The resident registration network in Japan, which enables nationwide identity verification by putting all resident registration information on a network, will include foreign residents beginning July 8, according to Kyodo News Agency.

Persons residing in Japan for more than three months and special permanent residents who have been registered within the system starting from July 2012 are eligible.

The move is said to help simplify government executive procedures for foreign residents in Japan as administrative organs nationwide can share the information of the network system.

Eligible applicants will receive a resident registration card which is a secure IC card, and they can use such card with photo as official identification.

To acquire the card, foreign residents must fill out the proper application registration form and bring that along with a personal photo, for those who want a resident registration card with photo, and certificate such as residence card to apply at their municipalities of residence. In some municipalities the application process is free.

It is reported that about 2 million foreign residents will be on the network, known otherwise as the "Juki Net."

With their information in the system, copies of resident records can be issued at municipalities outside of any applicant's home municipality.

Those who have been issued a resident registration card will be able to move to another residence simply by filling out the proper forms and submitting them online or via regular mail to the appropriate municipality.

Eligible foreign residents will receive an 11-digit record code by their municipality of residence beginning July 8, 2013.