Alien registration card

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An alien registration card (ARC) is an identity card for foreigners in Japan. The ARC is officially called a Certificate of Alien Registration (外国人登録証明書 Gaikokujin tōroku shōmeisho?), but is colloquially referred to as a 'Gaijin Card'.

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[edit] Registration

Foreigners staying in Japan for more than 90 days are obliged to register their residence and visa status[1] at their local administrative bureau, such as a city hall. Resident aliens must apply for their initial registration within 90 days of landing in Japan.[2]

At the time of application, the foreigner must bring their Alien Registration Application form, passport, and, for applicants 16 years old or older, two identification photos. At the time of application, the applicant will be instructed when to return to obtain the card if the registration is successful;, usually two weeks or so after filing the application[3] As long as the registrant holds the card, any changes in the registered information must be reported to the registering office.[4]

[edit] Proof of identity

Every person in Japan is required to carry identification on their person at all times.[citation needed] If a foreigner does not have an ARC they are required to carry their passport with them at all times. When Japanese Nationals are asked for official verification of their residency registration, they must go to their local government office where they registered their residence, such as a city hall or ward office, to obtain the A4-sized document. In contrast, foreigners with an ARC always have the credit-card-sized identification card with them at all times, so from a Japanese person's perspective, the ARC is very convenient.

In order to purchase a mobile phone, a foreigner will be required to show an ARC. Consequently, although some foreigners are not residing in Japan, they obtain an ARC for their visit. The ARC must be surrendered when the foreigner leaves Japan unless they have a valid re-entry permit in their passport.[5]

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; A Guide to Japanese Visas XIII. Procedures After Entry into JapanAlien registration
  2. ^ Ministry of Justice; The Alien Registration Law (PROVISIONAL TRANSLATION) Article 3.
  3. ^ Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide: FAQ
  4. ^ Legal Procedures for Your Residence in Japan: Alien Registration
  5. ^ Immigration Bureau: Immigration Procedures Guidebook: Immigration Control Procedures for All foreign nationals: Departure Procedures foreign nationals
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