Q: I am a foreigner living in Japan. I have been told that I no longer need to obtain a re-entry permit to return to Japan, is this true?
- A: Yes, it is true. Due to the change in the Japanese Immigration Law effective as of July 9, 2012, even if you leave Japan you will no longer need a re-entry permit as long as (a) you return back to Japan during the valid term of your current visa, AND (b) your stay overseas will be under 1 year per trip. Therefore, just as long as each stay overseas is under 1 year, and you return back to Japan before your current visa expires, there is no longer a need for you to obtain a re-entry permit. This applies for all such trips during the term of your visa (i.e. no limit on the number of re-entries). However, if you anticipate that you will be staying overseas for 1 year or longer, you must obtain a re-entry permit. If you fail to do so but leave Japan, your current visa will expire and you will not be able to re-enter on the same current visa.
- ＊This entry is for informational purposes only, and may not apply in all cases. Please feel free to make an inquiry via e-mail for assistance regarding your special case.
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