Japan's Immigration Agency Details Residence Card Replacement Process

Japan's Immigration Services Agency has outlined the procedure for foreign residents to obtain a replacement residence card after it is lost, stolen, or destroyed. This process is defined under Article 19-12 of Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Act and applies to mid- to long-term residents.

Affected individuals must submit their application within 14 days of discovering the loss. If the loss occurs while outside Japan, the 14-day period starts upon re-entry.

There is no application fee, and submissions must be made at the regional immigration office corresponding to the applicant's residence. Typically, the replacement card is issued on the same day.

Required documents vary based on the loss circumstances, including a police report acceptance number for theft. In disaster cases, a disaster victim certificate is necessary.

All applicants must provide a completed form, a compliant photograph, and their passport or residence status certificate. If the application window has lapsed, a separate explanation document is required.

Additional requests for kanji characters on the new card can be made at the time of application.