Procedures › Foreign residents
My wardsSpecial permanent resident procedures
Overview
How special permanent residents apply for or renew a special permanent resident certificate, or change its details. The ten reception counters in the ward handle these procedures. A new-format certificate has been issued since 2026; old-format certificates stay valid until their expiry date. Most applications are free. An exchange request costs 1,900 yen, and switching from a foreign registration certificate is free. An optional specific certificate combines the My Number card with the special permanent resident certificate.
New-format certificate from 14 June 2026
From 14 June 2026, special permanent resident certificates are issued in a new format. The issue date is no longer printed on the card; it is recorded on the IC chip. A photo is shown when the holder is one year old or more at issue. Old-format certificates issued before 14 June 2026 stay valid until their expiry date.
How long the new certificate is valid
- Holders aged 18 or over: valid until the 10th birthday after filing. For a renewal, until the 10th birthday counted from the expiry date of the previous period.
- Holders under 18: valid until the 5th birthday after filing. For a renewal, until the 5th birthday counted from the expiry date of the previous period, or from the 16th birthday if that period ended the day before the 16th birthday.
Procedures and what to bring
| Procedure | When to file | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Application for special permanent permission | When you want special permanent permission (apply within 60 days of birth or the other event) | Application form for special permanent permission; documents proving birth in Japan and others (ask at the counter) |
| Application about the certificate | Change of name, date of birth, sex, nationality or region; renewal or reissue; turning 16 (only for old-format certificates that expire on or the day before the 16th birthday); switching from a foreign registration certificate | The certificate (or foreign registration certificate); one photo (not needed under 1 year old); passport, if you have one; proof of the change for a change; exchange requests also need the fee |
Timing and collection
A renewal can be filed up to three months before the expiry date. For an old-format certificate that expires on the 16th birthday or the day before it, filing is possible up to six months before. The certificate is usually issued two to three weeks after the application. You visit twice: once to apply and once to collect it.
Delivery by mail
If visiting the counter is very difficult and the national conditions are met, the certificate can be sent by mail. The application then also needs an addressed return envelope and stamps worth 860 yen, in addition to the items above.
Details that differ from the My Number card
If the details on the new certificate differ from those on your My Number card, bring your My Number card when you collect the certificate. Ask at the counter when you apply.
Specific special permanent resident certificate (optional)
From 14 June 2026, the My Number card and the special permanent resident certificate can be combined into a specific special permanent resident certificate. Applying is optional; without it you receive the normal new-format certificate, and you can keep the two cards separately. You can apply together with the procedures listed above, such as a change of details, renewal, reissue or address notification. No extra documents are needed, except a photo when you apply with an address notification.
Fees
- Certificate fee for the specific certificate: revenue stamps worth 1,900 yen (2,600 yen if sent by mail)
- My Number card function fee: 800 yen in cash
- Address notification: free
- Reissue when the space for additional entries is full: free for holders of the specific certificate
- Reissue after loss or damage: paid, except for loss or damage caused by a disaster or another event beyond your control
The fees depend on the format of the certificate you hold and on the procedure. Check the fee table on the ward page or at the counter.
Not sure it applies to you?
Take a ready prompt to your own AI assistant and add your situation.
Other guides in this topic
Foreign residentsHow foreign residents are registeredGuide Foreign residentsSwitching foreign registration certificates to the new cardsGuide Foreign residentsResidence card proceduresGuideHow to apply
- Check when you can file: a renewal can be filed up to three months before the expiry date, or six months before for an old-format certificate that expires on or the day before the 16th birthday.
- Prepare the certificate, one photo, your passport if you have one, and proof of any change.
- Go to one of the ten reception counters in the ward and file the application.
- Go back about two to three weeks later to collect the certificate.
What to bring
- Special permanent resident certificate (or foreign registration certificate)
- One photo (not needed under 1 year old)
- Passport, if you have one
- Proof of the change, for a change of details
Where
One of the ten reception counters in the ward
Contact
Residents Register and Family Register Section
Help in your language: Setagaya deskAsk your own AI
Take a ready prompt to the AI assistant you already use. What you type about your situation stays on this device.
Ask about my case
Write your situation under the prompt, then copy it into your assistant.
Translate the official page
A ready-made request asking your assistant to translate and explain the official page.