Can’t Access Your Bank Account? Don’t Forget This Step After Renewing Your Residence Card in Japan

Most foreign nationals living in Japan have a designated period of stay.

If you wish to continue living in Japan beyond your current period of stay, you need to apply for an extension of your period of stay.

Once your application is approved and you receive your new residence card, you might think that everything is done.

But there is still something important you should not forget.

Until recently, after receiving a new residence card, foreign residents generally needed to take care of two important procedures:

• Update their My Number Card
• Notify their bank of their new residence card and updated period of stay

What Changed with the New Specified Residence Card?

Since June 2026, Japan has introduced the “Specified Residence Card” (特定在留カード) system.

Under this optional system, foreign residents can combine their residence card and My Number Card into a single card.

If you use a Specified Residence Card, when you extend your period of stay, your My Number Card information can also be updated as part of the same procedure.

This means you no longer need to separately visit your local municipal office just to update your My Number Card.

Can’t Withdraw Money or Use Your Cash Card?

If you suddenly cannot withdraw money from an ATM or use your cash card, check whether you have updated your period of stay information with your bank.

Banks in Japan check the period of stay of foreign customers when they open and maintain bank accounts.

If the period of stay registered with your bank expires and you do not provide your updated information, your bank may restrict certain transactions or suspend the use of your cash card.

So, even if you use a Specified Residence Card, you should still notify your bank after extending your period of stay and receiving your updated card.

A Specified Residence Card makes some procedures more convenient, but it does not mean that there is nothing left to do after your immigration procedure is completed.

After extending your period of stay, remember to update your information with your bank too!

Profile
Megumi Suzuki, Immigration Lawyer .
After graduating from universities in both Japan and Shanghai, I worked for about 12 years as an international flight attendant.
Through my encounters with people from diverse backgrounds, I was inspired by those pursuing their dreams of studying or working in Japan.

As an administrative scrivener, I focus on supporting foreign nationals — from visa applications to broader aspects of life in Japan.
Guided by my motto, “Supporting people beyond the flight,” I provide personalized and heartfelt assistance, valuing each person’s past, present, and future.