Support page for the residence card checker app

Overview

This application is designed to display the information stored on the IC chip of residence cards and special permanent resident certificates (which is the same as what is printed on the card), to assist in confirming the validity of the piece of identification in question.

It is to be used when entering into employment contracts and transactions (outside of those where it is required by law). As with any other form of identification, consent must be acquired from the holder prior to their presenting it.

Distribution

Please ensure that you have the most current version of the application. Older versions may not work as intended.

For PC

Windows 10 or higher
Download on the Microsoft Store

macOS
Can be found on the Mac App Store.

For mobile

Android
Can be found on Google Play.

iOS
Can be found on the App Store.

Operation manual

Operating environment

Operating environment

Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (compatible with ARM, x64, x86)，Windows11 (compatible with ARM, x64)
macOS 10.14 or higher (compatible with Apple M1 chips)
Android 6.0 or higher
iOS 13.2 or higher
Necessary hardware

Contactless IC card reader (if using a PC)
* Extended APDU-compatible models only

References
The following contactless IC card readers were used to test the app's functionality:
- NTT Communications Corporation
  ACR1251CL
- Sony Corporation
  RC-S380
- I-O Data Device, Inc.
  USB-NFC4
NFC Type B-compatible device (if using a cell phone)

Frequently asked questions

If you suspect that you have found a counterfeit residence card, please contact your nearest Immigration Services Bureau.

To confirm a residence card's validity, please use the Validity Inquiries for Residence Card Numbers online service (in Japanese). This link leads to an external page.

For any questions or concerns regarding the app (after installation), please contact the support team at the following address:
rsd-support@rsd-support.jp
We are unable to accept any inquires made by phone.

Question list

Q1 How do I read a residence card? What is the Residency Management System?
Q2 What if the information listed on the card and the information displayed in the app is different?
Q3 It can't read the card.
Q4 Will the app work on an iPad?

Q1 How do I read a residence card? What is the Residency Management System?: For more details, please click on this link.

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Q2 What if the information listed on the card and the information displayed in the app is different?: Even if the card has been read correctly, if any of the information differs from that displayed in the app, then it is possible that it has been forged. In cases such as these, please contact your nearest Immigration Services Bureau.

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Q3 It can't read the card.

If you receive an error message that reads: "Cannot read the card. Please touch the card with NFC reading position of the device again. If it is displayed repeatedly, please contact the regional immigration bureau near you ." (Japanese: カードが読み取れませんもう一度かざしてください。繰り返し表示される場合はお近くの出入国在留管理官署にお問い合わせください)

→ Check to see that all connections are secure.
→ Ensure that the proper drivers have been installed/updated.
As the app may not recognize a card reader immediately after its installation, please restart all devices before use.
→ The card reader may not work if it has been placed on a desk (or similar object) made of metal.
→ If you continue to receive the same error message, then it is possible that the card has been forged. In cases such as these, please contact your nearest Immigration Services Bureau.
If you receive an error message that reads: "An error occurred while reading the card. Please check the card as you may be holding a card other than the residence card. " (Japanese: カードの読取中にエラーが発生しました。在留カード以外のカードをかざしている可能性がありますのでカードをご確認ください)

→ Hold the residence card above the reader. The app is only capable of scanning residence cards and special permanent resident certificates.
→ If the error was not due to improper scanning or the use of an incorrect card, then it is possible that the card has been forged. In cases such as these, please contact your nearest Immigration Services Bureau.

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Q4 Will the app work on an iPad?: Unfortunately, it will not.
As iPads lack a versatile NFC interface, they are not a suitable device for the app to run on.
Please refer to the operating environment section for a list of compatible operating systems.

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Privacy policy

The privacy policy only applies to the residence card checker app (henceforth referred to as "app").
The app is designed to simply display the information read from a residence card or special permanent resident certificate. It does not collect or distribute any data (including personal information).
This policy does not apply to any websites which are accessed from the app. Those have their own privacy policies, which are managed independently.
The Immigration Services Agency reserves the right to revise the privacy policy at any time. Should this occur, users will be notified on the home page.

Disclaimers

The terms "Microsoft" and "Windows," as well as the Microsoft logo, are the property of the Microsoft Corporation.
The terms "Android" and "Google Play," as well as the Google Play logo, are the property of Google LLC.
The terms "Apple," "iPad," and "macOS" as well as the Apple logo, are the property of Apple Inc.
The "iOS" trademark is used under license by Cisco Systems Inc.
"ARM" is the registered trademark of ARM Limited.

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