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Alien Registration Card

All foreigners staying in Japan longer than 90 days MUST apply for an alien registration card (gaikokujin toroku shomeisho), otherwise known as 'Gaijin card'. You are required to carry this, or your passport, at all times. You should apply at your local ward office.

This important form of identification is required for many things, including mobile phones, getting a driver's licence, opening a bank account, buying a house and many other things that require legal proof of identity.

To apply, take along two passport sized photographs and your passport, unless your local ward office is equipped with a digital image to print directly onto the card. Cards are issued in approximately two weeks from the date of application. You should keep a separate note of your alien registration number in case you lose your card.

If there is a change in your details after the card is issued, such as a change of name, address, or residency status etc, you must notify the local municipal office (if changing address, you should use the office for the new address) and take along evidence of the changes.

If you leave Japan, you must hand in your card, either at the municipal office, or at the airport.

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