Japan’s administrative infrastructure is undergoing its most significant overhaul in years — and much of it directly affects foreign residents. Two major system changes are rolling out in 2026: a new integrated identity card combining Residence Card and My Number functions, and a shift to My Number-based healthcare verification at hospitals and clinics.
What is Japan’s new integrated residence card?
Japan is rolling out the Tokutei Zairyu Card (特定在留カード制度) — a new card merging the Residence Card and My Number Card into a single document. Key facts:
- Rollout: Started 2026, phased introduction
- Currently optional — existing cards remain valid
- Key benefit: Single card, fewer administrative updates
- Key risk: Losing it means losing both functions simultaneously
What is changing with healthcare and My Number in Japan?
Japan’s healthcare system is transitioning from paper health insurance cards to My Number-based digital verification at clinics and hospitals. The old paper health insurance cards are being phased out. Patients without a My Number card can use a temporary eligibility certificate (被保険者資格確認書) instead, but this requires additional steps.
Bottom line for expats: If you do not have a My Number card yet, get one now. Hospital visits without it are becoming increasingly complicated.
How do I get a My Number card as a foreign resident?
- Visit your local ward office (kuyakusho) with your Residence Card and a passport-size photo
- The card is free of charge
- Processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks
- English assistance is available at most major ward offices in Tokyo
- Important: The My Number number and the My Number card are different things — you need the physical card for most verification purposes
What is the dependent spouse insurance change from April 2026?
From April 2026, Japan changed how dependent spouse status under shakai hoken is assessed. Previously based on actual income earned. Now, expected income based on work contract projections is assessed earlier. Expat spouses working part-time near the ¥1.3M threshold should review their projected annual earnings with their employer or HR department.
What should foreign residents do about My Number right now?
- No My Number card yet: Apply at your ward office immediately.
- Have a My Number card: Check it is not expired and the address matches your current residence.
- Use Japanese healthcare: Register your My Number card with the national insurance database at convenience store terminals.
- Dependent spouse near ¥1.3M earnings: Check with HR about how the April 2026 change affects your insurance status.
Navigating Japan’s admin systems with the right community
My Number, ward office procedures, insurance enrollment — these things are much less stressful when you know people who have already figured them out. TIFE’s 35,000+ members are your practical resource for expat life in Tokyo.
Japan My Number and Residence Card 2026 — quick reference
- New integrated card: Tokutei Zairyu Card — merges Residence Card and My Number Card. Optional in 2026.
- Healthcare check-in: Moving to My Number card scanning. Paper insurance cards being phased out.
- Get your My Number card: Ward office, free, 2–4 weeks. Bring Residence Card and photo.
- No My Number card: Use eligibility certificate as temporary alternative at hospitals.
- Dependent spouse change: Insurance status now assessed on projected income, not past actual income.
- ¥1.3M threshold: If contract projects earnings above this, dependent status may be removed earlier.
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