Japan’s Immigration Services Agency is updating the way residence cards are issued to international children. From 14th June 2026, facial photographs will be required on residence cards and special permanent resident credentials issued to eligible children. Previously, young children were generally exempt from photo requirements for these documents.
The change affects international residents between the ages of 1 and 16 — including children of IT professionals, engineers, researchers, business residents, and students living across Japan’s major cities.
What Changes From 14th June 2026
Children who are at least 1 year old as of 14th June 2026 will now need a facial photograph included on their residence card or special permanent resident certificate. The online residence application system will also be updated by this date to incorporate the new photo requirement directly into the application flow.
Families applying digitally should anticipate:
- Additional upload steps for the child’s photograph
- Specific photo size and background requirements
- Possible requests to resubmit if photos do not meet specifications
Applications Submitted Before the Deadline May Still Be Affected
A key point that can catch families off guard: children whose applications are submitted before 14th June 2026 may still be asked to provide photos if their residence card is expected to be issued after that date. Japanese immigration officials have already begun informally requesting photos in some cases during the transition period.
This specifically applies to children who:
- Will be at least 12 months old by 14th June 2026
- Have a pending application submitted before the new system formally begins
- Are expected to receive their residence card after the enforcement date
Immigration authorities appear to be preparing families ahead of the formal cutover rather than waiting for the exact deadline.
Special Permanent Residents Are Also Covered
Families filing notifications or applications for special permanent resident credentials during the transition period — where the child will be at least 12 months old by 14th June — must also include a facial photograph. The period from 10th to 13th June 2026 is a particularly sensitive window: immigration authorities may request photos even for applications filed during those final days before the formal change. Families should not assume that old exemptions will continue to apply automatically.
Who Is Most Affected
This update primarily affects:
- Dependent visa holders with young children
- Families applying for renewals or change of status
- Parents relocating to Japan for work assignments
- Permanent resident households managing documentation for children
The change aligns with a broader regional trend — South Korea, Singapore, and parts of Europe have already moved in similar directions as digital immigration systems expand and identity verification requirements for children are tightened.
What Foreign Families in Japan Should Do Now
- Check your child’s age as of 14th June 2026 — not just the filing date — to determine if the photo requirement applies
- Arrange compliant passport-style photographs in advance, even if your current application does not yet specifically require them
- Keep both digital and printed copies of photos ready
- Watch for follow-up requests from immigration offices after submitting an application
- Families relocating for new academic or corporate intake seasons should confirm with employers, schools, or immigration agents whether their child’s document requirements have changed before scheduling appointments
Conclusion
Japan’s addition of photo requirements for children’s residence cards is a procedural change that can cause unexpected delays if families are not prepared. The key risk is for applications currently in progress — where a card issued after 14th June will require a photo even if none was submitted. Acting early, preparing compliant photographs, and staying alert for follow-up communications from immigration authorities are the most effective ways to avoid disruption.