[Starting June 2026] Differences Between Specific Residence Card and Second Generation Residence Card

On June 14, 2026, significant changes were made to the system surrounding the Residence Card. The operation of the “Specific Residence Card,” which allows the Residence Card and My Number Card to be integrated into one card, began, and on the same day, the issuance of the “Second Generation Residence Card” with a new format also commenced. Furthermore, the “Residence Card Reader App,” which allows verification of authenticity via smartphone, was updated. Now, approximately one month after their issuance began, we will clarify these three easily confused, similarly named items from the perspectives of both foreign nationals and corporate HR professionals.

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1. What Began on June 14, 2026?

First, let’s grasp the overall picture. As of June 14, 2026, three major developments concerning the Residence Card began simultaneously. To avoid confusion, it is important to understand the distinct positioning of each.

In other words, the “newly updated card (Second Generation),” the “optional card that can be integrated into one (Specific Residence Card),” and the “verification tool (Reader App)” are distinct matters. Understanding them separately will allow for a clear comprehension of the subsequent explanations.

The system overview and application process for the Specific Residence Card are detailed in existing articles. This article will focus on “practical operations after issuance began” and “the three differences.”

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2. Differences Between the Specific Residence Card and the Second Generation Residence Card

The most common confusion is mistaking the “Specific Residence Card” for the “Second Generation Residence Card.” Both differ in purpose and in the nature of whether they are acquired.

Item	Second Generation Residence Card	Specific Residence Card
Positioning	The new format of the Residence Card itself	An optional card that integrates the Residence Card and My Number Card
Acquisition	Progressively transitioned upon opportunities such as renewal or replacement	Applied for by those who wish (acquisition is optional)
My Number Function	None (same as conventional Residence Card)	Yes (both functions in one card)
Main Aim	Strengthening anti-counterfeiting measures	Streamlining procedures and improving convenience
Target	Mid- to long-term residents, Special Permanent Residents	Mid- to long-term residents and Special Permanent Residents recorded in the Basic Resident Registration

The Second Generation Residence Card features enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures, such as recording card face information and facial images on the IC chip and affixing the electronic signature of the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency (ECDSA・NIST P-384). Furthermore, the display target for facial photographs has been expanded to include individuals aged 1 year or older (previously 16 years or older). These changes represent a “generational shift of the card itself” and are not something foreign nationals choose to apply for.

On the other hand, the Specific Residence Card is merely an optional choice for integrating the two cards, the Residence Card and the My Number Card, into one. It is also possible to continue carrying two separate cards.

💡 The Second Generation Residence Card is the “newly updated card,” while the Specific Residence Card is the “card chosen by those who wish to integrate them into one.” Distinguishing these two is the first step to avoiding confusion.

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3. What is the Residence Card Reader App? (Anti-Counterfeiting Verification Tool)

The third item, the “Reader App,” is not the card itself, but rather a tool for verifying the authenticity and validity of the card. Provided free of charge by the Immigration Services Agency, it reads the IC chip using a smartphone’s NFC function.

• 🔍 What it can do: It can display and cross-reference information within the IC chip with the details on the card face, allowing for verification of forgery/alteration. As of November 14, Reiwa 7 (2025), the function for expiration information inquiry to confirm card validity has also been integrated.
• ⚠️ Update Required: Since the issuance of the new format (Second Generation) card began on June 14, 2026, older versions of the app cannot read the new format card. It is necessary to update to the latest version.
• 📅 Scheduled for revision in September 2026: A revised version is planned for release that will enable the display of three items omitted from the new format card face—”Period of Stay,” “Type of Permission,” and “Date of Permission”—by reading them from the IC chip (timing and content are subject to change).
• 💻 Supported OS: iOS 16.0 or later, Android 12.0 or later. iPads are not supported due to NFC specifications.

Especially for corporate HR professionals, using this Reader App to verify the validity of the card during recruitment and Period of Stay confirmation becomes a practical option.

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4. Impact on Foreign Nationals and What to Do Now

For foreign nationals, the key points to keep in mind after June 14, 2026, are as follows.

1. 📌 Not everyone needs to switch immediately. Your current Residence Card remains valid until its expiration date. The transition to the Second Generation Residence Card will occur naturally at the next opportunity for procedures such as Application for Extension of Period of Stay or Application for Change of Status of Residence.
2. 🆔 The Specific Residence Card is “optional”. You apply for it if you wish to combine your My Number Card and Residence Card into one. The option to keep them separate (holding two cards) remains available.
3. 🏠 The benefit of integration is the centralization of procedures. By obtaining a Specific Residence Card, the need to separately perform My Number Card-related procedures, such as address changes, at municipal offices is reduced, as they can be processed in conjunction with procedures at the regional Immigration Services Agency.
4. 🔍 Fees and validity periods vary depending on the application category. The necessity and amount of the Application Fee may change depending on the type of application (first issuance, re-issuance, conversion, etc.), so please check the latest information on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency before applying.

To determine whether combining the cards would truly be beneficial in your specific case, considering factors such as your My Number Card’s renewal period and any planned moves is advisable.

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5. Impact on HR Professionals at Businesses

For businesses employing foreign nationals, this change affects the practical aspects of Status of Residence verification.

• 🏢 The card’s appearance will change: The design and entries on the Second Generation Residence Card differ from conventional cards. An “unfamiliar card” does not mean it is fake. Please verify it assuming it is the new format.
• 📱 Standardize verification with the reader app: In addition to visual inspection of the card face, it is effective to use the Residence Card Reader App to read the IC chip and confirm that the card has not expired. Especially with the new format, some information is omitted from the card face, increasing the value of verification via the app.
• ⚠️ Cases where a Specific Residence Card is presented: If an employee has obtained a Specific Residence Card, its appearance may differ from a Residence Card. This is also a legitimate card, and its contents can be verified with the Residence Card Reader App.
• 📋 Update internal manuals: Revising recruitment and Period of Stay management checklists to incorporate the new card format and the use of the Residence Card Reader App can prevent oversight and misidentification.

From the perspective of preventing illegal employment, incorporating IC chip verification in addition to visual inspection of the card face is a reasonable measure for corporate risk management.

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6. One Month Since Issuance Began: Common Misconceptions Q&A

Approximately one month since issuance began, we address frequently asked questions in practice.

Q1. Will my current Residence Card become unusable immediately?
No. Your current Residence Card remains valid until the Period of Stay indicated on it. There is no need to switch immediately.

Q2. Is it mandatory to obtain a Specific Residence Card?
No. Obtaining a Specific Residence Card is optional. You can continue to hold both your Residence Card and My Number Card separately.

Q3. Are the Second Generation Residence Card and the Specific Residence Card the same thing?
No. The Second Generation Residence Card is the new format of the Residence Card itself, while the Specific Residence Card is an optional card integrated with the My Number Card (refer to the table in §2).

Q4. Where can I apply for a Specific Residence Card?
You can apply at a regional Immigration Services Agency office or a municipal office. Applications are open to mid- to long-term residents and Special Permanent Residents recorded in the Basic Resident Registration.

Q5. How can a company verify the validity of a Residence Card?
The most reliable method is to use the Immigration Services Agency’s “Residence Card Reader App” to read the IC chip, perform card face verification, and inquire about expiration information. Please update to the latest version compatible with the new format.

Q6. What about Special Permanent Residents?
A “Specific Special Permanent Resident Certificate” has been simultaneously introduced for Special Permanent Residents. Its positioning is similar to that of the Specific Residence Card.

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7. Summary: Understand the Three Differences and Respond Calmly

The changes that began on June 14, 2026, can be confusing because three similarly named elements (Second Generation Residence Card / Specific Residence Card / Residence Card Reader App) were introduced simultaneously. However, they are not difficult to understand once organized. By distinguishing them as “the new card,” “the optional integrated card,” and “the verification tool,” individuals can respond calmly at their next procedural opportunity, and businesses can do so when reviewing their Status of Residence verification operations. If you are unsure about the optimal choice for your case or how to revise your company’s Status of Residence management system, please consult with an expert.

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Details of the system and implementation dates 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