(1) Residence Card Reissuance (in case of loss or theft)

If your residence card is lost or stolen, you must notify the Immigration Bureau and follow the necessary procedure within 14 days from the date that you noticed the fact (if you are abroad at the time, you must notify the Immigration Bureau on the date that you re-enter Japan).

Documents to be submitted:

  • Application for Reissuance of a Residence Card (lost)
  • An ID photo (4 x 3 cm, taken within three months prior to the date of application)
  • Passport (Original)
  • Document to certify that you lost your residence card (e.g. loss notification certificate, theft report certificate)
  • If you are unable to submit a certificate, please prepare  a document indicating the reason why  and the details of the loss.
  • Application is free of charge

Application Procedures:

Submit the above documents to the Immigration Bureau which controls your residing area.

Reference:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan Website
Application for reissuance of the residence card due to loss etc.:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyukanri/hunsitusaikohu.html
Application for reissuance of the residence card due to loss (Procedure):
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/15.html
Immigration Bureau Organization:　
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/soshiki/index.html

(2) Reissuance of a Residence Card (in case of damage)

If your residence card is badly damaged (eg. broken in half, soiled or defaced), please apply for reissuance at the Immigration Bureau as soon as you can.

Documents to be submitted:

  • Application for Reissuance of a Residence Card (damaged)
  • An ID photo (4 x 3 cm, taken within three months prior to the date of application)
  • Passport (Original)
  • Residence Card (or Alien Registration Card) (Original)
  • Application is free of charge

Application Procedures:

Submit the above documents to the Immigration Bureau which controls your residing area.

Reference:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan Website
Application for reissuance of a residence card due to it being defaced or soiled:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyukanri/osonto.html
Application for reissuance of a residence card due to it being defaced or soiled (Procedure):
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/16.html
Immigration Bureau Organization:　
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/soshiki/index.html

(3) Reissuance of a Residence Card (in case of optional renewal)

If you need to get a new residence card for reasons other than those noted above, please apply at the Immigration Bureau.

Documents to be submitted:

  • 　Application for Reissuance of a Residence Card (Optional renewal)
  • An ID photo (4 x 3 cm, taken within three months prior to the date of application)
  • Passport (Original)
  • Residence Card (or Alien Registration Card) (Original)
  • Processing fee of ?1,600, to be paid in revenue stamps (shunyu inshi)
    • Revenue stamps (shunyu inshi) are available at post offices and convenience stores.

Application Procedures:

Submit the above documents to the Immigration Bureau which controls your residing area.

Reference:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan Website
Application for reissuance of a residence card in cases the cardholder wishes to have the card exchanged:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyukanri/kokansaikohu.html
Application for reissuance of a residence card in cases the cardholder wishes to have the card exchanged (Procedure):
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/17.html
Immigration Bureau Organization:　
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/soshiki/index.html