Summary
Highlights
The online issuance of residence certificates (zairyu shomeisho) starts on May 27th, allowing for online application and receipt of the certificate. This benefits those living far from consulates and simplifies procedures like pension applications and JR Pass purchases but there are associated risks.
Submitting an online residence notification (zairyu todoke) may reset the start date of overseas residency. There are unresolved issues for those without My Number cards issued before 2015, or those who invalidated their My Number cards upon leaving Japan. It is important to note that these issues are not always clear from government publications.
The Foreign Ministry announced the start of electronic certificates (E-certificates) at overseas embassies and consulates from May 27th. While application can be made online or in person, the E-certificate can now be received online although this excludes certain locations like Iran and Russia. Initially, only residence certificates are available, with plans to include other certificates like birth and marriage certificates later.
To receive an e-certificate, one needs to have submitted an online residence notification, pay fees online via credit card, and, for certificates requiring family register information, provide a family register electronic certificate provision identification code which requires a My Number card.
Experiences and concerns from overseas residents regarding the online residence certificate system are shared. Some find it helpful for pension applications and avoiding travel to consulates. Others highlight issues with the system and the difficulty of dealing with government bureaucracy.
The fear of resetting residency dates when applying online is a major concern. Solutions include contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate to ensure the correct residency start date is recorded. The Japanese Embassy in Germany provides instructions on how to do this, which include sending an e-mail to notify them.
Many overseas residents face issues related to My Number cards. Some do not have My Number cards because they left Japan before the system was implemented. Others invalidated their cards and face difficulties re-obtaining them. Applying online can be difficult for these individuals.
Those who have invalidated their My Number cards can reapply. Japanese citizens residing abroad can continue to use their My Number cards. These individuals should follow the instructions on the My Number card's official website. This process is unavailable for those who left the country before October 5, 2015.
Some individuals who obtained a My Number card after returning to Japan have been denied new bank accounts. Banks have international obligations such as FATCA and CRS, so there can be a waiting period of at least six months before opening an account for those with overseas tax obligations. Simply having a resident registration may not be enough.
The online issuance of residence certificates is a welcome change, but various blind spots exist. Ensuring correct residency dates with the embassy or consulate needs to be considered before submitting a request. Challenges related to the My Number system are lingering, so rules will probably change during the coming months. Proceed with caution.