Why is a My Number Card Necessary? Benefits for Foreigners and Application Procedures
1. Five Major Benefits of Having a My Number Card for Foreigners
Any foreigner with a registered residence in Japan is eligible for a My Number Card. Let's explore the concrete advantages that make life in Japan significantly more convenient.
1-1. Obtain Official Certificates at Convenience Stores
The most practical benefit is "Convenience Store Issuance." You can obtain documents such as the "Certificate of Residence" (Juminhyo) or "Taxation/Tax Payment Certificates" using multi-copy machines at convenience stores without visiting the municipal office.
Saving Time: While city hall windows are typically only open during weekday business hours, convenience stores offer these services from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, including weekends and holidays.
Saving Money: In many municipalities, the issuance fee at convenience stores is set 100 to 200 yen cheaper than at the counter.
1-2. Powerful Utility as an Official Identification Card
The My Number Card is an official government-issued ID with a facial photo.
Alternative to Residence Card: While you are required to carry your Residence Card, having a My Number Card provides a secondary, powerful form of ID for opening bank accounts, signing mobile phone contracts, or during age verification.
Proving Residential Status: Carrying both cards provides stronger evidence of your legal and residential status in Japan.
1-3. Online Administrative Procedures via Myna Portal
By using the "Myna Portal" app or website, you can complete various administrative tasks from your smartphone.
Online Tax Filing (e-Tax): If you have a side job or want to claim medical expense deductions, you can file your taxes online from home.
Checking Pension and Childcare: You can easily check your pension records or apply for child-rearing subsidies online.
1-4. Use as a Health Insurance Card
By registering it as a "Myna Health Insurance Card," you can use it at hospitals and pharmacies.
Shared Medical Information: With your consent, doctors can view your past prescriptions and health checkup data, allowing for safer and more accurate medical care.
Limit Applicability: For expensive medical treatments, you won't need to apply for a "Ceiling Amount Application Certificate" beforehand to avoid high out-of-pocket costs at the counter.
1-5. Seamless Receipt of Government Benefits
By registering your "Public Funds Receipt Account" via the card, any future government subsidies or tax refunds can be deposited directly into your account without submitting complex paperwork or bank book copies.
2. Application Procedures for Foreigners: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is straightforward, but you must pay attention to specific naming rules for foreign residents.
2-1. Confirm Your "Individual Number Notice" or "Notification Card"
When you first register your address in Japan, an "Individual Number Notice" is mailed to your home. This document contains the "Application ID" required for the process.
If Lost: You can go to your local municipal office and request a new "Application Form with Application ID."
2-2. Choosing One of the Four Application Methods
Smartphone Application (Highly Recommended): Take a photo with your phone, scan the QR code on the application form, and complete the process in minutes.
PC Application: Upload your photo data and enter your ID on the official website.
ID Photo Booth Application: Many compatible photo booths allow you to scan your application form and apply directly after taking your photo.
Mail-in Application: Attach a physical photo to the form and mail it using the provided envelope.
2-3. Notes on Name Formatting
For foreigners, your name on the card will follow the "Alphabet" spelling on your Residence Card.
Katakana or Alias: If you have a registered Katakana name or a "Legal Alias" (Tsusho-mei) on your resident record, you may be able to choose how these are displayed. Ensure it matches your bank account name for financial procedures.
2-4. Picking Up Your Card at the Municipal Office
About one month after application, a "Notice of Issuance" (postcard) will arrive at your home.
What to Bring: The postcard, your Residence Card, and your notification card (if you have one).
Setting Passwords: At the counter, you will set four-digit and alphanumeric passwords. These are essential for online services, so be sure to record them securely.
3. Crucial Rules on Expiration and Renewal (Must Read)
This is the most important point for non-Japanese residents: the expiration of your My Number Card is tied to your visa.
3-1. Expiration Matches Your "Period of Stay"
While Japanese citizens have cards valid for 10 years, the My Number Card for mid-to-long-term foreign residents expires on the same day as your current Residence Card.
Warning: Updating your visa at the Immigration Bureau does NOT automatically update your My Number Card.
3-2. Extending the Card After Visa Renewal
Once your visa extension is granted, you must visit your municipal office before the card expires to update the date on the card's surface and the IC chip.
If it Expires: The card becomes completely invalid. You will have to pay a re-issuance fee (approx. 1,000 yen) and go through the entire application process again.
3-3. Procedures When Moving
When you move, you must update your address at the new municipal office within 14 days. You must bring your My Number Card and enter your password to update the residential data on the chip.
4. Security and Privacy Concerns
4-1. No Sensitive Data on the IC Chip
The IC chip does not contain highly sensitive data like tax records or full medical histories. It merely acts as a digital "key" to prove your identity.
4-2. Lock and Suspension Features
The card locks after multiple incorrect password attempts. If lost, a 24/7 hotline is available to suspend the card immediately.
5. Conclusion: Towards a Smarter Life in Japan
The My Number Card will continue to expand in utility, with plans to fully integrate it with the Residence Card in the near future. To improve your quality of life and accessibility to services in Japan, we highly recommend applying for and maintaining your card.
References & Supervision
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (J-LIS): My Number Card Comprehensive Site.
Immigration Services Agency: Guidelines on the link between Residence Cards and My Number.
JFBFE / Stepjob: Practical lifestyle columns for foreign residents in Japan.