What Changes on June 14 — Special Residence Card Launch, Stricter Illegal Employment Penalties & New Card Format

Three significant immigration-related changes take effect simultaneously on Sunday, June 14, 2026: the launch of the Special Residence Card (Tokutei Zairyu Card), stronger penalties for illegal employment facilitation, and a revised residence card format. Every employer of foreign nationals and every foreign resident in Japan needs to understand these changes before the deadline.

① Special Residence Card Launch

From June 14, foreign nationals can apply for the new Special Residence Card (Tokutei Zairyu Card), which integrates the residence card and My Number card into one. However, immigration bureau counters will not begin accepting applications until the next business day, Monday, June 15.

Key points to know:

• Voluntary: Holding separate residence card and My Number card remains valid
• Online applications not yet available: Counter applications only for now
• Issuance takes ~10 days longer than a standard residence card — apply early if your expiry is approaching
• Mandatory carry requirement applies: The card is still a residence card and must be carried at all times
• Loss requires two separate procedures: Contact My Number helpline to suspend card functions AND apply to immigration for reissuance

② Illegal Employment Assistance Penalties Strengthened

As part of Japan's "Zero Illegal Overstayers Plan," the penalties for the crime of facilitating illegal employment (Immigration Control Act, Article 73-2) have been significantly increased.

An employer may be prosecuted under this law in three situations:

• Hiring a foreign national without work authorization or with an expired residence card (even unknowingly, if due diligence was not exercised)
• Arranging or introducing an unauthorized worker to employers for remuneration
• Allowing an unauthorized worker to remain in Japan for the purpose of illegal employment

Claiming "we checked the card but it was forged" is not an automatic defense — insufficient verification procedures can still result in liability. With the Special Residence Card now launching, employers can use the Immigration Bureau's IC chip reading app to verify card authenticity. Updating your verification procedures is strongly recommended.

③ New Residence Card Format (Cards Issued From June 14 Onward)

All residence cards and Special Residence Cards issued from June 14 will follow a new format.

Information removed from the card face (stored on IC chip only):

• Period of stay (e.g., "3 years")
• Type of permission
• Date of permission
• Date of issue

Information that remains on the card face:

• Expiry date of the period of stay
• Work restriction status
• Any permission for activities outside permitted status

For employers who verify residence cards during onboarding or regular checks: from now on, you will need to use the Immigration Bureau's "Residence Card Reader App" to check the IC chip to confirm the period of stay. Relying on the card face alone will no longer be sufficient for a complete check.

Additionally, children aged 1 and over must now have a photo on their residence card. If a child's card is due for renewal on or after June 14, a photo must be submitted.

Employer Checklist — Action Before and After June 14

• Compile a list of all foreign national employees with their residence card expiry dates; identify those renewing after June 14
• Download and test the Immigration Bureau's "Residence Card Reader App" for your HR and onboarding staff
• Update your employee onboarding checklist to include IC chip verification as a required step
• Remind staff that the obligation to verify work authorization applies to workers received through staffing agencies and subcontractors as well as direct hires