Japan Re-Entry Permit 2026 — みなし再入国 & Regular Permit
If you hold a Japan residence card and plan to leave the country, understand the two re-entry paths: automatic Deemed Re-entry for trips under 1 year, and formal Re-entry Permit for longer or complex cases.
Japan residents with a valid 在留カード (residence card) must think about re-entry rules before any trip abroad. Leaving without the right paperwork cancels your residence status automatically, forcing you to start over with a new COE application. Since 2012, most foreign residents enjoy 「みなし再入国 / Deemed Re-entry」 — a free, automatic 1-year coverage. Longer absences, second entries within the gap, or certain status types still need the formal 再入国許可 (Re-entry Permit).
みなし再入国 (Deemed Re-entry) — Automatic, Free, 1 Year
Available to almost all foreign residents with a valid residence card and passport since July 2012. You check the "I intend to return within 1 year" box on the Embarkation/Disembarkation Card for Re-entrant (ED card) and hand in a copy of your residence card at departure immigration. No application, no fee, no waiting.
Requirements:
- Valid residence card at departure
- Valid passport
- Plan to return within 1 year of departure (or before your residence period ends, whichever is earlier)
- Tick the Deemed Re-entry box on the ED card
Critical rule: There is NO extension from abroad. If you don't return within 1 year, your residence status is gone — no exceptions.
Regular 再入国許可 (Re-entry Permit) — When You Need It
File before departure at the Immigration Bureau (入管局) if any of these apply:
- You plan to be away for more than 1 year.
- You're unsure you'll return in time — the permit extends coverage up to 5 years (6 years for Special Permanent Residents), usable in single or multiple trips.
- Your Japanese residence card is expiring within the 1-year window — the permit can align with the card's validity.
- Trainees, Specified Skilled Workers, and some other categories with restricted re-entry rules.
Fees: ¥3,000 (single re-entry) or ¥6,000 (multiple re-entry), paid in revenue stamps on the day of application.
Special Permanent Resident Rules
特別永住者 (Special Permanent Residents — mostly Koreans with historical Japan ties) follow separate rules: up to 2 years automatic Deemed Re-entry, and a 6-year formal Re-entry Permit. Special PRs also cannot be stripped of status by departure alone, but must still follow procedures to preserve residency evidence.
How to Apply for a Regular Re-entry Permit
1. Visit the Immigration Bureau that covers your registered address. No appointment needed in most offices; expect 1-3 hours queuing.
2. Bring: passport, residence card, application form (downloadable from moj.go.jp or picked up at the counter), revenue stamps (¥3,000 or ¥6,000), and the processing fee.
3. Submitted same-day; permit is stamped into the passport on the spot.
4. Apply at least 2-4 weeks before departure to allow buffer for any document issues.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving without ticking Deemed Re-entry → Your residence status is canceled as of departure. Fix requires new COE + visa.
- Exceeding 1 year on Deemed Re-entry → Status gone, no grace period. Must start over.
- Assuming PR gives lifetime re-entry → Regular PR still needs Deemed Re-entry or Re-entry Permit. Only 特別永住者 have lifetime implicit re-entry.
- Forgetting re-entry when visa expires abroad → If your period of stay ends while you're abroad, you cannot re-enter on Deemed Re-entry even within the 1-year window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a permanent resident need a re-entry permit?▾
Regular permanent residents (永住者) still need Deemed Re-entry for trips under 1 year or a formal Re-entry Permit for longer. Only 特別永住者 (Special Permanent Residents) have separate, more lenient rules.
Can I extend my Deemed Re-entry from abroad?▾
No. This is the harshest rule — once you've departed with Deemed Re-entry, your return deadline is fixed at 1 year. Stay longer and your residence status is canceled. If you might exceed 1 year, apply for a formal Re-entry Permit before departure.
What happens if I forget to tick the Deemed Re-entry box?▾
You surrender your residence status as of departure. When you return, you'll be treated as a new visitor — visa required, new COE process needed to restore your original status. Border officials cannot override this after the fact.
How much does the Re-entry Permit cost?▾
¥3,000 for a single re-entry permit, ¥6,000 for a multiple re-entry permit (unlimited trips during the validity). Paid in revenue stamps (収入印紙) purchased at the Immigration Bureau or a post office. No online payment.
My residence card expires while I'm abroad — can I still re-enter?▾
No. Deemed Re-entry requires you to return before BOTH 1 year and your residence card's expiry — whichever comes first. Renew your residence status BEFORE leaving, or apply for a Re-entry Permit that matches the card's validity.
Is there a fast-track for permanent residents?▾
Regular PR holders can still use the same Deemed Re-entry (1 year) or Re-entry Permit (5 years) system as other residents. There is no PR-specific fast track — only Special Permanent Residents have separate rules.