Applying for a Re-entry Permit in Japan

What is a re-entry permit application?

A re-entry permit is a permit granted by the Ministry of Justice to a foreign national residing in Japan prior to departure that simplifies the procedures for re-entering and landing in Japan. It is important to note that if a foreigner residing in Japan leaves Japan without a re-entry permit (including a deemed re-entry permit), the status of residence held by that foreigner shall be terminated.

If you wish to enter Japan, the normal procedure is to obtain a new visa before entering the country, undergo an immigration examination, and if approved, enter Japan. On the other hand, foreign nationals with a re-entry permit (including deemed re-entry permit) are exempted from obtaining a visa, which is normally required for landing examination at the time of re-entry.

If you enter Japan with a re-entry permit, your status of residence and period of stay will be deemed to have continued after your departure from Japan. The effective period of re-entry will be five years (six years for special permanent residents) before the expiration date of the current status of residence or within the period of stay, whichever comes first.

What is Deemed Re-entry?

A “deemed re-entry” permit is not required for foreign nationals residing in Japan who wish to re-enter Japan before the expiration date of their current status of residence or one year from the date of their departure, whichever comes first (this is not applicable for a status of residence expiring within 3 months or a “Temporary Visitor” visa).

If you wish to re-enter Japan before the expiration date of your current status of residence or one year from the date of your departure, you will not be required to obtain a regular re-entry permit. If you wish to depart Japan with a Deemed Re-entry Permit, you must check the “I wish to depart Japan with a Deemed Re-entry Permit” box on your Re-entry Departure Record (Re-entry ED Card) at the time of departure, and present it together with your passport and residence card to the examiner. If you wish to re-enter Japan for a period of more than one year, you must apply in advance at the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of residence before leaving Japan.