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Re-entry Permit

Lets you leave Japan temporarily and return without losing your status of residence. Short trips can use free 'special re-entry' (minashi sainyukoku).

1 min readChecked against official sources 2026-06-14

Contents

  • Steps
  • What to bring
  • Official sources
  • Related guides

Lets you leave Japan temporarily and return without losing your status of residence. Short trips can use free 'special re-entry' (minashi sainyukoku).

Where: Immigration Services Agency (at the airport / immigration bureau) · When: Before you leave Japan. Special re-entry is valid for 1 year from the date of departure, or until your period of stay expires — whichever comes first.
Special re-entry cannot be used if your period of stay was set at '3 months' or less, or if you hold 'Temporary Visitor' status. If either applies to you, check with the Immigration Services Agency what you need to do before you leave.

Steps

  1. 1For trips returning within 1 year: at departure, show your residence card and tick the special re-entry box on the embarkation card. You must re-enter before your period of stay expires — if that date falls inside the year, it is your real deadline, not the 1-year mark.
  2. 2For longer absences: apply for a re-entry permit at the immigration bureau before leaving.

What to bring

  • ▢Passport
  • ▢Residence card
  • ▢Re-entry permit application form (for a standard re-entry permit)

Official sources

  • Immigration Services Agency - Re-entry Permit↗ (opens in a new tab)
  • Immigration Services Agency - Special Re-entry Permit↗ (opens in a new tab)

Related guides

  • →Extension of Period of Stay
  • →Resident Tax
  • →Permanent Residence Application

Information, not advice

This guide is general information only — not legal, administrative, tax or other professional advice, and not a filing service. Rules and procedures can change; always confirm with the official window or website. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or contact the relevant government office directly.

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