Extension of the period of validity of the re-entry permit to Japan

March 23, 2011

A foreign national who departs from Japan with a re-entry permit and is unable to return to Japan in due course owing to the recent situation in Japan in the aftermath of the Tohoku - Pacific Ocean Earthquake, can apply, even after the period of validity expires, for an extension of the re-entry permit's period of validity at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General.

In principle, extension of the period of validity of the re-entry permit will be granted to an applicant when the applicant meets the following conditions unless the Embassy or Consulate-General believes the extension is inappropriate.

For further information, please contact the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan.

(Conditions)

The period of validity of a re-entry permit can be extended for up to one year at one time, as long as the extended period of the re-entry permit does not exceed four years (five years for special permanent residents) from the date when the original re-entry permit came into effect. At the same time, the period of a re-entry permit cannot be extended beyond the period of stay granted before departure from Japan unless the foreign national applied for the extension of the period of stay or for the change of status of resident before leaving Japan.

What is a re-entry permit?

The re-entry permit is required when a foreign national residing in Japan wishes to leave Japan temporarily and then return during the authorized term of residence. Permanent Resident status holders also require re-entry permit.

Re-entry permit enables foreign nationals to re-enter Japan without obtaining a new visa, as long as their re-entry is within the period of validity of the permit.

For re-entry permit holders, the procedure for entering Japan is much simpler than the usual landing procedure.

How can I obtain re-entry permit?

Foreign nationals can obtain a re-entry permit before departing Japan.

Application for a re-entry permit can be made at the nearest immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. When a re-entry permit is granted, the permit is stamped on the foreign national's passport.

In principle, a re-entry permit is valid for only one time. However, foreign nationals who have to leave Japan frequently can apply for multiple re-entry permits.

How can I extend Re-entry permit?

It is not possible to obtain re-entry permit at an Embassy or Consulate-General after departure from Japan. However, if a foreign national who departs Japan after acquiring a re-entry permit and is unable to return to Japan due to unavoidable reason, such as illness, travel interruption, or continuation of studies, can apply, even after the period of validity of the re-entry permit expires, for an extension of the re-entry permit's period of validity at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General.

Reference:

Article 26 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act