Getting your number
Your number is assigned automatically when you register your address. A notice (kojin bangō tsūchisho) arrives by registered post at your registered address, usually within a few weeks. It comes with a form and a prepaid envelope to apply for the My Number Card.
Your number stays the same for life, even if you leave Japan and come back. Employers, banks and brokers will ask for it.
The My Number Card
The card is free and optional. Apply by post, online or with a photo booth, then collect it at the city office about a month later, where you set your PIN codes. For foreign residents, the card expires with your period of stay.
With the card you can print documents such as your jūminhyō at convenience stores, file tax returns online, and log in to the government portal (Mynaportal).
As your health insurance card
Japan stopped issuing paper health insurance cards in December 2024. Now you register your My Number Card as your insurance card and show it at clinics and pharmacies, where it is read by a machine at reception.
If you do not have a My Number Card, or have not linked it, your insurer sends you a certificate of eligibility (shikaku kakuninsho) to use instead.
The combined residence card
Since 14 June 2026, foreign residents can choose to combine their My Number Card and residence card into a single card (tokutei zairyū kādo). It is optional, and you can apply when you register your address or at an immigration office.
Tips
- Keep the paper notice with your number somewhere safe. You may need it to prove your number before your card arrives.
- Your number is personal information. Only give it to employers, banks, tax offices and others who need it by law.
- Remember your PINs. Too many wrong tries lock the card and you will need to visit the city office.
Words you will see
- 個人番号（マイナンバー） kojin bangō
- My Number
- マイナンバーカード mai nambā kādo
- My Number Card
- マイナ保険証 maina hokenshō
- My Number Card used as health insurance card
- 資格確認書 shikaku kakuninsho
- certificate of insurance eligibility
- 暗証番号 anshō bangō
- PIN
Sources: Digital Agency; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Rules and fees can change and vary by city. Check with your city office or the official service before you go.