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My Number (Individual Number) Guide for Foreigners in Japan

My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan's social security and tax number system. Every resident of Japan — including foreigners — receives a unique 12-digit individual number.

What Is My Number?

My Number is used by the government to manage:
- Tax payments and income reporting
- Social insurance (health insurance, pension, employment insurance)
- Disaster relief and welfare benefits

Your My Number does not change — it stays the same for life unless you are a victim of identity theft.

How You Receive Your Number

New Residents

When you register your address at city hall (転入届), your My Number is issued automatically. You'll receive a notification card (通知カード) by postal mail within 1-2 weeks.

The notification card shows:
- Your name (in Japanese)
- Date of birth
- Address
- Your 12-digit My Number

Keep this card safe — losing it requires a re-issuance process.

My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)

The My Number Card is a physical ID card with an IC chip. It is different from the notification card.

How to Apply

1. Fill out the application form (included with notification card, or available at city hall)
2. Attach a photo (size: 4.5cm × 3.5cm, plain background)
3. Submit by mail, online at マイナポータル (myna.go.jp), or at city hall kiosks
4. Wait 1-2 months for processing
5. Pick up your card at city hall (bring your notification card and ID)

What My Number Card Can Be Used For

• ID verification: Acts as official photo ID in Japan
• Tax procedures: Filing tax returns online (e-Tax)
• Banking: Some banks require My Number for account opening or updates
• Health insurance: Starting 2024, replaces health insurance card (保険証) at many medical facilities
• Government online services: Log in to マイナポータル for benefits, pension checks, and procedures
• Convenience store printing: Print official documents (住民票, etc.) at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart kiosks

Where You Must Provide Your My Number

You are required to provide your My Number to:
- Your employer: For year-end tax adjustment (年末調整) and insurance enrollment
- Financial institutions: Banks, securities companies, insurance companies
- Tax authorities: When filing a tax return

Your employer or institution will ask you to show your My Number Card or notification card, plus a photo ID if using the notification card.

If You Lose Your My Number Card

1. Report to the My Number Card Call Center: 0570-783-578 (24/7, Japanese)
2. Suspend the card remotely to prevent misuse
3. Apply for a replacement at city hall (fee: ¥1,000)

Privacy & Security

• Never share your My Number unnecessarily
• Businesses that collect My Numbers are legally required to protect the data
• It is illegal for anyone to collect or use your My Number without a legitimate legal reason

Note for foreigners on short-term visas: If your visa type does not require address registration (e.g., certain tourist visas), you will not have a My Number. Foreigners staying 3 months or more typically receive a My Number upon address registration.