances, we recommend prior confirmation.
A. It has been announced that it will take approximately 10 days longer compared to a regular Residence Card (Immigration Services Agency Q&A). Receipt will be in person at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
A. As of the current date (May 2026), the Immigration Services Agency has not provided detailed operational guidelines regarding post-switch handling. Please consider carefully before making a decision, and if you are unsure, consult with an expert.
While the Specific Residence Card is a convenient new system, elements such as photo specifications, PIN specifications, fees, and application forms are still designated as “to be announced later” as of the date of this article’s writing (May 25, 2026). Those planning to apply must always check the latest announcement from the Immigration Services Agency immediately before applying.
📋 Key Points of This Article
Our office provides consultations from both foreign nationals themselves and accepting companies, based on the latest institutional trends.
Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.
📩 Contact Us Here
📞 Book a Phone Consultation Here
Before you submit, let us take a look.
Free Immigration Pre-Submission Check ›
For those who will apply for a status of residence at the Immigration Services Bureau by themselves. Before you submit, we check your application form and supporting documents and tell you about any missing documents and points to watch. We accept checks online (Google Meet, about 20 minutes) or via LINE.
・Eligible: applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay (applications for permanent residence are accepted only from residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). Naturalization is not covered.
・Online (Google Meet): once per application. Replies via LINE: available for the same application until you submit it.
・Our guideline for replies via LINE is, in principle, within 2 business days (we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; replies may take longer when we are busy).
・Please send copies of your documents by LINE or email. For your residence card, send the front side only; please do not send the side showing your My Number.
・What we tell you is our office’s opinion. It does not guarantee approval; the outcome depends on the decision of the Immigration Services Bureau.
・We only point out missing documents and points to watch. We do not prepare or rewrite your application documents for you or draft text for them, and we do not tell you whether your application is likely to be approved (if you would like to engage us, we will introduce the Self-Prep Course, the Light Plan and the Standard Plan).
・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article is written based on publicly available information as of May 2026. Details of the system, implementation period, and specifications of required documents may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.
Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
