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?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- 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.
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?)
#By understanding the requirements and ensuring all documentation is in order, applicants can secure their ability to return to Japan without losing their legal residency status, thus safeguarding their personal and professional commitments in the country, as described in the Highly Skilled Professional guide.
Official portal interface for Re-entry Permit
Source: Re-entry Permit online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing times for the Re-entry Permit differ depending on the location. Always consult the official ISA processing time tool for the most accurate information.
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 residency status who need a re-entry permit to travel abroad and ensure their return to Japan. It is applicable to both temporary and long-term residents. Before departure, applicants should review the instructions for their specific eligibility category and complete all required sections of the Re-entry Permit Application.
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
- Unclear purpose of travel that does not align with the status of residence.
- 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
- Valid 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 its instructions directly from the official ISA website.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of Re-entry Permit
- Ensure you sign and date the Re-entry Permit form, then submit it along with all necessary supporting documents.
Sources for this section
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.
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 Permanent Residence.
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 expected return date, leading to processing delays.
- Strong application: An applicant provides a clear travel itinerary and a valid Residence Card, ensuring a smooth processing of their Re-entry Permit.
- An applicant with a pending case files Re-entry Permit to travel internationally without abandoning their application
- A resident needing to travel urgently applies through Re-entry Permit for a travel document
- An applicant in the Highly-skilled-professional category files Re-entry Permit as part of their immigration process
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
- A travel document replaces a visa for entry — A travel document permits re-entry for applicants with pending cases but does not serve as a visa for new travel purposes.
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 on the application
- If approved, issuance of the re-entry permit
- Travel and re-entry to Japan using the permit
Verification
#This guide is based on official ISA instructions for the Re-entry Permit and is updated with any changes to form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official ISA website.
Visual references
#
Example Advance Parole Document
FAQs
Do I need to file Re-entry Permit if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official Re-entry Permit instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Does a Re-entry Permit guarantee my re-entry into Japan?
No. It allows you to maintain your residency status while you are abroad, but re-entry is subject to immigration control. Review the official Re-entry Permit instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What is Re-entry Permit?
The Re-entry Permit, formally known as the Re-entry Permit Application, is an official form issued by the ISA. To ensure it suits your specific circumstances, consult the official instructions available on the ISA website.
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 does Re-entry Permit do and who needs it?
Re-entry Permit is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by ISA. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official ISA website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
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.
What are common mistakes when filing Re-entry Permit?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official ISA schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.
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.
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