If you live in Japan as a foreign resident, you’ve probably heard about the “My Number” system. You may already have a My Number notification, or you may be wondering whether you actually need the My Number Card at all. Unlike the Residence Card, which is clearly required, the My Number Card sits in a gray area for many people.
This article focuses on how My Number is used in everyday life by foreign residents living in Japan.
What Is My Number, and What Is the My Number Card?
My Number is Japan’s 12-digit personal identification number used mainly for administrative and tax-related purposes. Every legal resident of Japan, including foreign residents with mid- to long-term status, is assigned a My Number.
The My Number Card is a physical plastic card that displays your photo, name, address, date of birth, and My Number. Importantly, having a My Number and having a My Number Card are not the same thing. You automatically receive a My Number, but the card itself is optional.
How My Number Shows Up in Daily Life
For many foreign residents, My Number feels invisible at first. Daily life doesn’t suddenly change when you receive it. However, it quietly affects several key areas over time.
Employment and Income
When you start a job in Japan, your employer will usually ask for your My Number. This applies whether you are a full-time employee, part-time worker, or contract staff.
The number is used for:
- Income tax reporting
- Social insurance procedures
- Year-end tax adjustments
If you don’t have the My Number Card, you can still provide your number using official paperwork. The card simply makes verification easier.
Taxes and Government Procedures
If you file a tax return in Japan, My Number is required. This includes:
- Annual income tax returns
- Side income or freelance earnings
- Capital gains and investment-related filings
Without the card, paperwork becomes more manual. With the card, online filing through e-Tax becomes much easier.
Banking and Financial Services
Banks do not always require the My Number Card, but My Number itself is increasingly requested when:
- Opening investment accounts
- Using tax-advantaged systems such as NISA
- Reporting interest or dividend income
Some banks allow alternatives, but having the card reduces back-and-forth and document submission.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the My Number Card?
Not having the My Number Card does not mean you cannot live in Japan normally. Many foreign residents live for years without one. However, there are trade-offs.
Without the card:
- You rely more on paper documents
- Online government services are limited
- Identity verification takes longer
In other words, life still works, but it becomes slightly more inconvenient as digital services expand.
When the My Number Card Is Genuinely Useful
The card becomes especially helpful in situations where speed and simplicity matter.
Online Administrative Services
The My Number Card allows you to:
- Access government portals
- Submit tax documents online
- Request certificates digitally
This is especially useful for people who prefer to avoid city hall visits.
Convenience Store Certificates
With the card, you can obtain official documents such as:
- Resident certificates
- Seal registration certificates
These can be printed at convenience stores, often late at night or on weekends.
Health Insurance and Medical Use
The My Number Card is gradually being integrated with Japan’s health insurance system. While it is not mandatory everywhere yet, some clinics already accept it as a health insurance card replacement.
Learn more about Japan’s health insurance system here
Applying for the My Number Card as a Foreigner
Foreign residents with a valid Residence Card and registered address are eligible to apply.
Basic Requirements
- Valid Residence Card
- Registered address at your local city hall
- My Number notification (paper or digital)
Application Methods
- Online application using a smartphone or computer
- Mail-in application using the provided form
- In-person application at designated city offices
The card usually takes several weeks to be issued.
Who Might Not Need a My Number Card?
While the card is useful, it is not essential for everyone.
You may reasonably live without it if:
- You stay in Japan short-term
- You don’t work or file taxes in Japan
- You don’t use online government services
- You rarely interact with financial or administrative systems
For example, dependents with minimal paperwork or short-term residents may not see much benefit.
My Number Card vs. Residence Card
These two cards serve very different purposes and are not interchangeable.
- The Residence Card proves your legal status in Japan
- The My Number Card is for administrative and digital identification
You must always carry your Residence Card. The My Number Card is optional and should be handled more carefully due to the sensitive information it contains.
Common Questions (Q&A)
Q: Is the My Number Card mandatory for foreign residents?
No. The My Number itself is assigned automatically, but the card is optional.
Q: Can I work without a My Number Card?
Yes. Employers need your My Number, not necessarily the card.
Q: Is it safe to carry the card daily?
Many people choose not to carry it daily due to privacy concerns. Carry it only when needed.
Q: Does My Number affect immigration status?
No. Immigration procedures rely on your Residence Card, not My Number.
Summary: Do You Really Need It?
For foreign residents in Japan, the My Number Card is best understood as a convenience tool, not a requirement. It simplifies taxes, online procedures, and document access, but daily life is still manageable without it.
If you plan to live in Japan long-term, work, invest, or use digital government services, applying for the card makes sense. If your stay is limited or your administrative needs are minimal, it’s perfectly reasonable to skip it for now.
Understanding how My Number fits into daily life helps you decide based on practicality rather than pressure.
Thank you for reading.
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