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If you live and work in Japan, you probably already have a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) — the official ID card issued by the government.
Starting June 24, 2025, a new feature lets you use some functions of this card directly on your iPhone. This means less hassle carrying the physical card and easier access to some government services.
But what exactly can you do? And what are the limitations?
Here’s a simple guide for foreigners living in Japan.
What is the My Number Card?
The My Number Card is a government-issued ID that contains your personal identification number.
It’s used for tax, social security, and administrative procedures. You need it for things like registering your address, filing taxes, or receiving social security benefits.
What’s New? iPhone Integration from June 24, 2025
Japan now allows certain My Number Card functions to be stored and used via an iPhone app — specifically for iPhones running iOS 18.5 or later, from the iPhone XS model and newer.
This means you can:
- Get official documents like residence certificates at convenience stores using just your iPhone
- Log in to the government portal “Myna Portal” to check medical expenses, pension records, or apply for address changes
- Avoid carrying the physical card for many administrative tasks
Protect Your iPhone While Using My Number Card Features
Since the new My Number Card functions require using your iPhone more often for important government services, keeping your device safe is more important than ever.
We recommend the popular smartphone case brand iFace, known for its stylish design and reliable protection.
If you’re using an iPhone XS or newer (required for this feature), check out the official iFace online store for a wide range of cases that perfectly fit your device and help protect it from drops and scratches:
Investing in a quality case like iFace means peace of mind while managing your official documents digitally.
What Can’t You Do Yet?
Currently, some important functions are not yet supported on iPhone:
- Using your My Number Card as a health insurance card (planned for September 2025, starting with some medical institutions)
- Using it as a driver’s license or other official photo ID (you still need to carry the physical card)
So, while the iPhone integration is a helpful first step, it’s not a full replacement for your physical card — yet.
How to Set It Up
Setting up your My Number Card on iPhone is simple and quick:
- Your iPhone must be running iOS 18.5 or later, and be an iPhone XS or newer.
- Install the official Myna Portal app from the App Store.
- Prepare your physical My Number Card and your PINs:
- 4-digit security PIN
- 6–16 character signature password
- Follow the app instructions to scan your card and verify your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.
It takes about 3 minutes to complete.
Why Should Foreign Residents Care?
If you’re busy juggling work, family, and daily life, having faster, easier access to government services is a big plus. Instead of visiting city offices or carrying your card everywhere, you can handle many procedures from your phone.
However, keep in mind it’s still a partial solution for now. Be prepared to carry your physical card, especially if you need to visit medical clinics or prove your identity in official settings.
What’s Coming Next?
The Japanese government plans to expand smartphone integration further. Future updates may allow:
- Using the My Number Card on iPhone as a health insurance card (from September 2025)
- Filing tax returns online (e-Tax)
- Opening bank or securities accounts
- Signing contracts for mobile phones and cashless payments
The goal is to make your iPhone your main ID device — but the rollout will take time.
Final Thoughts
The My Number Card iPhone integration is a promising step towards digital convenience in Japan. For foreigners, this means smoother interactions with government services without losing time or carrying extra documents.
If you qualify, try setting it up today. But keep expectations realistic: the physical card isn’t going away anytime soon.
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