What is a Re-entry Permit?
A Re-entry Permit allows foreign nationals living in Japan to temporarily leave the country and return without losing their current status of residence.
With this permit, you do not need to apply for a new visa when re-entering Japan, as long as you return within the permitted period.
When is it required?
- When returning to your home country temporarily but planning to come back to Japan
- When staying abroad for a business trip, study, or training
- When leaving Japan for family reasons but continuing to maintain a residence in Japan
👉 Especially if you plan to stay abroad for more than one year, you must obtain a Re-entry Permit.
Two types of re-entry system
- Special Re-entry Permit (Deemed Permit)
- Simply check the box on the embarkation card (ED card) before departure
- Available to foreign residents holding a residence card
- Allows re-entry within 1 year (or until the expiration of your visa, whichever comes first)
- No fee required
- Standard Re-entry Permit (Application required)
- Required if you plan to stay abroad for more than one year
- Valid for up to 5 years (within the period of stay granted)
- Application fee: 3,000 yen (single entry) / 6,000 yen (multiple entries)
Who applies?
- The foreign national themselves must apply at the Immigration Bureau before leaving Japan.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can also handle the procedure on behalf of the applicant.
Required documents
- Application form for Re-entry Permit
- Passport
- Residence card
- Revenue stamp for application fee (if applying for the standard permit)
Application process
- Prepare documents
Passport, residence card, and application form. - Apply at the Immigration Bureau
Submit the application before leaving Japan. - Examination and approval
The permit is usually granted the same day and stamped in your passport. - Leave Japan and return
As long as you re-enter within the validity period, you can continue your residence status without interruption.
Examples
- International student
Returning home for 3 months during summer vacation → Special re-entry permit is sufficient. - Company employee on assignment
Sent abroad for 2 years → Standard multiple re-entry permit obtained → Able to return to Japan after assignment and continue residence status.
Important notes
- Special re-entry permits expire if you stay abroad for over one year.
- You cannot re-enter Japan if your visa expires while abroad.
- If you forget to apply for a re-entry permit before a long-term stay abroad, you may have to apply for a new visa.
Benefits
- Allows you to leave Japan without losing your visa status
- Ensures continuity of your life, studies, or work in Japan
- Provides security for both individuals and companies planning overseas stays
Why consult a professional?
- Guidance on whether the special or standard permit best fits your situation
- Ensures correct application before departure
- Prevents mistakes that could result in losing your residence status
Summary
The Re-entry Permit is essential for foreign nationals who want to leave Japan temporarily while continuing their life, work, or studies here.
For short trips, the special re-entry permit is sufficient, while for long-term stays abroad, the standard permit is required.
By applying properly, you can leave Japan with peace of mind and return without issues.