When we move to Japan for more than a few months, some administrative procedures quickly become unavoidable. Among them, the My Number system occupies a central place in the daily lives of Japanese and foreign residents. Administrative ID card, a tool for taxes, health or online approaches, the My Number Card has become a key element for living in Japan in a fluid way. Understanding its functioning and knowing how to get it avoids many complications from the first weeks on site.
The My Number system simply explained
The My Number is a 12-digit individual number assigned to each resident of Japan. It has been established to simplify exchanges between administrations and to facilitate certain procedures for individuals. This number is unique, personal and permanently assigned. Even in case of departure from Japan and subsequent return, the same My Number is retained.
Any person legally residing in Japan for more than three months automatically receives a My Number. Temporary visitors, such as tourists or some diplomatic missions, are not covered by this arrangement.
This number is communicated after registration of the address with the municipality of the place of residence. It is sent by registered mail in the form of an official notice. This document attests to the existence of the My Number, but it is not yet the plastic card itself.
What is the My Number Card
The My Number Card is an official smart card that contains the My Number number and several personal information. She mentions the full name, registered address, date of birth and sex of the holder, accompanied by a photograph. It can be used as identification in many everyday situations.
Beyond identification, this card gives access to a set of administrative and digital services. In particular, it makes it possible to carry out on-line procedures, to retrieve official documents from local shops and to access certain government portals.
Ownership of the card is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for anyone wishing to simplify their procedures in Japan.
What is the My Number Card for?
In everyday life, the My Number Card quickly becomes useful. It enables you to prove your identity in administrative procedures, access secure online services and centralize multiple functions on a single medium.
It is used to obtain residence certificates or documents related to the registration of the personal seal directly in the konbini automatic terminals. It also facilitates online tax reporting and access to social security portals.
Gradually, it also tends to replace or integrate other cards, such as health insurance card, driver’s licence or certain residence documents, making it an increasingly versatile tool.
How is assigned the My Number
The My Number is automatically assigned when registering a residence at the town hall. Following this, an official mail is sent to the declared address. This mail must be delivered in hand and contains the notification of the individual number.
This document is important and must be kept carefully. Even without requesting the plastic card, the number remains valid and will be required in certain administrative or professional procedures.
The different methods to request the My Number Card
My Number Card can be requested by several means, depending on what is most convenient for the resident.
Mailing remains the most accessible method for people who are not comfortable with Japanese. A multilingual form can be completed and sent with a recent photo ID.
Online application is possible via smartphone or computer, provided the form containing the application identifier is available. This method allows you to upload a digital photo directly.
It is also possible to make the request from certain authorized photo terminals, present in many stations and shopping centres. These machines guide the user step by step and transmit the request directly.
Whatever the method chosen, the procedure results in the same result and the same processing time.
After the request: receipt of the card
Once the request is sent, the processing time is usually about one month. A notification is then sent by mail indicating that the card is ready to be withdrawn.
The recovery of the My Number Card is done in person at the town hall indicated on the notice. It is necessary to present identity documents and to define several confidential codes when withdrawing. These codes are essential for the use of online services and should be carefully stored.
Recent and future developments of the My Number Card
The My Number system is constantly evolving to centralize more administrative functions. The card is now linked to health insurance, which allows direct use in health facilities.
From 2025 it can also be used as a driver’s licence under certain conditions. This integration aims to reduce the number of cards to be transported and to simplify updates to address or status.
Other developments concern residence cards for foreigners, with a draft integrated card combining residence information and My Number. These changes are intended to limit duplication and improve administrative management.
The My Number Card and emergency situations
A specific system now allows rescue services to access certain medical information via the My Number Card, provided that it is registered as a health insurance card. In case of emergency, this can facilitate care by providing access to current treatments or recent medical history.
This system is based on strictly supervised access and limited to urgent medical situations. The data consulted are not stored or used outside this specific framework.
Practical tips for long-term and expatriate travellers
It is advisable to request the My Number Card as soon as possible after installation in Japan. This avoids further additional steps and allows faster access to digital services.
It is also recommended to keep the My Number notification mail carefully even after obtaining the card. In case of loss or renewal, this document facilitates certain procedures.
Finally, carrying the card on yourself, or at least knowing where it is, may be useful, particularly in the context of health services.
The My Number Card is gradually establishing itself as a central tool of administrative life in Japan. Well understood and used, it saves time, limits travel and simplifies many approaches, which is a real advantage for anyone who settles permanently in the archipelago.
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