Currently, foreign nationals residing in Japan are required to visit their local government office to apply for Alien registration. However, as of July 9^th, 2012, a new residency management system will take effect and a “Resident Card” will be issued instead. Foreigners who will be residing in Japan for mid-to-long term will receive this card at their landing port (Narita, Haneda, Chubu or Kansai Airport) upon their entry into Japan.

 

Currently, a re-entry permit needs to be obtained at the immigration office when you leave Japan for holidays or business trips. This will no longer be necessary after the new system takes effect, as long as you are re-entering to Japan within one year from the departure date.

 

Up until now, a "certificate of registered matters (Kisaijiko Shomeisho)" is issued by the local government office as a residence status verification document. However, after July 9th, 2012, all foreigners with the “Resident Card” or equivalent will be eligible to request for issuance of the “certificate of residence (Juminhyo)”, same as Japanese nationals. 

 

Your current alien registration card will be valid and deemed to be equivalent to the “Resident Card” until it expires. Children under 16 years of age, are required to apply for the “Resident Card” either before his/her 16^th birthday, visa expiry date or July 8^th, 2015 whichever comes earlier.   This will depend on his/her resident status.