On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form Re-entry Permit?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form Re-entry Permit rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form Re-entry Permit?)
- Checklist (What is the Form Re-entry Permit checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form Re-entry Permit have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form Re-entry Permit?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Re-entry Permit?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#Applicants with valid status who need a re-entry permit to travel internationally and return to Japan use this form, as described in the Form COE APPLICATION guide, as described in the Form VISA APPLICATION guide.
Before traveling internationally while your case is pending
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form Re-entry Permit?)
#Consult the official instructions to understand all filing requirements thoroughly. The Re-entry Permit, known as "再入国許可申請" in Japanese, is an official form used by applicants filing with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan. It is essential to review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting the application process. Completing the Re-entry Permit does not guarantee approval, and processing times vary depending on the residence category and location.
For "Short-term Stay (Standard)" applications, the processing time is approximately 5 days, while for "Work / Long-term without CoE," it ranges from 1 to 3 months. Ensure you download the current Re-entry Permit and instructions from the official ISA website.
Official portal interface for Re-entry Permit
Source: Re-entry Permit online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for Re-entry Permit varies by location — always check the official ISA processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside Re-entry Permit (or between Re-entry Permit and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Application receipt (受付票)
- Residence Card issuance at Immigration Services Agency office
- next stage forms
Who uses it
This form is intended for residents with valid status who require a re-entry permit to travel abroad and return to Japan. It is applicable to both temporary and long-term residents. Before departure, applicants should download the current Re-entry Permit and instructions from the official ISA website and review the instructions for their specific eligibility category.
When it is used
- Before traveling internationally while your case is pending
- When you need advance permission to return to the country
- If you may need to travel but want to maintain your pending application
Failure prevention (What causes Form Re-entry Permit rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form is current edition.
Substantive weaknesses
- Lack of clarity in the purpose of travel.
- Inadequate explanation of the expected return date.
- Underlying case is still pending or status is valid
- To avoid departing japan without any re-entry permit or valid residence card: Before travel, confirm you have either a valid residence card (for automatic special re-entry) or an approved standard re-entry permit.
- To avoid special re-entry permit expires while abroad: Track the 1-year window and your status expiration date carefully. Apply for a standard re-entry permit before departure if your trip may exceed 1 year.
What you need (What do you need for Form Re-entry Permit?)
#- The current edition of Re-entry Permit
- Proof of current immigration status or pending application
- Evidence of travel plans and intention to return
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Copy of Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card)
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
Checklist (What is the Form Re-entry Permit checklist?)
#- Access the latest Re-entry Permit form and accompanying instructions directly from the official ISA website.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of Re-entry Permit
- Sign, date, and submit Re-entry Permit with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Short-term Stay (Standard) | approximately 5 daysas of February 2026 |
| Work / Long-term without CoE | 1 to 3 monthsas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for Re-entry Permit under "Short-term Stay (Standard)": approximately 5 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing time for Re-entry Permit under "Work / Long-term without CoE": 1 to 3 months (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for Re-entry Permit vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by ISA office and current workload. Verify current processing times with ISA.
- While pending: track your case status using your application reference number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with ISA if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated ISA office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the ISA office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official ISA website before submitting. For related guidance, see Highly Skilled Professional.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form re-entry permit. Check the current fee on the official ISA fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form Re-entry Permit fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
ISA will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Residence Card Renewal Application.
Fees change; always verify on ISA.
Form sections (What sections does Form Re-entry Permit have?)
#Personal Information
Identification details from your residence card.
- Full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Residence card number
- Current address in Japan
Travel Details
Information about your planned trip abroad.
- Departure date and expected return date
- Destination country or countries
- Purpose of travel
Permit Type Request
Type and duration of re-entry permit needed.
- Single or multiple re-entry
- Requested validity period
Current Status
Your status of residence details.
- Status of residence and period of stay
- Expiration date of current status
- Residence card expiration date
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Departing Japan without any re-entry permit or valid residence card | Status revoked | Before travel, confirm you have either a valid residence card (for automatic special re-entry) or an approved standard re-entry permit. |
| Special re-entry permit expires while abroad | Status revoked | Track the 1-year window and your status expiration date carefully. Apply for a standard re-entry permit before departure if your trip may exceed 1 year. |
| Status of residence expires while abroad on re-entry permit | Voided | Monitor your status expiration date and return to Japan to file for extension before it lapses. |
Examples (What are examples for Form Re-entry Permit?)
#- Common weakness: Applicant submits the form without specifying the purpose of travel, leading to a request for additional information.
- Strong application: An applicant with a Permanent Resident status submits the Re-entry Permit Application with a detailed travel itinerary and a copy of their Residence Card, resulting in a smooth approval process.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form Re-entry Permit?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Approval does not guarantee re-entry to the country
- Travel while a case is pending may have consequences depending on your situation
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Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update Re-entry Permit, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat Re-entry Permit as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#An engineer on a 3-year work visa needs to visit family abroad for 2 weeks. They check their residence card and confirm it is valid.
The special re-entry permit (automatic with a valid residence card) covers the trip. They re-enter Japan without issues at immigration.
For short trips under 1 year, the special re-entry permit means no extra paperwork as long as your residence card is valid.
A researcher plans a 14-month sabbatical abroad but wants to keep their permanent residence.
The permit is approved with a validity period matching their needs. They depart and return after 14 months with status intact.
For trips exceeding 1 year, proactively apply for a standard re-entry permit before departure.
A student leaves Japan for summer break without checking their residence card status, which has expired.
Status of residence is revoked upon departure. The student must apply for a new CoE and visa to return to Japan.
Always verify your residence card validity and re-entry permit coverage before any international travel.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form RESIDENCE CARD: Residence Card Renewal Application: Re-entry permit for card holders traveling abroad
- Unlike Form PR APPLICATION: Application for Permanent Residence: PR holders need re-entry permit for trips
Next steps
#- Application receipt (受付票)
- Review by the Immigration Services Agency
- Decision notification
- If approved, travel and return to Japan with the permit
- Residence Card issuance at Immigration Services Agency office
Verification
#This guide is based on official ISA instructions for the Re-entry Permit and is updated whenever there are changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official ISA website.
Visual references
#
Example Advance Parole Document
FAQs
What happens if I leave Japan without a Re-entry Permit?
It's crucial to apply for and obtain this permit before departure.
Is a Re-entry Permit necessary for short trips outside Japan?
Yes, a Re-entry Permit is necessary for any trip outside Japan if you wish to maintain your residency status upon return.
Can I apply for a Re-entry Permit while outside Japan?
It cannot be processed from abroad.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for Re-entry Permit?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, ISA allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What are common reasons Re-entry Permit gets rejected?
Common reasons Re-entry Permit is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
When will Re-entry Permit be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for Re-entry Permit varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official ISA processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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