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Last updated: May 2026

Japan Tax Identification Number (TIN): My Number Guide for Foreigners and Businesses

Japan’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) is called the My Number, a unique 12-digit identification number assigned to all registered residents in Japan for tax and social security purposes.

If you live, work, invest, or operate a business in Japan, understanding the Japanese TIN system is essential for tax compliance, banking, employment, and government administration.

This guide explains how Japan’s My Number system works, who receives it, how foreigners can obtain it, and how it is used by employers, banks, financial institutions, and tax authorities.

Table of Contents

• What Is Japan’s Tax Identification Number?
• Is My Number the Same as a TIN?
• Example of a Japanese Tax Identification Number
• My Number for Foreigners Living in Japan
• Who Needs a My Number?
• How to Obtain a My Number
• How to Find Your My Number
• Where My Number Is Used
• My Number for Banking and Financial Services
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• My Number vs Corporate Number
• Privacy and Security
• How to Verify a Japanese TIN
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Japan’s Tax Identification Number?

Japan’s tax identification system is based on the My Number System (マイナンバー), introduced in 2015 to improve administrative efficiency and simplify taxation and social security procedures.

The My Number is a unique 12-digit number assigned to every registered resident in Japan, including Japanese citizens and foreign nationals with residence status.

The system is used for:

• Tax administration and reporting
• Social security management
• Identity verification
• Government digital services
• Disaster response coordination

Japan’s TIN system also supports international tax reporting obligations under frameworks such as CRS (Common Reporting Standard) and FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act).

Is My Number the Same as a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

Yes. In most financial and tax contexts, Japan’s My Number functions as the country’s official Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individuals.

Employers, banks, financial institutions, investment platforms, and tax authorities use My Number for:

• Income tax reporting
• Social security administration
• Employment procedures
• Financial compliance
• International tax reporting

For companies and organizations, Japan uses a separate 13-digit Corporate Number (法人番号, Houjin Bangou).

Example of a Japanese Tax Identification Number

A Japanese My Number contains 12 digits, for example:

1234 5678 9012

Each My Number is unique and linked to a registered resident for tax and administrative purposes.

My Number for Foreigners Living in Japan

Foreign residents living in Japan also receive a My Number after completing official address registration.

This applies to:

• Work visa holders
• Students
• Permanent residents
• Long-term residents
• Dependent visa holders

Many foreign residents first encounter the My Number system when:

• Starting a new job in Japan
• Opening a bank account
• Joining the national pension system
• Enrolling in health insurance
• Filing taxes

Tourists and short-term visitors are generally not eligible to receive a My Number.

Who Needs a My Number in Japan?

Residents

All registered residents in Japan receive a My Number.

• Japanese nationals
• Foreign residents
• Long-term visa holders
• Students
• Permanent residents

Businesses and Corporations

Companies operating in Japan receive a separate 13-digit Corporate Number used for:

• Corporate taxation
• Business registration
• Invoice administration
• Regulatory compliance

Non-Residents

Only registered residents receive a My Number. Non-residents may still have tax obligations in Japan depending on their investments, business activities, or income sources.

How to Obtain a My Number

For Japanese Residents

After registering your address at your local municipal office, you will automatically receive a notification letter containing your My Number.

You may also apply for the official My Number Card, which functions as:

• An official identification card
• A tax identification document
• A social security verification card
• A digital government services access card

For Foreign Nationals

Foreign residents receive a My Number after completing residence and address registration.

To avoid delays or issues:

• Keep your registered address updated
• Notify your municipal office after moving
• Ensure your Residence Card details are accurate

How to Find Your My Number

You can find your My Number on:

• Your My Number Card
• Your notification letter
• Certain municipal government documents

If you lose your notification letter or card, contact your municipal office for guidance.

Common Situations Where You Need a My Number

Your My Number is required for many financial and administrative procedures in Japan.

Common situations include:

• Filing annual income tax returns
• Starting employment in Japan
• Opening securities or investment accounts
• Receiving pension or welfare benefits
• Joining national health insurance
• Registering dependents for tax purposes
• Using e-Tax digital tax services
• International reporting under CRS and FATCA

Using My Number for Banking and Financial Services

Japanese banks and financial institutions may request your My Number for certain financial services and compliance procedures.

This helps institutions comply with:

• Tax reporting obligations
• Anti-tax-evasion rules
• Financial transparency regulations
• International compliance frameworks

Banks and brokerage firms commonly require My Number information for:

• Investment accounts
• Securities trading
• Dividend reporting
• Interest income declarations

Common My Number Mistakes to Avoid

• Sharing your My Number unnecessarily
• Forgetting to update your address after moving
• Losing your notification letter
• Providing incorrect information to employers or banks
• Ignoring requests from tax authorities or municipal offices

Difference Between My Number and Corporate Number

Feature	My Number	Corporate Number
Used For	Individuals	Businesses and organizations
Length	12 digits	13 digits
Tax Use	Yes	Yes
Social Security	Yes	No
Publicly Searchable	No	Yes
Main Purpose	Tax and social security administration	Corporate identification and compliance

Privacy and Security Concerns

Japan enforces strict legal protections regarding the use and storage of My Number information.

Organizations may only use My Number for legally authorized purposes related to:

• Taxation
• Social security
• Disaster response administration

Unauthorized use or disclosure can lead to:

• Financial penalties
• Administrative sanctions
• Criminal liability

To protect your information:

• Do not share your My Number unnecessarily
• Store your My Number Card securely
• Report lost cards immediately
• Verify requests before disclosing your number

How to Verify a Japanese Tax Identification Number

Businesses, employers, compliance teams, and financial institutions may need to verify Japanese tax identification details for reporting and regulatory purposes.

Corporate Numbers in Japan are publicly searchable, while individual My Numbers remain confidential and protected under Japanese privacy laws.

Verification procedures may differ depending on whether the identification belongs to an individual or a legal entity.

Need to verify a Japanese Corporate Number? Use professional TIN verification tools to simplify compliance procedures and reduce administrative risks.

Official Resources

• Japan National Tax Agency (NTA)
• Digital Agency of Japan
• Official My Number Portal
• Japan e-Tax System

Conclusion

Japan’s My Number system plays a central role in taxation, banking, employment, social security, and financial compliance.

Whether you are a resident, expatriate, student, investor, or business owner, understanding how Japan’s Tax Identification Number system works is essential for remaining compliant and avoiding administrative issues.

Always protect your My Number information and ensure your residency details remain updated with local authorities.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Regulations and administrative procedures in Japan may change over time. For official guidance, consult the National Tax Agency or a qualified tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can foreigners get a My Number in Japan?

Yes. Foreign residents with valid residence status and registered addresses in Japan receive a My Number.

Is the My Number Card mandatory?

No. While having a My Number is mandatory for registered residents, applying for the physical My Number Card is optional.

Can tourists get a My Number?

No. Tourists and short-term visitors are generally not eligible to receive a My Number.

Can I work in Japan without a My Number?

Employers usually require your My Number for tax and social insurance administration after employment registration.

Does My Number expire?

The My Number itself does not expire. However, the physical My Number Card may require renewal depending on residency status and validity period.

Where can I find my My Number?

Your My Number appears on your notification letter and on your My Number Card if you applied for one.

Is My Number the same as a Social Security Number?

Not exactly. My Number combines functions related to taxation, social security, and administrative identification.

Do Japanese banks require My Number?

Some banks and financial institutions require My Number information for tax reporting and investment-related services.

How long does it take to receive a My Number?

After completing address registration, notification letters are usually issued within several weeks depending on municipal processing times.

What should I do if I lose my My Number Card?

Report the loss immediately to your municipal office and apply for a replacement card to prevent unauthorized use.

Can non-residents obtain a Japanese TIN?

Generally, only registered residents receive a My Number. Non-residents may be subject to alternative identification procedures depending on their Japanese tax obligations.