Lost or stolen residence card (在留カード)

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Report the loss or theft to the police

   Any kōban or police station takes the report; officers often use a translation app. You get a receipt number and, in many cases, a certificate (遺失届出証明書 for loss, 盗難届出証明書 for theft). Keep the number — it goes on the written statement you hand to immigration. If the card was lost outside Japan, report it to the local police there and keep the paperwork.

   Official page
2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare the reissue paperwork

   You need the lost-card reissue form (在留カード再交付申請書), one passport-style photo (4 × 3 cm, recent — within 3 months is the safe choice), your passport, and a short written statement about the loss or theft (紛失・盗難に係る陳述書) that includes the police receipt number. Bring the police certificate too if you received one. The form and a sample statement are on the Immigration Services Agency page.

   Official page
3. 3

   Step 3: Apply in person at your regional immigration office within 14 days

   The deadline is 14 days from the day you noticed the loss (if you noticed it abroad, from the day you next re-entered Japan). Apply at the office that covers your registered address — not any office — and in person; postal applications are not accepted. A relative living with you can apply for you only if you are ill or under 16. A new card is usually issued the same day, and there is no fee when the reason is loss or theft. If you are already past 14 days, apply anyway and attach a written reason for the delay.

   Official page
4. 4

   Step 4: Until the new card arrives, carry your passport

   Mid- to long-term residents are expected to carry their card, so in the meantime carry your passport and keep a photo of the police receipt on your phone. If you have part-time work permission (資格外活動許可), mention it when you apply so it is noted on the new card. If the old card turns up after a reissue, return it to immigration within 14 days of finding it.

Who to contact

• Immigration Information Center (外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター)

  0570-013904

  Weekdays 8:30–17:15 (from IP phones or abroad: 03-5796-7112)

  Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Burmese, Sinhala

  Website

• Find your regional immigration office (地方出入国在留管理局)

  Counters are usually open weekdays 9:00–16:00; go early — queues are long

  Website

• Tokyo Metropolitan Police — Lost Property Center

  0570-550-142

  Weekdays, office hours (outside Tokyo: your prefectural police lost-property page)

  English page with a printable lost-property form

  Website

• Foreign Residents Support Center — FRESC (Yotsuya, Tokyo)

  0570-011000

  Weekdays 9:00–17:00 (from some IP phones or abroad: 03-5363-3013)

  Phone menu in Japanese and English; in-person immigration consultations in many languages

  Website

What to say at the counter

Tap copy and show the Japanese on your screen, or read the romaji aloud.

• 在留カードをなくしました。

  Zairyū kādo o nakushimashita.

  I lost my residence card.

  Copy

• 在留カードを盗まれました。

  Zairyū kādo o nusumaremashita.

  My residence card was stolen.

  Copy

• 遺失届を出したいです。

  Ishitsu-todoke o dashitai desu.

  I would like to file a lost-property report.

  Copy

• 受理番号をください。

  Juri bangō o kudasai.

  Please give me the receipt number.

  Copy

• 在留カードの再交付を申請したいです。

  Zairyū kādo no saikōfu o shinsei shitai desu.

  I want to apply for a residence card reissue.

  Copy

Read next

• Ward office registration: the 14-day rule
• Extending your visa in Japan
• My Number card guide
• Lost wallet or phone
• Arrival Timeline — see your residence-card and renewal dates