Japanese Residence Permit Photo

A Current Portrait for Japan’s Residence-Card Record

Japan’s residence card links an eligible foreign resident with the immigration status recorded by the Immigration Services Agency. Its photograph is submitted as part of the relevant residence procedure, alongside the application and supporting records. Use the requirements for the residence service in Japan, rather than assuming that a photograph previously prepared for a Japanese visa has the same dimensions.

The Agency’s published photograph standard uses a correctly sized image taken within six months. It asks for the applicant alone, facing forward, with a clear image and an unobtrusive background. The specifications below provide the detailed checks for framing, facial expression and photo quality; the main aim is a reliable recognisable likeness in the resident’s identity record.

Age rules deserve particular attention following the new residence-card format introduced in June 2026. Current reissuance guidance exempts children under one year old from submitting a photograph. Families should not rely on older advice that broadly excluded children under sixteen. Check the current instructions for the child’s age and the exact application being made.

For paper submissions, follow the Agency’s directions on attaching the portrait and identifying it on the reverse where required. Online applications have their own attachment workflow, so confirm the requested digital delivery format before uploading. Keep the photo distinct from scans of identity documents and supporting status documents. Our photo preparation instructions help prepare the image, while the Immigration Services Agency determines which residence procedure and evidence apply to the individual applicant.