Japan's Immigration Services Agency released an updated version of the "Residence Card Reader Application" on August 19, 2026. For new-format residence cards and Specified Residence Cards, the app can now display three items no longer printed on the card face: period of stay, type of permission, and date of permission.
Background
New-format residence cards and Specified Residence Cards have been issued since June 14, 2026. Under the new format, these three items were removed from the card face and instead recorded on the IC chip, but the app version available as of June 14 could not read and display them.
- Update release date: August 19, 2026
- Items now viewable: period of stay, type of permission, date of permission
- New-format card issuance start date: June 14, 2026
- Item still not viewable: date of issuance
- Announced by: Immigration Services Agency
Impact on Employer Residence Status Checks
When employers verify a foreign employee's residence status and period of stay, the card face of the new-format card alone is insufficient — IC chip reading via the app is required. With this update, period of stay, type of permission, and date of permission can now be confirmed through the app.
Summary
- Japan's Immigration Services Agency updated the Residence Card Reader Application on August 19, 2026
- Period of stay, type of permission, and date of permission — removed from the new-format card face since June 14 — are now viewable via the app
- Date of issuance remains unavailable even after this update
For help establishing a residence status verification process for foreign employees, consult Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent).