When a foreign national living in Japan leaves Japan for a temporary return home or an overseas business trip, departing without any procedure causes their existing status of residence to be lost. The mechanisms for leaving Japan while keeping your status of residence and then coming back are the “Re-entry Permit” and the “Special Re-entry Permit.”
This article sets out the differences between the two and which one you should use.
Sources: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Application for Re-entry Permit”; “Special Re-entry Permit (Article 26-2 of the Immigration Control Act)”; “Fee Amounts and Fee Payment Methods for Online Applications”; e-Gov Law Search, “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act,” Articles 26 and 26-2
The differences (comparison table)
| Item | Special Re-entry Permit | Re-entry Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Article 26-2 of the Immigration Control Act | Article 26 of the Immigration Control Act |
| Advance application | Not required (you state your intention at departure) | Apply at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau before departure |
| Period of validity | 1 year from the date of departure (until the expiry of the period of stay, if that comes first). 2 years for special permanent residents | Up to 5 years within the period of stay (6 years for special permanent residents) |
| Types | Single use | Single use or multiple use |
| Fee | None | Counter: 4,000 yen for single use, 7,000 yen for multiple use |
| Extension of the period of validity abroad | Not possible | May be extended at a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad in some cases |
Special Re-entry Permit
Who can use it
It is available to foreign nationals residing in Japan with a status of residence who hold a valid passport (mid- to long-term residents also need their residence card). Persons granted a period of stay of “3 months” or less and persons with “Temporary Visitor” status are not eligible.
The following persons are also ineligible and need a regular Re-entry Permit.
- Persons in proceedings for revocation of status of residence
- Persons subject to suspension of departure confirmation
- Persons for whom a written detention order has been issued
- Persons residing with the status of residence of “Designated Activities” while applying for refugee recognition
- Persons whom the Minister of Justice determines require a re-entry permit, on the grounds that they are likely to commit acts harmful to the interests or public security of Japan, or for other reasons
Procedure at departure
When you depart, check the box on the Embarkation Card for Re-entrant (re-entry ED card) stating that “this is a temporary departure and I intend to re-enter,” present it to the immigration inspector together with your passport and residence card, and state that you wish to depart under the Special Re-entry Permit.
Note: If you forget to check the box and depart, you may lose your status of residence. Be sure to confirm this during the departure procedure.
It cannot be extended
The extension of the period of validity while abroad (Article 26, paragraph 5 of the Immigration Control Act) does not apply to the Special Re-entry Permit (Article 26-2, paragraph 3 of the same Act). Even if illness or family circumstances prevent you from returning within 1 year, there is no way to extend it.
Re-entry Permit
How to apply
Before departure, apply at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence. The standard processing period is stated to be the same day. If you apply at the same time as a change of status of residence or an extension of period of stay, you can also apply online.
| Type | Counter application | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| Valid for single use | 4,000 yen | 3,500 yen |
| Valid for multiple use | 7,000 yen | 6,500 yen |
(For counter applications, the fee is paid with revenue stamps when permission is granted. For online applications filed on or after October 1, Reiwa 8, the fee is paid by convenience store payment or bank payment, and a separate payment processing fee of 220 yen is charged.)
Extension abroad
Where a person who has departed with a Re-entry Permit has reasonable grounds for being unable to re-enter within the period of validity, they may be able to obtain an extension of the period of validity by applying to a Japanese consular officer, etc. abroad, for not more than 1 year, and within a range not exceeding 6 years from the date the permit took effect (Article 26, paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Immigration Control Act).
Note: The period of validity of a Re-entry Permit is set within the period of stay you currently hold. If your period of stay expires first, you lose your status of residence even if you have a Re-entry Permit. If you plan to be abroad beyond the expiry of your period of stay, note that, as a rule, an extension of period of stay can only be applied for from 3 months before expiry. If you have circumstances such as an overseas assignment, study abroad, or returning home to give birth, applications may be accepted earlier than 3 months in advance, so please consult the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or a specialist before departure.
Which should you use?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| A business trip or temporary return home, and you will definitely return within 1 year | Special Re-entry Permit |
| Study abroad, an overseas assignment, childbirth, caring for family, etc., where you may be away for more than 1 year | Re-entry Permit (multiple use) |
| Less than 1 year remains until the expiry of your period of stay | Return by the expiry of your period of stay (neither permit can be used beyond the expiry of your period of stay). If you plan to be abroad beyond the expiry date, consult the immigration authorities about the timing of your extension before departure |
| Ineligible persons (the list above) | Re-entry Permit |
Point: If you have ample time left on your period of stay and are unsure whether you can return within 1 year, it is safest to obtain a Re-entry Permit before departure. The Special Re-entry Permit is convenient, but if you cannot return, the situation cannot be undone.
Leaving Japan while an application for extension of period of stay is pending
If you depart under the Special Re-entry Permit while your extension is under examination (during the so-called special period), the period of validity runs until the expiry of your period of stay (including the special period), and if you do not return within that time, you lose your status of residence. There are also procedures for receiving the notice of permission, so if you plan to leave Japan while an extension application is pending, please be sure to consult us in advance. We explain the special period mechanism in When Can You Apply to Extend Your Period of Stay?.
If you are considering permanent residence or naturalization
Even if you can leave Japan with a Re-entry Permit, long or frequent absences may be treated unfavorably in the examination for permission for permanent residence or naturalization. For how days abroad are assessed, please see How the Permanent Residence Guidelines Changed on October 1, Reiwa 8 and Naturalization Residence Requirement.
Summary
- If you will return within 1 year, you can, as a rule, depart under the Special Re-entry Permit (do not forget to check the box on the ED card at departure).
- The Special Re-entry Permit cannot be extended abroad. If you cannot return, you lose your status of residence.
- If you may be away for more than 1 year, obtain a Re-entry Permit before departure. Its period of validity is up to 5 years, and it may be extended abroad.
- For special permanent residents, the Special Re-entry Permit is valid for 2 years, and the Re-entry Permit for up to 6 years.
Our Support
If you plan to leave Japan for a long-term overseas assignment, childbirth, caring for family, or similar, or plan to depart while an extension or permanent residence application is pending, please consult us before departure. A gyoseishoshi lawyer registered as a filing agent will help with the Re-entry Permit application together with your extension of period of stay.
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