Re-entry

Temporarily leaving Japan during your period of stay and then returning is called "re-entry."
If you re-enter Japan within one year of departure (or within your period of stay if it expires within one year) and continue the same activities, a "special re-entry permit" will apply.
If your period of stay is valid for more than one year, and you re-enter Japan more than one year after your departure, you must obtain a “re-entry permit” before leaving Japan.

International students must complete the required procedures at the relevant section of their department and submit their departure and return schedule via the Travel Abroad Registration System when leaving Japan temporarily, such as for a short trip or returning home with the intent of coming back to Japan.

Special Re-entry Permit

Foreign nationals holding a valid passport and residence card (or alien registration certificate equivalent to a residence card) are generally not required to obtain a re-entry permit if they depart Japan and plan to re-enter within one year to continue the same activities in Japan as designated on their visa. This system is called a Special Re-entry Permit.

You must present your residence card (or its equivalent) when departing Japan. Additionally, please indicate your intention to re-enter Japan by checking the box marked "Departure with Special Re-entry Permission" on your Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (ED card).

The validity period of a special re-entry permit cannot be extended while abroad. Please be aware that if you do not re-enter Japan within one year of departure, or within your period of stay if it expires in less than one year after departure, you will lose your resident status.

The special re-entry permit system also covers those holding a passport stamped with “Residence card will be issued at a later date” or an alien registration certificate (equivalent to a residence card).

Re-entry Permit

Foreign nationals holding a valid passport and residence card (or alien registration certificate equivalent to a residence card) who temporarily leave Japan and wish to re-enter after more than one year within their permitted period of stay to continue their activities in Japan can obtain a re-entry permit before departure. This eliminates the need to visit the Japanese embassy or consulate abroad to obtain a new visa.
However, a re-entry permit is not a guarantee of permission to land. Upon returning to Japan, you will still be screened by an immigration officer at the port of entry.

There are two types of re-entry permits: single-entry and multiple-entry. The validity period of re-entry permits is until the end of your permitted period of stay, up to a maximum of five years (six years for special permanent residents).

Required documents:

1. Application for re-entry permit
   (Application forms can be obtained at an immigration services bureau or downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency website.)
2. Passport
3. Residence card (alien registration certificate equivalent to a residence card)
4. Fees (Single re-entry: 3,000 yen, multiple re-entry: 6,000 yen)

■Important notice
If you depart Japan without using either the "special re-entry permit" or the "re-entry permit" system, your current status of residence will be considered abandoned, requiring you to obtain a visa again upon re-entry. Obtaining a new visa may take a considerable amount of time. If you are currently studying or working in Japan and plan to travel abroad temporarily, make sure to apply for one of the re-entry permits before leaving Japan.