Residence Card Renewal

If you plan to stay in Japan beyond your third year (whether on the JET Programme or not), you’ll need to renew your Residence Card （在留カード） before it expires. If you also have a physical My Number card, it will expire on the same date as your Residence Card, so you’ll need to renew that as well.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: The Application Form
Download the Application Form

The renewal application is called the 在留期間更新許可申請書 (zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinseisho). You can find the forms on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

Direct links (as of September 3, 2024):

Website path:
在留手続 → 在留資格から探す → ALTs: 11 教育 / CIRs: 12 技術・人文知識・国際業務 → 在留期間更新許可申請書

Completing the Form
 
  • In field 13 (“Desired length of extension”), you can request 1, 2, or 3 years.
  • Your school/BOE may ask you to renew only for the remainder of your JET term, but if you plan to stay in Japan afterward, applying for the full 3 years is recommended.
 
Proof of Employment Form

Your Contracting Organization (CO) will need to fill out the proof of employment form (“For organization, Part1 I”)

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Bring the following to Immigration:

  • Completed application form (including the CO’s section)
  • Recent 4cm x 3cm photo (photo booth, ~800–1000 yen)
  • Passport
  • Current Residence Card
  • Any additional documents listed on the Immigration Services site (ask your supervisor if unsure)
Step 3: Visit the Immigration Office

📍 Nagasaki Immigration Office on Google Maps

  • Location: Just beyond the cruise ship terminal, near Ourakaigandori tram stop (5 min walk).
  • Office hours: Weekdays, 9:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Note: You shouldn’t need to use nenkyū (paid leave) since this is an employment-related procedure however, it is ultimately up to your CO. Discuss with your CO about official leave or transport arrangements.

At the office, immigration officers will:

  • Check your documents
  • Make a copy of your passport and Residence Card
  • Give you a postcard to fill out with your address
  • Stamp your current residence card with a notice that your residence card extension is currently in progress

Around 2–4 weeks later, you’ll receive the postcard letting you know your new Residence Card is ready.

Step 4: Pick Up Your New Residence Card

Your residence card must be picked up before the deadline listed on the postcard.

For your second visit, bring:

  • The postcard
  • Your receipt from the first visit (should be stapled into your passport)
  • Passport
  • Current Residence Card
  • A 6000 yen revenue stamp (buy it at the little convenience stand on the same floor of the office)
Step 5: Receive & Double-Check

You’ll receive your new Residence Card make sure everything on your new residence card is correct

Note: Your passport will not be updated with a new visa stamp. The visa stamp in your passport was only your entry visa. The Residence Card is your visa in Japan, so keep it with you at all times.

Your old Residence Card will be returned to you as a keepsake.  You’re all done!

****For people who have a physical My Number card- this card expires the same date as your residence (zairyu) card, and will not be automatically renewed. After you have renewed your residence card, you will need to take your new residence card and your current My Number card to your city hall to have the My Number card renewed. There is no penalty for not renewing the My Number card, but if the My Number card has passed the expiry date, you may have to pay a fee to get it renewed.****

If you have any further questions, please email the PAs HERE or talk with another ALT that has gone through this process already.