Also known as the ‘Individual Number Card’, Japan’s My Number Card is a government-issued document primarily used for the identification of the country’s individuals. Represented by a unique 12-digit number that is assigned to all Japan residents as well as foreign nationals, it helps in streamlining the public administrative process while also offering several benefits in the long run.
First launched in 2016, a typical My Number Card consists of an individual’s personal information, such as name, date of birth, gender, address, and a facial photograph. In addition to that, newer versions of the My Number Card possess an embedded chip that stores biometric information about the individual, which can also double as a health insurance card, ultimately simplifying hospital procedures and tax deductions for medical expenses. And since these newer chip-enabled My Number Cards can be read by card readers instantly, doctors can get access to a patient’s previous health checkup and medicine reports for a better diagnosis.
If you are a Japanese national who would like to opt for a new My Number Card and want to know the process details that you need to follow for the same, then our all-inclusive guide is just what you need to complete your objective.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
According to government sources, anyone with a registered address in Japan is eligible to apply for My Number Card. These include not only Japanese citizens but also foreign residents with a valid visa and residency card.
It should be known that there are no such minimum age requirements when obtaining a My Number Card. And if you are a resident of Japan but reside overseas, you will still be eligible for the application. However, you need to visit your respective municipality in Japan to pick up the card.
How to Apply and Activate
To start the application process for Japan’s My Number Card, continue following the suggested steps provided below.
- Begin your journey by first downloading the issuance application form in English or Japanese, along with the materials for the envelope, inside which your application form must be sent from here.
- Once you have downloaded the application form in your preferred language, proceed to print it out.
- After successfully printing out the application form, you need to fill it out. Start by first stating your name, gender, address, date of birth, and phone number.
- Once done, provide your ID photograph in the given box and select your preference for the electronic certificate. Ensure that you follow the rules for photograph mentioned here. Keep in mind that if the applicant is under the age of 15, then the details of the applicant’s legal representative must be provided as well.
- Finally, complete the application process and then print out the materials for the envelope provided beforehand. Put the application form inside the envelope, and then send the same to the designated address to complete the process.
Keep in mind that it takes around 3-4 weeks from the application initiation process to the delivery of the Individual Number Card to your respective municipality in Japan.
How to Contact For Help
The ideal way to get in touch with the Individual Number Card customer support would be via phone at 0120-95-0178 or 0120-0178-26 (both are toll-free), or at 0120-0178-27 or 0570-064-738 (numbers for foreign language support). Phone lines are open 24×7.
Benefits of My Number Card
Japan’s My Number Card, or Individual Number Card, is primarily aimed at confirming the identification of a Japanese individual residing within the country. This means that the same can be utilized when opening a bank account at a financial institution or when obtaining a new passport.
In addition to that, the Individual Number Card is also aimed at enhancing the government’s administrative efficiency by streamlining the process of obtaining government benefits and welfare programs. As a result, Japanese residents will have to deal with reduced paperwork when applying for public services, as the need to fill out multiple forms for personal information will be nonexistent.
The Individual Number Card can be used for online tax filing and payment purposes, which means you can streamline your income tax return process and make online payments effortlessly. Certificate issuance, such as your ‘resident record’ or ‘certificate of seal registration’ at convenience stores nationwide, also becomes a straightforward process if you possess the Individual Number Card. Additionally, plans are being put in place for future integration of the Individual Number Card into more public services, such as the issuance of a driver’s license.
Besides enjoying the aforementioned merits of My Number Card, it should be remembered that the country’s government places a high priority on protecting the data of its citizens. That is why the card has been implemented with strong security measures to safeguard your personal information. Users also have control over the data they want to share with different parties for obtaining necessary services.
