Re-Entry Permit Check
If you are leaving Japan temporarily while keeping your residency status, either a 'deemed re-entry permit' or a standard 're-entry permit' applies depending on your planned absence. Failing to return within the permitted period will result in your residency status being cancelled.
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Steps
If staying abroad for 1 year or less: no special procedure needed. At the airport, simply check the 'deemed re-entry permit' box on your departure card
If staying abroad for more than 1 year: obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration office before departure. Note that a re-entry permit does not extend your residence period — if your residence period expires before your planned return, you must return before that date or check whether renewal is possible before departing
If you obtained a re-entry permit, return to Japan before the permit expires (maximum 5 years)
Important notes
A deemed re-entry permit is not granted automatically. When leaving, you must tick the box on the re-entry embarkation card (re-entry ED card) and tell the immigration inspector that you wish to depart under a deemed re-entry permit. It is valid for 1 year from departure (or until your period of stay expires, whichever comes first); if you cannot return in time, you lose your status of residence
Re-entry permit: apply in advance at the immigration bureau (fees: 4,000 yen single-use / 7,000 yen multiple-use at the counter, 3,500 yen / 6,500 yen online). Valid for up to 5 years within your current period of stay (6 years for special permanent residents). Standard processing is same-day
If you leave under a deemed or regular re-entry permit, your residence card remains valid, so keep it with you. You must present it together with a valid passport when you return
Permanent residents are no exception: leaving without a re-entry permit (including a deemed one) invalidates the residence card. Even for a short trip, always secure a deemed or regular re-entry permit before departing
The following people cannot use a deemed re-entry permit and need a regular one: those with a period of stay of 3 months or less, those on Temporary Visitor status, those undergoing status revocation proceedings, those subject to withheld departure confirmation, those served with a written detention order, those on Designated Activities status while applying for refugee recognition, and those designated by the Minister of Justice
For special permanent residents, a deemed re-entry permit is valid for 2 years from the date of departure