Japan tightens rules for foreign children's residence cards from June 14

From June 14, country will require facial photographs for all foreign children applying for or renewing residence cards

Foreign residents in Japan will have to submit facial photographs of infants and young children while applying for or renewing residence cards, after immigration authorities tightened identification requirements.

 

The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan said in a notice issued on May 23 that the new rule will come into effect from June 14, 2026. The requirement will apply to all foreign children who need a residence card, commonly known as the Zairyu Card, including newborns and infants staying in Japan for more than three months.

 

The move is part of Japan’s broader push to strengthen immigration checks and improve the use of biometric verification systems at airports and border checkpoints, according to the agency.

   

What is changing?

Until now, facial photographs were not uniformly required for very young children in some residence card procedures. Under the new rules, every child applicant, regardless of age, will need to provide a passport-style facial photograph while:

 

• Applying for a new residence card
• Renewing an existing residence card
• Updating residence-related immigration records where required

 

According to the Immigration Services Agency, the photograph must:

 

• Be taken within the last six months
• Clearly show the child’s face
• Have a plain background
• Avoid hats or face coverings
• Follow standard immigration photograph specifications

 

The agency clarified that glasses will generally not be permitted unless medically necessary.

 

Parents or legal guardians will be allowed to complete the application process on behalf of children.

 

Why Japan is introducing the rule

 

Immigration authorities said the change is aimed at improving identity verification and reducing the possibility of identity fraud involving foreign residents.

 

The ISA noted that facial photographs will support the country’s expanding use of facial recognition systems in immigration management and airport screening procedures. The agency also said the revision aligns Japan’s procedures for children with rules already applicable to adult foreign residents.

 

Japan has gradually expanded digital and biometric immigration systems in recent years as it seeks tighter monitoring of cross-border movement while managing a growing foreign workforce and expatriate population.

 

What it means for families

 

The rule is relevant for professionals and families living in Japan, parents with children born in Japan or relocating there will now need to arrange compliant photographs even for babies before residence card applications can be processed after June 14.

 

While the requirement adds another administrative step, immigration experts say the process is expected to remain straightforward because applications can still be filed through regional immigration offices and, in some cases, through online systems.

 

Families planning travel, visa renewals or dependent visa applications around mid-June may also need to factor in extra time for obtaining photographs that meet Japanese immigration standards.

 

Applications filed before June 14 unaffected

 

The Immigration Services Agency said applications submitted before June 14, 2026, will continue to follow the previous rules.

 

Families applying after the implementation date are being advised to carefully check photograph specifications before submission to avoid delays or rejection of applications.

 

The agency has also asked foreign residents to refer to official guidance available through Japan’s regional immigration offices and the Immigration Services Agency website for updated compliance requirements.

 

The latest change reflects a wider global trend in immigration systems, where governments are increasingly relying on biometric data and digital identity verification for foreign nationals, including minors.