[Blog]Encouraging Foreign Residents to Obtain a My Number Card in Japan: Why It Matters and How to Apply

2025-10-20

In Japan, the My Number Card (also known as the Individual Number Card) is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life. It serves not only as an official form of identification but also as a gateway to convenient online government services, health care access, and secure administrative procedures. For foreign residents living in Japan, obtaining a My Number Card can make various aspects of daily life much smoother — from opening a bank account to filing taxes or accessing online services.

This article explains the benefits of having a My Number Card, outlines the steps for obtaining it, and provides official government links for further reference.

1. What Is the My Number Card?

The My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) is an official identification card issued by the Japanese government. It contains your 12-digit Individual Number (My Number) assigned to all residents in Japan, including foreign nationals who are registered with a Basic Resident Register (住民基本台帳).

The front side of the card includes your name, address, date of birth, and a photo, making it valid as an ID. The back side contains your My Number, used for administrative purposes such as taxation, social security, and disaster response.

Official reference:
👉 Digital Agency: About My Number Card (マイナンバーカードについて)

2. Why Foreign Residents Should Get a My Number Card

There are several practical reasons foreign residents should consider obtaining this card:

(1) Convenient Identity Verification

The My Number Card serves as an official ID recognized by local governments, banks, and post offices. Foreign residents can use it when opening bank accounts, signing contracts, or verifying their identity for official purposes.

(2) Access to Online Government Services

With the card, you can log in to the Myna Portal (マイナポータル) — an online government service that allows you to check and manage information related to your taxes, pensions, and social insurance.

Official link:
👉 Myna Portal (マイナポータル)

(3) Health Insurance Card Function

Starting in recent years, the My Number Card can also serve as your health insurance card (保険証). By registering your health insurance information, you can simplify check-in procedures at hospitals and clinics.

Official link:
👉 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Using My Number Card as Health Insurance Card

(4) Smooth Administrative Procedures

Many local governments now allow online submission of administrative documents using the My Number Card. It simplifies processes like tax filing, address change notifications, or receiving child allowances.

(5) Easier Tax Filing and My Number Use

Foreign residents working in Japan are required to declare income and pay taxes. Having a My Number Card allows electronic submission through the e-Tax system, which is faster and more convenient.

3. Eligibility for Foreign Residents

Any foreign national residing in Japan who is registered as a resident (i.e., has a Resident Record or 住民票) is eligible to receive a My Number Card. This includes those with mid- or long-term residence statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Student,” or “Permanent Resident.”

Short-term visitors without residence registration are not eligible.

4. How to Apply for a My Number Card

The process is straightforward and available in multiple languages. You can apply in one of the following ways:

(1) Online Application (Recommended)

You can apply online using the QR code printed on your Notification Card or Individual Number Notice (通知カード・個人番号通知書).

Steps:

• Scan the QR code with your smartphone.
• Upload a facial photo that meets the requirements.
• Confirm your personal information.
• Submit the application.

After your card is ready, you will receive a postcard (交付通知書). Bring this card along with your residence card and identification documents to your local municipal office to collect it.

(2) By Mail

Alternatively, you can send your application by post using the form attached to your notification card. A return envelope is usually provided, and no postage is required.

(3) At a Local Government Office

Many municipalities also offer assistance for those who prefer in-person help with the application. Bring your residence card and other required documents.

5. Languages and Assistance for Foreign Residents

The Japanese government provides multilingual resources to help non-Japanese residents understand the My Number Card system. Support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages.

Official link:
👉 Digital Agency: Multilingual Support for My Number Card

Local municipal offices often have interpreters or multilingual staff who can guide you through the process.

6. Security and Privacy Considerations

Some foreign residents may worry about privacy or data use. It is important to note that the My Number Card is designed with strict security standards. Your My Number is used only for legally authorized purposes such as taxation, social insurance, and disaster relief.

The embedded IC chip is encrypted and does not store sensitive information like income or medical records. Users can also check card usage history through the Myna Portal for transparency.

Official reference:
👉 Digital Agency: Security of My Number System

7. Conclusion

For foreign residents in Japan, obtaining a My Number Card is not only a matter of convenience but also a key step toward easier integration into Japan’s digital society. It simplifies everyday tasks, ensures smoother access to public services, and provides reliable identification in both physical and online settings.

If you haven’t applied yet, visit the links above and start the process today.

By obtaining your My Number Card, you’ll open the door to faster, safer, and more convenient access to Japan’s administrative services — a small but meaningful step toward making your life in Japan even smoother.