Is Failure to Obtain a My Number Card Considered a Violation of Public Duties in Japan?#

For foreign nationals residing in Japan, the acquisition of the “My Number Card” (Individual Number Card) has become a subject of significant discussion. While the Japanese government strongly promotes its adoption, the process is theoretically “voluntary” under current regulations. However, within the context of the immigration system—specifically regarding applications for Permanent Residence (PR) or the extension of period of stay—there is growing concern about whether failing to obtain this card could be interpreted as a violation of “public duties.” This article provides an objective analysis of the current legal landscape and future implications.

Is Obtaining the Card Legally Mandatory?#

To address this question, one must first distinguish between the “Individual Number” and the “Individual Number Card.”

Every resident in Japan, including mid-to-long-term foreign residents, is assigned a 12-digit Individual Number (My Number). Possessing this number is a legal obligation and cannot be refused. However, applying for the physical plastic card (the My Number Card) is currently voluntary. There are no penal provisions in the Japanese Penal Code or local ordinances that punish individuals solely for not possessing the physical card. Therefore, strictly speaking, the failure to obtain the card is not an illegal act in itself.

Defining “Public Duties” in Immigration Context#

When the Immigration Services Agency of Japan evaluates applications for Permanent Residence or Naturalization, the term “Public Duties” (Kouteki Gimu) primarily refers to the following:

Tax Obligations: Full payment of national and local taxes (Income Tax, Residence Tax, etc.) by the statutory deadlines.
Social Security Obligations: Proper payment of premiums for the Employees’ Pension, National Pension, and Health Insurance.
Notification Obligations under the Immigration Control Act: Properly notifying the authorities of changes in residence or employment/organization affiliation within 14 days.

Currently, the mere act of not possessing a My Number Card does not fall under the definition of violating these specific public duties. However, the absence of the card is beginning to have indirect, yet significant, consequences on how compliance with these duties is verified.

Practical Implications for Permanent Residence Applications#

While not having the card is not a crime, it can create friction in immigration procedures.

In recent years, the screening process for Permanent Residence has become increasingly strict regarding the history of tax and social insurance payments. The Immigration Services Agency often utilizes data linkages that are facilitated by the My Number system. Possessing a My Number Card allows applicants to easily access and submit official records (such as tax certificates and pension records) via the “Myna Portal.” Without the card, proving compliance may require more cumbersome paperwork. Furthermore, while not explicitly stated in the guidelines, a lack of cooperation with the government’s digital transformation efforts could potentially be viewed as a lack of willingness to integrate into Japanese society, subtly affecting the discretionary evaluation of the applicant’s adaptability.

2. The Integration of the Residence Card and My Number Card#

The most critical factor for the future is the government’s roadmap to integrate the “Residence Card” (Zairyu Card) with the “My Number Card.” Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, mid-to-long-term foreign residents are legally required to carry their Residence Card at all times (Duty to Carry). Failure to do so is a criminal offense subject to fines or imprisonment. Once the government fully integrates the two cards into a single ID, obtaining the My Number Card (which will function as the Residence Card) will effectively become mandatory. At that stage, refusing to obtain the card would equate to a violation of the Immigration Control Act, constituting a clear breach of public duty.

Revised Laws and Revocation of Status#

Recent amendments to the Immigration Control Act (discussed and enacted around 2024) have introduced stricter measures, including the potential revocation of Permanent Residence status for failure to pay taxes or social insurance premiums. In this stricter environment, the My Number Card serves as the infrastructure for the government to monitor compliance. While the lack of a card is not a revocation trigger itself, it places the resident outside the streamlined digital ecosystem the government is building. If a resident fails to pay taxes and also lacks the digital means to easily rectify or prove their status, they place themselves at higher risk during status renewal or revocation assessments.

Conclusion#

In conclusion, as of the time of writing, the failure to obtain a My Number Card is not legally classified as a “violation of public duties” that would immediately result in the denial of a visa or the revocation of residence status.

However, given the trajectory of Japan’s administrative systems—specifically the planned integration with the Residence Card and the tightening of Permanent Residence requirements—obtaining the card is transitioning from a voluntary option to a de facto necessity. For foreign nationals wishing to secure a stable future in Japan, obtaining the My Number Card is objectively the most prudent course of action to demonstrate cooperation with administrative procedures and to ensure smooth proof of compliance with legal obligations.