There are two types of re-entry permit: a permit that is valid only once and a multiple re-entry permit that can be used multiple times until the expiration date. The period of validity for re-entry permit shall be determined within the current permitted period of stay for up to five years (or six years for special permanent residents).
. Special Re-entry Permit
Under the Special Re-entry Permit System, for foreign residents in Japan with the status of residence and possess a valid passport, other than those for whom a period of stay for three months or less has been decided on or those staying in Japan with the status of residence of "Temporary Visitor," are, in principle, exempted from obtaining an ordinary re-entry permit, when re-entering Japan within one year from the date of his departure.A mid- to long term resident must possess a residence card (or when he has not been issued a residence card, an alien registration certificate), in addition to a valid passport.The period of validity for a Special Re-entry Permit is one year from the date of the departure from Japan, but when the permitted period of stay expires before one year from the date of the departure from Japan, the period of validity for a Special Re-entry Permit shall be until the expiration date of the period of stay.
However, foreign residents falling under any of the following are not eligible for a Special Re-entry Permit, and are required to obtain an ordinary re-entry permit:
i. A foreign national whose status of residence is under procedures for revocation;
ii. A foreign national for whom confirmation of departure is being deferred;
iii. A foreign national for whom a written detention order has been issued;
iv. A foreign national who stays in Japan with the status of residence for "Designated Activities" while applying for recognition of refugee status;
v. A foreign national who is specified by the Minister of Justice to be a threat to Japan’s national interests or public order, or for other good reasons to be in need of a re-entry permit for the sake of fair control of entries and departures.
A foreign resident who intends to depart from Japan with a Special Re-entry Permit must possess a valid passport (a mid- to long term resident must possess a valid passport and a residence card) and manifest his intention to depart from Japan with a Special Re-entry Permit to an immigration inspector upon departure. Specifically, as a Re-entry and Departure Record (Re-entry ED Card) has a column for the manifestation of the intention to re-enter Japan with a Special Re-entry Permit, the relevant person should check the said column and present it making a statement of your intention to an immigration inspector.Foreign residents who possess a valid passport and a special permanent resident certificate (or when he has not been issued a special permanent resident certificate, an alien registration certificate) are also eligible for a Special Re-entry Permit. The period of validity for a Special Re-entry Permit for special permanent residents is for two years from the date of the departure.
2.When to submit
Up until the applicant leaves Japan
3.Where to submit
The regional immigration office in charge of applicant's address
4.Screening criteria
The applicant is not subject to the deportation procedures.
The applicant is not regarded as improper as re-entering Japan due to any other reason..