Before temporarily leaving Japan, don’t forget to complete the necessary re-entry procedures.
If you leave without doing so, you may risk losing your residence status—even if you’ve worked hard to obtain it.
If your stay abroad will be less than one year, you can use the “Special Re-entry Permit,” which allows you to return easily without additional paperwork.
However, if you plan to stay outside Japan for one year or longer, you must apply for a “Re-entry Permit” before departure.
Both options are essential preparations for returning to Japan smoothly.
It may feel like a hassle, but taking the time to confirm your status before leaving will give you peace of mind when you come back.
◆Re-entry Permit
If you hold a residence status in Japan and plan to stay abroad for more than one year, you must apply for a Re-entry Permit before leaving the country.
There are two types of permits: a single-use permit and a multiple-use permit, which allows re-entry as many times as needed within the validity period. Choose the one that best suits your travel plans.
To apply, submit the required documents to the Immigration Services Agency before departure.
This extra step helps protect your residence status. If your paperwork is in order, the permit may be issued on the same day—so preparing in advance will give you peace of mind.
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In principle, applications for a Re-entry Permit must be submitted in person at the Immigration Services Agency.
However, certain individuals are permitted to apply on behalf of the applicant under specific conditions, such as the following:
- Representative of the company to which the applicant belongs
- Travel Agency
- If the applicant is a minor, their legal guardian may apply on their behalf
- A lawyer or certified administrative scrivener authorized to submit applications on behalf of clients (Shinsei Toritsugi qualification holder)
Among the available options, certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) authorized to act as immigration application agents are especially well-versed in residence procedures for foreign nationals.
You can rely on them with confidence—from preparing documents to submitting the application itself.
Even if you’re unable to visit the immigration office in person due to unavoidable circumstances, a qualified professional with application agent certification can carry out the procedure on your behalf.
However, reasons such as “being busy with work” or “not having enough time” are not accepted for proxy applications.
If you truly cannot attend in person, you’ll need to submit a written explanation of the reason. If you’re feeling uncertain about the process or struggling to coordinate your schedule, consulting with a certified administrative scrivener is highly recommended.
With expert support, you can prepare thoroughly and protect your residence status with greater ease and peace of mind.
◆Re-entry Permit Extension
If you are unable to return to Japan within the validity period of your Re-entry Permit due to unavoidable circumstances, you may apply for an extension of up to one year at a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad (such as an embassy or consulate).
Please note that extensions are only granted in cases beyond your control—such as natural disasters or illness. Personal reasons like “wanting to stay longer” or “a change in plans” are not considered valid grounds for extension.
Additionally, the extension must fall within the validity period of your residence status.
In other words, you cannot extend your Re-entry Permit beyond the expiration date of your residence status itself.
If unexpected circumstances make it difficult to return to Japan, contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They will help you explore the best course of action based on your situation.
◆Deemed Re-entry Permit
If you plan to return to Japan within one year of departure, you can use the “Special Re-entry Permit” system without applying for a permit in advance.
This system allows eligible residents to leave and re-enter Japan without additional procedures, as long as certain conditions are met.
The key requirement is to clearly indicate your intention to re-enter Japan on the ED card (Embarkation/Disembarkation card for re-entry) submitted at the airport during departure.
If you forget to mark this intention, your residence status will become invalid, and you may not be allowed to return. Departure procedures can be hectic, but filling out the ED card properly is a crucial step.
If you plan to use the Special Re-entry Permit, be sure to declare your intention to return when completing the airport procedures.
◆Deemed Re-entry Permit Extension
Under the current system, the validity period of a deemed Re-entry Permit cannot be extended.