Foreign Nationals Eligible for a Re-entry Permit

A re-entry permit is granted to foreign nationals who are expected to continue their residence-based activities in Japan. However, if you have been issued a detention order (issued when you are detained in a regional immigration detention facility due to illegal stay or illegal entry) or are otherwise deemed ineligible for a re-entry permit, your application may be denied.

Types of Re-entry Permits: Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry

There are two types of re-entry permits: a single-entry permit (valid for one departure and return) and a multiple-entry permit (allowing unlimited entries and exits within the permitted period).

The stamp duty fee when applying at an Immigration Services Agency counter is JPY 4,000 for a single-entry permit and JPY 7,000 for a multiple-entry permit. For online applications, the fees are JPY 3,500 (single-entry) and JPY 6,500 (multiple-entry) (applicable to applications received on or after April 1, 2025; for fees prior to the revision, please refer to the Ministry of Justice: "Revision of Fees for Residence Procedures").

Period of Validity

The maximum validity period for a re-entry permit is five years (six years for special permanent residents). If your current period of stay is shorter than this, the permit will be valid until the end of your period of stay. If your period of stay is running low, you should first renew your period of stay before applying for a re-entry permit.

Extension of Re-entry Permit Validity

If you have left Japan with a re-entry permit but are unable to return within the validity period due to unavoidable circumstances, you may apply for an extension of your re-entry permit's validity at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The extension may be granted for up to one year per application, within a maximum of six years (seven years for special permanent residents) from the date the original re-entry permit was issued. Please note that the period of stay itself cannot be extended, so you must re-enter Japan before your status of residence expires.

Deemed Re-entry Permit

Foreign nationals residing in Japan with a valid status of residence who hold both a valid passport and a residence card, and who plan to re-enter Japan within one year of departure, do not need to obtain a re-entry permit. When leaving Japan, simply check the box indicating your wish to depart under the deemed re-entry permit system on the re-entry departure record (re-entry ED card) at the airport, and present your passport, residence card, and the completed re-entry ED card to the immigration officer at the airport. There is no application fee.

The deemed re-entry permit is well-suited for short overseas trips such as vacations.

Please note that if your status of residence expires within one year, its expiration date becomes the effective deadline for re-entry, and you will be unable to re-enter Japan after that date. Additionally, it is not possible to extend a deemed re-entry permit while abroad.

Special permanent residents who hold a valid passport and special permanent resident certificate are also eligible for the deemed re-entry permit. The validity period for special permanent residents is two years from the date of departure.

Please be aware that the deemed re-entry permit cannot be extended overseas. If you are unable to re-enter Japan within the time limit, your status of residence will be forfeited. If there is any possibility that your stay abroad will exceed one year, it is advisable to obtain a standard re-entry permit before departure. Furthermore, for those who frequently travel outside Japan, obtaining a multiple-entry re-entry permit (allowing unlimited entries within a specified period) may be more convenient, as it eliminates the need to visit the Immigration Services Agency each time and removes the risk of forgetting to apply for the deemed re-entry permit — all for a stamp duty of JPY 7,000 at the counter (or JPY 6,500 online).

In addition, the following individuals are not eligible for the deemed re-entry permit and must obtain a standard re-entry permit instead.

1. Those currently undergoing revocation procedures for their status of residence
2. Persons subject to a hold on departure confirmation
3. Persons who have been issued a detention order
4. Those residing in Japan under a "Specified Activities" status while their refugee recognition application is pending
5. Those certified by the Minister of Justice as having reasonable grounds to believe they may engage in acts harmful to Japan's interests or public safety, or for whom re-entry permission is otherwise deemed necessary for fair immigration management

When Permanent Residents or Special Permanent Residents Plan to Stay Abroad for More Than One Year

If a permanent resident plans to stay abroad for more than one year, they must obtain a re-entry permit from the local Immigration Services Agency in advance. The deemed re-entry permit applies for stays up to one year (two years for special permanent residents), but failing to go through this process for stays exceeding that period will result in the loss of permanent residency status. It is therefore strongly recommended to obtain a multiple-entry re-entry permit, which is valid for up to five years (six years for special permanent residents).

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the validity period of a re-entry permit is determined within the scope of the current period of stay, with a maximum of five years (six years for special permanent residents) (Re-entry Permit Application | Immigration Services Agency of Japan). The deemed re-entry permit is valid for one year from the date of departure (two years for special permanent residents), so if your overseas stay is expected to fall within that period, simply checking the re-entry ED card at the airport is sufficient. However, if there is any possibility of exceeding that period, you must obtain a re-entry permit — particularly a multiple-entry permit that can be used repeatedly — at a local immigration office before departure.

If you obtained a re-entry permit before leaving Japan but are unable to re-enter within its validity period due to unavoidable circumstances, you may apply for an "extension of re-entry permit validity" at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. The extension is limited to a maximum of one year per approval, within six years (seven years for special permanent residents) from the date the permit took effect. However, since the period of stay cannot be extended, you must re-enter Japan before your status of residence expires.

To avoid losing permanent residency status, permanent residents and special permanent residents who plan to stay abroad for an extended period are strongly encouraged to apply for a re-entry permit at the local Immigration Services Agency office with jurisdiction over their area of residence before departure. Our office can also handle the application on your behalf, so please feel free to contact us.

Status of Residence with No Restrictions on Work Activities

The following four types of status of residence have no restrictions on work activities, so there is no need to apply for permission to engage in activities outside your status: Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident.

Required Documents

• Application form
• Residence card or special permanent resident certificate (to be presented)
  ※ If someone other than the applicant submits the re-entry permit application on behalf of the applicant, the applicant must carry a copy of their residence card.
• Passport (to be presented)
• If the passport cannot be presented, a written statement explaining the reason
• Documents proving identity (required when the application is submitted by an authorized agent)

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