A new residency management system will be introduced on July 9th. Get ready! You’ll have 3 years from this date to get your new Residence Card (zairyu card). This new system will apply to mid-term and long-term residents in Japan. The aim is to enable the Ministry of Justice to maintain up-to-date information required for managing the residency of foreign nationals and to help local authorities provide them with better administrative services using that information.
The introduction of the system will bring big advantages, including easier procedures for foreign nationals residing in Japan to reenter the country and longer maximum periods of stay. This program will introduce the new residency management system.
What exactly is the new residency management system? You can get more info at that site and also download a PDF file. If they take the PDF offline, I have uploaded a copy
Download Here
See even more in depth details here
Target Group – Permanent Residents
Expiration date of Alien Registration Card (gaikojin torokusho) – 3 years from the date the new system goes into effect. As for a person under 16, whichever takes place first: 3 years from the July 9, 2012 or your 16th birthday.
New certificate type – Residence Card
Where to switch over to Residence Record – Regional Immigration Bureau
Target Group – Others
Expiration date of Alien Registration Card – When your Period of Stay and/or Status of Residence changes after July 9, 2012
New certificate type – Residence Card
Where to switch over to Residence Record – Regional Immigration Bureau
No one usually likes change, but these changes do look good and there are some things that will make life as a foreigner in Japan a lot easier.
I’m still a bit confused about what I have to do. I thought I had to do nothing, but I do have to go to the regional immigration office and hand in my gaijin card or something like that?! Hmm.
You have up to 3 years from July 9th to change your card or when you have to renew, whatever comes first.
Does this mean we no longer need to get a re-entry permit? From what I’ve read, the current gaijin card is now functionally equivalent to the new residence card. If so, does this mean we don’t need to do anything prior to a trip abroad? Guess I’ll find out when I take summer vacation . . .
I’m not sure but I assume no since it’s supposed to work the same. You should probably go to the place where you get the re-entry permit and ask. The new Residence Card contains an IC chip and includes residence status, period of stay, as well as name, address, birthdate, etc, so new re-entry permit is needed if you return within 12 months.
All right, I’m telling them that Steve said it’s okay. I assume that carries a lot of clout. Anyway, if you don’t hear from me again after August, come look for me in the Narita airport, doing my live reenactment of “The Terminal.”
I forgot to check to see if you’re living out “The Terminal” so if you’re still stuck in the airport let me know and I can bring you some snacks.
where you get the re-entry permit and ask. The new Residence Card contains an IC chip and includes residence status, Anyway, if you don’t hear from me again after August, come look for me in the Narita airport,
You should check with your local immigration. However the terms highlighted online say “Foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and resident card who will be reentering Japan within 1 year of their departure to continue their activities in Japan will, in principle, not be required to apply for a re-entry permit.” which can be seen here at the moment: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/point_3-4.html