How to get a spouse visa in Japan: Ultimate guide
All you need to know about getting a marriage visa for Japan, including the Japan spouse visa application form and how to renew a Japan spouse visa.
If you’re planning a move to Japan for work, study, or simply to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, you’ll need to know about the Zairyu Card.
A Zairyu Card is issued to most foreigners in Japan who have medium or long term residence passes. Your Zairyu Card shows your residency status, and is a legal proof of ID. Learn about how to get this important document, what to do if you’ve lost your residence card, and what to do if your Zairyu Card expired, here in this handy guide.
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As an expat in Japan, you’ll need smart and simple ways to send and receive international payments without worrying about poor exchange rates and hefty fees. Wise can help.
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Your Zairyu Card is issued as part of the registration process for foreign nationals. It’s used as an ID document, and you’ll often need to take it along as proof of identity when opening a bank account, renting a property, or setting up basic utilities and services.
Zairyu Cards are issued to most foreigners in Japan who are staying longer than 3 months. The exceptions to this are usually only if you’re a tourist, on a temporary visitor visa, or in a specific situation such as working as a diplomat or official, seeking refuge or under a special permit to reside.¹
Your Zairyu Card captures a set of personal information which is part of the registration process. The details shown on the card include:²
The Zairyu Card system was introduced as a replacement to the previous Alien Card. The system was set up to reduce the admin required when registering or changing personal details and status, as well as giving the Japanese government granular detail about which foreigners are in the country, and their residence.
Most international arrivals coming through Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu airports can get their Zairyu Cards at immigration in the airport. However, if you’re arriving through another means you’ll need to find your local immigration department and apply for your Zairyu Card there.
Here’s what will happen, either at the airport or immigraion department:
When your Zairyu Card is running out, you’ll need to head to the local immigration bureau wherever you live to renew it. This should be done within 30 days of your card’s expiry date. Here’s what to do:
If your Zairyu card has been lost or stolen you’ll need to apply for a new one at the local immigration department wherever you live.
If you’re planning on leaving for under a year, you don’t need to do anything in particular with your Zairyu Card. It will still be valid for reentry to Japan.
However, if you’re going to leave for a longer period you’ll need to apply for permission to return to Japan prior to leaving the country. It is not possible to apply for this special reentry permission from outside of Japan. You can apply for single or multiple reentry permission, depending on your needs. If you apply for multiple reentry, you won’t need to complete the application every time you leave Japan. ⁴
Special reentry permission is usually issued for up to 5 or 6 years. If you’re not expecting to return to Japan at all, you should hand your Zairyu Card to the immigration officials at your point of departure. ⁴
Wise can save you money when you send and receive international payments. You can also benefit from the Wise multi-currency account to hold, send and spend multiple currencies with low fees and no hidden costs. Here’s what you need to know:
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As an expat living abroad, there are always lots of new things to understand and get used to. Getting your Zairyu card is one big step in setting into your new life in Japan - with it you can more easily access services, prove your identity and resident status, and rent your new home. Another smart way to hit the ground running in Japan is to get a new international account from Wise. Cut the costs of sending, converting and receiving money from abroad, with convenient and secure services for everyone. See how much you can save with Wise today.
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*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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