Many permanent residents of Japan leave the country temporarily to pursue higher education or opportunities abroad. If you or your child is in this situation, there's one crucial detail that should not be missed — re-entry rules for Japan Permanent Residents.
In this article, I’ll explain what happens if a PR holder leaves Japan, how long they can stay out, and what to do to avoid losing their permanent resident status.
Leaving Japan on PR — The Common Scenario
If you or your family member is a Permanent Resident (PR) of Japan and left Japan for studies or work abroad, here’s the key point:
Important: They must return to Japan within 1 year if they left using a "Special Re-entry Permit" — which is the most common method used at the airport.
The "Special Re-entry Permit" is a simple tick on the immigration form during departure. Most PR holders use it without even realizing its importance. But it only allows a maximum absence of 1 year.
What If They Don't Return in Time?
If a PR holder does not return within 1 year, their Permanent Resident status is automatically cancelled — no warning, no reminder. That means they'll have to apply again from scratch if they want to regain it in the future, which can be a long and uncertain process.
Options to Avoid Losing PR
1. Return to Japan before the 1-year mark
Even a short visit is enough. It resets the clock and protects the PR status.
2. Apply for a regular Re-entry Permit (valid up to 5 years)
This has to be done before leaving Japan, by visiting the immigration office. Ideal for those who know they’ll be away for more than a year.
3. If PR is lost:
A new application is possible later, but it's tougher and takes time. It’s better to avoid this scenario.
Note on Special Permanent Residents
If you or your family member is a **Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者)**, the re-entry period is extended to **2 years** instead of 1 year. This status is typically granted to individuals with historical ties to Japan, such as ethnic Koreans and their descendants. They have a longer window to return to Japan, but if they are absent for more than 2 years, they will lose their Special PR status.
Final Thoughts
If you or your family member is a PR of Japan and has moved abroad for studies or work or any other purpose, mark the 1-year deadline (or 2 years if holding Special PR status) and consider planning a short return to Japan before it passes. Losing PR status can create unnecessary complications in the future — especially if they want to come back to Japan for work or family.
It’s a simple action that can save a lot of trouble later.
Feel free to share this article with others who might be in the same boat. And if you have questions about your specific case, feel free to reach out — happy to help!
