Notice: The Expiration Date on Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates for Those Under 16 Will Change 

Beginning November 1, 2023, the expiration date (period of stay) on Residence Cards (Zairyū Kaado) and Special Permanent Resident Certificates (Tokubetsu Eijūsha Shōmeisho) issued to those who are under 16 years old will change.  

Date of Issuance / Visa Status	Cards Issued Until October 31, 2023	Cards Issued Starting November 1, 2023
Permanent Residents / Special Permanent Residents Who Are Under 16 years old	Until the person’s 16th birthday	Until the day before the person’s 16th birthday
Mid-to-Long-Term Residents Who Are Under 16 years old	Until the period of stay expires or the day of the person’s 16th birthday, whichever comes first	Until the period of stay expires or the day before the person’s 16th birthday, whichever comes first

The following is for those persons who currently have a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate which is valid until their 16^th birthday: 

・The period of stay will continue to be valid for those whose expiration dates expire on their 16^th birthday. No additional procedures are required.

・Applications for renewing the period of stay for someone who is under 16 years old must be made by a legal representative, such as a cohabitating parent (the young person in question is not obligated to apply in person themselves, even on the day of their 16^th birthday).   

・For people with a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate that is valid until their 16^th birthday who go through procedures to get their periods of stay reissued on or after November 1, 2023, the expiration date will change to the day before their 16^th birthday.  

Reference: Immigration Services Agency Homepage (Japanese)