Re-Entry Permit（再入国許可 ）
The “Status of residence” (visa) of foreigners in Japan was originally granted when they were in Japan, and the status of residence they held when they left Japan was cancelled. However, with frequent travel to and from Japan, if the status of residence is cancelled every time a foreigner leaves Japan, it is particularly unrealistic and burdensome for foreigners to obtain a visa from the time they first applied for the status of residence. So, to keep the status of residence, you have to apply Re-Entry Permit before leaving Japan. For foreigners who lived in Japan before 9 July 2012, there are memories of applying to the Immigration Bureau for Re-Entry Permit before leaving Japan.
Special Re-Enrty Permit（みなし再入国許可 ）
With the revision of the Immigration Control Act on 9 July 2012, the procedures for rRe-Entry Permit have been simplified. Foreigners who re-enter Japan within ONE year of leaving do not need to obtain a Re-Entry Permit in advance and can re-enter Japan. This called a “Special Re-Entry Permit” (Minashi Sainyukoku Kyoka).
Special Re-Entry Permit for foreigners can be granted whose status of residence has more than three months. So, Temporary visitor visa cannot use this Special Re-Entry Permit.
When you fill out your Embarkation Card at the airport of Japan during the departure inspection, you can check the box for Special Re-Entry Permit and tell the inspection officer about it.
The Re-Entry Permit is a very convenient system for foreigners who have to return to Japan for a sudden emergency and then return to Japan a few days later. However, please note that there have been cases where foreigners have used the Special Re-Entry Permit to leave Japan and have not re-entered within the time limit, or have been restricted from returning to Japan within the time limit due to the Covid-19. In such cases, it is necessary to apply for a Re-Entry Permit , not a Special Re-Entry Permit.
When Re-Entry Permits are required？
Foreigners who apply for Re-Entry Permit at the Immigration Bureau in advance are those who leave Japan and do not return for more than 1 year. Even foreigners with a 5-year status of residence (visa), or those who have left Japan for more than 1 year without a period of stay in a permanent resident (Eijyu), are required to apply for a Re-Entry Permit.
The maximum period of validity of the Re-Entry Permit is 5 years, and in the case of illness, it can be extended for a further 1 year at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate abroad, but this period of validity must be within the period of stay held, and in the case of permanent residents, the period of validity is 5 years. There are two types of Re-Entry Permit, Single and Multiple, and the fee is 3,000 yen for a Single and 6,000 yen for a Multiple application.
Applications for rRe-Entry Permit can be made at the local immigration office. The documents required are an application form for Re-Entry Permit, your residence card and your passport. You can usually get the permission on the same day you apply. The application can be made in person or by the Gyoseishoshi lawyer.
The period of validity of the Re-Entry Permit for special permanent residents (Tokubetsu Eijyusha) is different.
Note: If you are not in Japan, we cannot support to apply for a Re-Entry Permit or extend it on your behalf! Also, we cannot extend the Special Re-entry Permit for those who are not in Japan.
Other Question?
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