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  • Residence / ReturnResidence Cards

Medium to Long-Term Residents should apply for procedures related to the Residence Card at the Immigration Services Agency (Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, Kobe Branch Office: TEL 078-391-6377).
Special Permanent Residents should apply at the Citizen Affairs Division of the ward office or branch office where they live.

 

In cases where the person is unable to appear due to illness (a medical certificate or letter of authorization is required), or if the person is under 16 years of age, in principle, a cohabiting family member aged 16 or over may complete the procedures on their behalf.

Notifications Not Related to Address

Foreign residents who have completed resident registration in Kobe City must notify any changes to their name, date of birth, sex, or nationality/region within 14 days.

Medium to Long-Term Residents should report such changes to the Immigration Services Agency (Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, Kobe Branch Office: TEL 078-391-6377).
Special Permanent Residents should report to the Citizen Affairs Division of their local ward office or branch office.

〈Necessary Items〉

  • ① Your current Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
  • ② Passport (If you cannot present your passport, please consult the office)
  • ③ Photograph (Not required for those under 16; 4 cm × 3 cm, no hat, plain background, taken within the last 3 months)
  • ④ Documents proving the changes to be recorded on the card

※ For details, please contact the office.

Reissuance due to Damage

If your Residence Card, etc. is severely damaged or defaced, please apply for reissuance.

〈Necessary Items〉

  • ① Damaged Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate
  • ② Passport
  • ③ Photograph (Not required for those under 16; 4 cm × 3 cm, no hat, plain background, taken within the last 3 months)

Reissuance of Card

If your Residence Card, etc. is lost or stolen, please apply for reissuance within 14 days from the date you became aware of the loss. If the loss or theft occurred outside Japan, please apply within 14 days after re-entering Japan.

〈Necessary Items〉

  • ① In case of loss or theft: a Certificate of Loss Report or Theft Report issued by the police
    In case of fire, etc.: a Disaster Certificate issued by the fire department
  • ② Passport
  • ③ Photograph (Not required for those under 16; 4 cm × 3 cm, no hat, plain background, taken within the last 3 months)

The translation is based on the data available as of March, 2026. Please note that new systems, system changes etc. may have been introduced after this date. Responsibility for the linked websites lies with their creators. Kobe City accepts no responsibility for their content etc.