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Residence Card Return

If you are permanently ending your life in Japan and giving up your residency status, your Residence Card is collected at the airport immigration counter upon departure. No advance procedure is needed — it is returned automatically at the exit gate.

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Documents needed

Residence Card (to be returned)
Passport
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Steps

1

On your departure day, proceed to the immigration counter at the airport

2

Present your passport and Residence Card to the immigration officer

3

Your Residence Card will be collected and an exit stamp will be placed in your passport

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Important notes

The Residence Card is automatically collected at the airport exit immigration counter. No advance visit to immigration or the city office is required

If you leave Japan with a re-entry permit (including a deemed re-entry permit), your residence card stays valid and is not surrendered. If you leave without one, the card becomes invalid at that moment and is surrendered at the port of departure

If you leave without returning your card (e.g., due to loss), you must return it or report to the immigration office at a later date

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

If the cardholder dies, a relative or housemate must return the card within 14 days of the death (or of finding the card, if it turns up later)

If you had your residence card reissued after losing it and later find the old card, you must return the old one within 14 days of finding it

Failing to return the card on time can result in a fine. You can return it in person at the regional immigration office for your area, or by post with the reference form and a document showing the reason for return

Official info verified: 2026-09-10 / Source: moj.go.jp
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