Re-entry Permit vs Special Re-entry Permit in Japan: The 1-Year Rule

Mid- to long-term residents holding a valid passport and residence card (在留カード) can leave Japan without a re-entry permit if they return within one year of departure (or by the expiry of their period of stay, if that comes first). This is the special re-entry permit (みなし再入国許可). If you plan to be away from Japan for more than one year, obtain a re-entry permit (再入国許可) from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) before departure. A re-entry permit is valid for up to five years within your period of stay (six years for special permanent residents).

Re-entry permit vs special re-entry permit

Both allow you to leave Japan temporarily while keeping your status of residence and to return on the same status. The main differences are the need for advance application and the validity period.

For short business trips or temporary visits home, a special re-entry permit is enough. For departures that may last more than one year, such as an overseas assignment, giving birth abroad or caring for family, choose a re-entry permit.

Conditions and use of the special re-entry permit

Who is eligible

• Mid- to long-term residents holding a valid passport and residence card
• Special permanent residents holding a valid passport and special permanent resident certificate

In certain cases, such as where proceedings to revoke the person’s status of residence are under way, the special re-entry permit cannot be used. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, check with an immigration services bureau before departure.

Procedure at departure

At departure inspection, tick the box on the re-entry embarkation card (ED card) indicating that you wish to leave on a special re-entry permit, and present your residence card. If you leave without indicating this intention, your status of residence is lost on departure unless you hold a re-entry permit.

Validity cannot exceed your period of stay

A special re-entry permit is valid for one year from departure. However, if your period of stay expires before then, you must return by that expiry date. For example, if your period of stay expires four months after departure, re-enter Japan within four months and apply to renew your period of stay in Japan.

When a re-entry permit is needed and how to apply

When you should obtain a re-entry permit

• You plan to be away from Japan for more than one year after departure
• Your return date is undecided and may be more than one year away
• You travel in and out often and want to hold a multiple permit

Permanent residents are no exception. If a permanent resident leaves on a special re-entry permit and does not return within one year, their permanent resident status is lost. To live in Japan again, they would need to obtain a status of residence anew.

How to apply

1. Before departure, apply at the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence
2. Submit the application form and present your passport and residence card
3. Choose a single or multiple permit
4. Receive the permit and pay the fee

The fee differs for single and multiple permits. Amounts may be revised, so check the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance when you apply.

Extending validity while abroad

If a person who left on a re-entry permit cannot return in time for unavoidable reasons such as illness, they may be able to apply for an extension of validity at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. There is a cap on how long it can be extended, and it cannot be extended beyond the period of stay. The special re-entry permit has no such extension mechanism.

Choosing the right option for your situation

A re-entry permit is never granted beyond the expiry of your period of stay. If your period of stay expires in two years, the re-entry permit will fall within that range. For permanent residents, who have no fixed period of stay, it is granted for up to five years.

Special permanent residents

Special permanent residents holding a valid passport and special permanent resident certificate can use a special re-entry permit to re-enter within two years of departure. A re-entry permit, if obtained, is valid for up to six years.

Each family member needs their own procedure

Both the special re-entry permit and the re-entry permit are individual procedures. If you leave Japan long term with your family, check the period of stay and procedures for every family member, including children. Take particular care if family members’ periods of stay differ from yours.

Procedure when re-entering

When returning to Japan, present your passport and residence card at immigration inspection. If you hold a re-entry permit, make sure the permit stamp is in your passport. If you lost your residence card while abroad, you will need to apply for reissue after re-entering.

What to check before a long departure

Period of stay and renewal

A re-entry permit does not extend your period of stay itself. Renewal of the period of stay is in principle applied for while you are in Japan. If you have a period of stay of six months or more, you can apply for renewal from roughly three months before expiry. In special circumstances, such as a long business trip, applications may be accepted more than three months in advance. If your period of stay will expire while you are abroad, complete the renewal before departure or plan to return before it expires.

Activities under your status and the impact on reviews

• If a person holding a work status has not engaged in the corresponding activities for three months or more without a legitimate reason, their status of residence may be revoked.
• Renewal of the Business Manager visa (経営・管理ビザ) checks whether you are actually managing the business in Japan. A long absence will need to be explained. We cover renewal preparation in renewing a Business Manager visa.
• In a permanent residence application, long or frequent absences may mean you are not regarded as having resided continuously. For details, see permanent residency requirements and key review points.

Tax and resident registration

A long absence from Japan can change your status as a resident or non-resident for tax purposes. Before departure, check your inhabitant tax, final tax return and whether you need to appoint a tax agent (納税管理人). For the criteria, see determining tax residency in Japan. Check with the municipality where you live whether you need to file a notification of moving out of your resident record.

Pre-departure checklist

• When does your period of stay expire, and will it expire while you are away
• Will you return within one year, and could the trip run longer
• Will you use a special re-entry permit or obtain a re-entry permit in advance
• Are your passport and residence card valid long enough
• Have you checked the period of stay and procedures for accompanying family members
• Have you arranged inhabitant tax, your final tax return and a tax agent
• Have you checked the impact on your employer or the company you run (actual activities, residence reviews)

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to tick the special re-entry box on the ED card at departure
• Leaving on a special re-entry permit and then being unable to return within one year because of circumstances abroad
• Overlooking that your period of stay expires before the one-year special re-entry limit
• Reaching the end of your period of stay while abroad and being unable to renew

Summary

As a rule, use a special re-entry permit if you will return within one year, and obtain a re-entry permit before departure if you may be away for longer. Neither can be used beyond your period of stay, so always check your expiry date and renewal timing before you leave.

Working with partner administrative scriveners and certified tax accountants, TIMOA supports you from checking your period of stay before a long departure through re-entry permit and renewal applications to sorting out your taxes while abroad. For details, see our Visas, Talent & Living page.