Guide
My Number Card for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide
Last updated: March 2026 · Based on official sources
Every resident in Japan — including foreigners — is assigned a 12-digit My Number (マイナンバー) when they register at their ward office. This number is used for taxes, social insurance, and an increasing number of government and financial services.
The My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) is a physical IC card that serves as official photo ID, enables online government services, and is increasingly required for banking, remittance, and tax procedures. While not technically mandatory, it is becoming essential for daily life in Japan.
Becoming essential
As of 2025, the Japanese health insurance card (健康保険証) is being phased out and replaced by My Number Card functionality. Many banks and remittance services now require My Number for account opening or international transfers. Getting your card early saves hassle later.
My Number vs. My Number Card: What's the Difference?
My Number (Number Only)
マイナンバー / 個人番号
- What: A 12-digit number assigned to every resident
- When you get it: Automatically, after ward office registration
- Format: Notification letter (通知カード) mailed to your address
- Uses: Tax filing, employer payroll, pension
- ID use: Cannot be used as photo ID
My Number Card
マイナンバーカード
- What: Physical IC card with photo, name, and My Number
- When you get it: You must apply for it separately
- Format: Plastic card with IC chip
- Uses: Photo ID, health insurance, online tax filing, convenience store certificates, bank verification
- ID use: Accepted as official government photo ID
Timeline: From Arrival to Card in Hand
Register at your ward office
Your My Number is assigned at this point. You won't see it yet.
Receive notification letter
A letter (通知カード or 個人番号通知書) arrives at your registered address with your 12-digit number.
Apply for My Number Card
Apply online, by mail, or at the ward office. Photo required.
Processing period
The card is manufactured. Wait times vary by municipality — major cities tend to be faster.
Pick up your card
You'll receive a pickup notification by mail. Go to your ward office with the notification and your Residence Card.
How to Apply
There are three ways to apply. All are free.
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
- Find the QR code on your notification letter
- Scan it or visit the application website
- Upload a photo (white background, face clearly visible, no hat/glasses)
- Enter your email address and basic information
- Submit — you'll receive a confirmation email
Processing time: 3-6 weeks
Option 2: By Mail
- Fill out the application form included with your notification letter
- Attach a passport-style photo (4.5cm × 3.5cm)
- Mail it using the included prepaid envelope
Processing time: 4-8 weeks
Option 3: At the Ward Office
- Go to your ward/city office with your Residence Card
- They will take your photo and process the application on-site
- Some offices offer same-day or expedited processing
Processing time: Varies by office. Some offer expedited service.
Photo Requirements
- Size: 4.5cm height × 3.5cm width (for mail) or upload (for online)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- White or light background
- Face clearly visible, no hats or sunglasses
- Prescription glasses are allowed
- Headcoverings for religious reasons are accepted
Picking Up Your Card
When your card is ready, you'll receive a pickup notification (交付通知書) by mail. You must go in person to your ward office to collect it.
What to bring
- Pickup notification letter (交付通知書)
- Notification letter (通知カード) — they will collect this
- Residence Card (在留カード)
- Passport (if requested)
Setting PINs
At pickup, you'll set 4 PIN codes. The most important ones are your 4-digit numeric PIN (used for health insurance and convenience store services) and your 6-16 character alphanumeric password (used for e-Tax online tax filing). Write these down somewhere safe — you'll need them.
What You Can Do With Your My Number Card
Photo ID
Accepted at banks, phone shops, post offices, and most places that require ID. Often easier than using your Residence Card.
Health Insurance Card
Replaces the traditional health insurance card at hospitals and clinics. Register your insurance at the ward office or via MynaPortal.
Online Tax Filing
File your tax return (確定申告) via e-Tax without visiting the tax office. Requires NFC reader or smartphone with NFC.
Convenience Store Certificates
Print your Certificate of Residence (住民票), tax certificates, and seal registration at any convenience store. Available 6:30-23:00.
Bank Account Verification
Required by many banks for account opening. Also needed for international remittance services like Wise.
MynaPortal (マイナポータル)
Access government services online — check your pension records, insurance status, and receive digital notifications.
Things Foreigners Should Know
Your card is linked to your Residence Card
If you renew your visa or change your address, you need to update your My Number Card at the ward office. Your My Number itself doesn't change — only the information on the card.
Card expiry matches your visa
For foreign residents, the My Number Card expires when your current period of stay expires. When you renew your visa, you'll also need to renew the card's expiry date at the ward office (free).
Name is in the same format as your Residence Card
Your name on the My Number Card will match your Residence Card. If you use an alias (通称名), you can request it be included on the card.
Keep it safe — do not share your number
Your My Number is sensitive personal information. Only share it with your employer, tax office, and financial institutions when legally required. It is illegal for businesses to request your My Number without a lawful purpose.
If You Move to a New Address
When you move within Japan, you need to update your My Number Card at your new ward office within 14 days. Bring:
- My Number Card
- Residence Card
- Your 4-digit PIN
The address on the back of your card will be updated. Your My Number stays the same.
If You Leave Japan
If you permanently leave Japan, you should return your My Number Card to your ward office when you submit your moving-out notification (転出届). If you re-enter Japan later, you'll be assigned the same My Number and can apply for a new card.
FAQ
Is My Number Card mandatory?
The card itself is not legally mandatory. However, it is becoming increasingly necessary for practical purposes — health insurance, banking, tax filing, and more. It is strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible after arriving in Japan.
Can I apply if I lost my notification letter?
Yes. Visit your ward office with your Residence Card. They can look up your My Number and help you apply for the card.
How long does it take to get the card?
Typically 3-6 weeks from application to pickup notification. In busy periods or smaller municipalities, it can take up to 8 weeks. Some ward offices offer expedited processing.
I forgot my PIN. What do I do?
Visit your ward office with your My Number Card and Residence Card. You can reset your PINs on-site. There is no fee for PIN resets.
Can I use my smartphone instead of the physical card?
Partially. Android smartphones with NFC can load your My Number Card's digital certificate for use with MynaPortal and e-Tax. iPhone support is being expanded. However, you still need the physical card for many in-person uses.
Related Guides
Tax in Japan for Foreigners →
My Number Card enables e-Tax online filing — file from home without visiting the tax office.
Best Banks for Foreigners →
Many banks now require My Number for account opening and identity verification.
Sending Money From Japan →
My Number is legally required for international remittance registration.
My Number Card is Step 8 of settling in Japan
See all the steps you need to complete, tailored to your visa type.
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