Residence Card Lost: Immediate Steps
The Residence Card is the most important identification document for foreign nationals staying in Japan for the medium to long term. What should you do if you lose this crucial card?
Many may have concerns: "Where do I report it?", "How long does reissuance take?", "Will it affect my visa?"
This article, written by an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi Lawyer), clearly explains the emergency response, the specific procedure for reissuance, and the risks of neglecting the situation when a Residence Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
The Top Priority: Reporting Loss or Theft
If you discover that your Residence Card is lost, immediately report it to the necessary authorities. This is a mandatory step for the reissuance application.
Reporting Location and Required Documentation
| If the card was stolen |
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| Report to the nearest Police Station or Koban (Police Box). You must be sure to obtain a Certificate of Theft Report or the Acceptance Number of the report. |
| If the card was lost or destroyed (e.g., by fire) |
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| Report to the nearest Police Station or Koban (or the Fire Station in case of fire). It is essential to obtain a Certificate of Loss Report, a Disaster Victim Certificate, or the Acceptance Number of the report. |
Important Note
Reporting to the police is extremely important to officially prove the fact that you lost the Residence Card. Without this document, you cannot apply for reissuance at the Immigration Services Agency (Immigration).
Procedure for Residence Card Reissuance Application
Once the report to the police is complete, you must promptly apply for reissuance at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Immigration).
1. Application Deadline is "Within 14 Days of Knowing the Loss"
There is a strict deadline for reissuance applications due to loss, theft, or destruction of a Residence Card: within 14 days from the day you became aware of the fact (e.g., the day you reported it to the police). Failing to meet this deadline constitutes a violation of the law and may result in penalties, so prompt action is essential.
2. Main Documents Required for Application
The main documents required for the reissuance application are as follows
Application Form for Reissuance of Residence Card
Photograph
Certificate issued by the police or other relevant authority (as mentioned above)
Passport
Other documents to prove identity
3. Application Location and Fee
The application must be submitted to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. In the case of reissuance due to loss or theft, the fee is free. Reissuance is generally issued on the same day, but in cases of crowded counters or when confirmation of application details is required, the card may be issued on a later date.
Serious Risks of Neglecting the Loss
You must absolutely avoid neglecting the loss of your Residence Card, hoping that it will be found. If you fail to apply for reissuance within 14 days, you will face the following serious risks.
Risk 1: Penalties for Violating the 14-Day Rule
Failing to apply for reissuance "within 14 days of knowing the loss" is a violation of the obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. In the worst case, you may be subject to imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
Risk 2: Disadvantages Due to Inability to Prove Identity
Without a Residence Card, you will be unable to carry out essential procedures for daily life in Japan. Not only does the risk of being suspected of being an illegal resident increase, but you will also be unable to perform essential daily-life contracts and public procedures, such as opening a bank account, signing a mobile phone contract, or renting an apartment.
Risk 3: Negative Impact on Status of Residence Renewal/Change
The fact that you failed to fulfill the obligation to apply for reissuance is extremely likely to work against you during the screening process for future Status of Residence renewal (visa renewal) or change applications. It will be a factor in being judged as having "poor resident status" for not complying with the Immigration Control Act, significantly affecting your future stay in Japan.
If in Trouble, Please Consult an Administrative Scrivener
Losing your Residence Card can be a source of great anxiety. However, the most important thing is to "complete the correct procedure within the deadline." Especially, there is a strict deadline of 14 days for the reissuance application.
Our office provides support for Residence Card loss and reissuance applications, as well as advice for those who are worried about the impact of the loss on their future visa applications. If you are "too busy with work to go for the application" or "anxious about the procedure," please consult us as soon as possible. Our expert will respond quickly and help protect your Status of Residence.
【Disclaimer】
The information published on this blog is based on the professional knowledge of an administrative scrivener and has been prepared with the utmost care, in light of the laws, practical operating examples, and general interpretations as of the time of writing. However, complete accuracy or up-to-dateness is not always guaranteed due to individual interpretations, legal amendments, etc. Please use this information as general guidance, and always consult a professional for specific individual procedures.
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