New Residence Card Rules for Children Under 16: What Families Need to Know Before June 14, 2026
⚠️Important notice: On June 14, 2026, a partial amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act will take effect. Children aged 1 to 15 will now be required to have their photograph displayed on their Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and Special Permanent Resident Certificate. Families with pending applications should prepare accordingly.
Background: What is changing?
Under current rules, children under the age of 16 are exempt from the photo requirement for Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates. This has long been a practical convenience for families — young children's appearances change quickly, making photo-based identification less reliable over short periods.
However, the amendment enacted as Act No. 59 of 2024 changes this. From June 14, 2026, all children aged 1 and over who are issued a new-format card will have their photograph displayed on the card, bringing them into alignment with the requirements that apply to adults.
Who is affected?
This update directly concerns any foreign national child who is at least 1 year old but under 16, and who holds — or is in the process of obtaining — a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate. If your child's card is currently under application, due for renewal, or being issued during the transition period around June 14, you need to be aware of these new requirements.
Key dates and required actions
Before June 14, 2026 — Applications at immigration offices
If you have submitted, or plan to submit, an application at a regional immigration office before the enforcement date — but the card will be issued on or after June 14 — you may be asked to voluntarily provide a photograph of your child even prior to the deadline. Please be prepared with a compliant photo when visiting the office.
June 10–13, 2026 — Special Permanent Resident Certificate
Families filing notifications related to the Special Permanent Resident Certificate during this four-day window must submit a photograph for any child who will be 1 year of age or older as of June 14. Earlier filings may also trigger a photo request.
From June 14, 2026 — Online system updated
The online residence application system (在留申請オンラインシステム) is being upgraded. Once updated, all applicants aged 1 and over will be required to attach a photo through the designated upload field. Until the update is complete, that field cannot be used for children under 16.
Interim workaround — Online applicants before June 14
If applying online before June 14 but the card will be issued on or after that date, submit the photo via the general document attachment field (Shiryo Tenpuku-ran). Convert the photo to PDF, name the file 顔写真, and upload it as a supporting document. Note: if the card ends up being issued before June 14, the photo will not appear on the card.
Photo specifications
The requirements are the same as for adult applicants: taken within the past three months, in color, plain white or light-colored background, face clearly visible straight-on, no hats or accessories that obscure the face.
Photographing young children can be challenging. Use natural light where possible, ensure the child is looking directly at the camera, and take multiple shots. For online submissions before June 14, the photo must be converted to PDF format before uploading. Full specifications are available on the ISA website.
Quick checklist for families
✓ Confirm whether your child's application is pending or coming up for renewal
✓ Check the expected card issuance date — before or after June 14?
✓ Prepare a compliant photograph (recent, plain background, face clearly visible)
✓ Office applications: bring the photo with you, even before the deadline
✓ Online applications before June 14: convert photo to PDF, filename 顔写真, upload via document field
✓ Special Permanent Resident holders: note the June 10–13 filing window
Our perspective
This change is straightforward in principle, but the transitional period creates a practical gap that can catch families off guard. The online system's photo field cannot yet accept submissions for children under 16, yet immigration officers may already request photos for cards scheduled for issuance after June 14. Families with applications currently in progress face the most complexity.
The key is to clarify the expected card issuance date early and have a compliant photograph ready in advance. A small preparatory step now can prevent unnecessary delays or supplementary documentation requests later. If you are unsure how these changes apply to your child's specific situation — particularly regarding renewal timing, pending status changes, or Special Permanent Residency — please feel free to contact our office.
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Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA), May 19, 2026
*Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed 行政書士 or immigration professional for advice specific to your situation.*
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