20/02/2026
Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan is an extremely important procedure for foreigners who are living and working in Japan. If not done correctly, you may lose your residence status and be forced to apply for a visa again from the beginning. In this article, AnKoi will guide you in detail from the concept, documents, procedures to important notes so that you can confidently return to your home country long-term while still legally returning to Japan.
At the same time, with many years of experience in the study abroad consulting field, AnKoi will also share practical experiences to help international students and workers avoid regrettable mistakes when carrying out long-term departure procedures from Japan.
What is Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan and why is it mandatory

Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan at the Japan Immigration Bureau
Many people wonder what a Japan re-entry permit stamp is and why it is necessary to apply when returning to their home country for a long time. In fact, this is a Re-entry Permit issued by the Japan Immigration Services Agency, allowing foreigners to leave Japan and return without applying for a new visa.
Normally, if you only return to your home country for less than 1 year, you can use the special re-entry system without applying for a permit stamp. However, if Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, you are required to submit an application before leaving Japan. Otherwise, your current visa will become invalid immediately after you leave Japan.
This is especially important for subjects such as:
- Engineer visa
- Specified skilled worker visa
- Permanent resident visa
- International students returning to their home country long-term
Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan helps you maintain your residence status and return to continue your work or studies.
>> See more: Extending a Japan student visa: Procedures, conditions & application form for student visa extension in Japan
Cases that require applying for a long-term re-entry permit in Japan
Not everyone needs to apply, but you are required to do so if you fall into the following cases:
The most common case is returning to Vietnam long-term for personal reasons such as taking care of family, temporarily quitting a job, or handling personal matters. In addition, many people who change jobs or have not yet found a new company also choose to return to their home country for a period of time.
Especially, if you plan to leave Japan for more than 1 year, Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan is a mandatory condition to avoid losing your visa.
People with permanent resident visas or long-term visas should also apply for multiple re-entry permits for convenient travel in the future.
What documents are required for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan according to the latest regulations
One of the most common questions of Vietnamese people when preparing for long-term departure is what documents are required to apply for a re-entry permit and whether the procedure is complicated. In fact, when Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, you do not need to prepare too many complicated documents like when applying for a new visa. This procedure is designed quite simply to allow foreigners to temporarily leave Japan while still maintaining their residence status.

Application form for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan at the Immigration Services Agency
To carry out Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, you need to prepare the following basic documents:
- A valid passport for the Immigration Bureau to attach the re-entry permit stamp
- Residence card (Zairyu Card) to confirm your current legal residence status
- Re-entry permit application form, available at the Japan Immigration Services Agency and can be filled out directly there
- Re-entry permit fee, depending on single or multiple use
In most cases, you do not need a certificate from the company, nor do you need a guarantor. However, before submitting the application, you should carefully check your visa expiration date and your plan to return to Japan to choose the appropriate permit type. Preparing complete and accurate documents from the beginning will help the process of Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan take place quickly, save time, and avoid unnecessary risks.
>> See more: When can you fly after obtaining residence status? The most accurate timing
Detailed step-by-step procedure for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan
To successfully and quickly complete Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, you need to follow the steps below. If fully prepared, you can complete it in just one day.
Step 1: Go to the nearest Immigration Services Agency

Instructions for going to the Immigration Services Agency to apply for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan
First, you need to go to the Japan Immigration Services Agency (Nyukan) in the area where you live. This is the only place that accepts and processes applications for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan. You should go early in the morning to get a number and avoid long waiting times.
Step 2: Fill out the re-entry permit application form

Fill out the application form for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan at the Immigration Bureau
After arriving, you take the Re-entry Permit application form and fill in all the information as instructed. The main contents include:
- Personal information
- Residence card number
- Expected date of leaving Japan and returning
- Type of permit applied for (single or multiple)
If you do not know how to fill it out, you can ask the staff there for guidance.
Step 3: Submit the application and required documents
After completing the form, you submit the application at the reception counter, including:
- Passport
- Residence card (Zairyu Card)
- Re-entry permit application form
The staff will check the information and confirm that you are eligible for Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan.
Step 4: Pay the re-entry permit fee
After the application is accepted, you will be instructed to pay the fee. The current fee is:
- 3,000 yen for a single re-entry permit
- 6,000 yen for a multiple re-entry permit
You can purchase the revenue stamp at the stamp vending machine inside the Immigration Bureau.
Step 5: Receive the re-entry permit stamp attached to your passport

Re-entry permit stamp attached to the passport after Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan
After completing the payment, you return to the counter and wait for processing. The re-entry permit will be attached directly to your passport.
From this point, you have completed the procedure of Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan and can confidently leave Japan according to your plan.
You only need to return to Japan before the permit expires, and you will not need to apply for a new visa and will still maintain your current residence status.
Important notes to avoid losing your visa when returning to your home country for a long time
To ensure that Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan goes smoothly and does not affect your residence status, you need to remember the important notes below. These are mandatory regulations that, if not followed, you may lose your right to return to Japan with your current visa.

Important notes when Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan
- You must apply before leaving Japan: You are required to complete the procedure of Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan before your departure date. If you leave Japan without applying for a re-entry permit, your residence status will be automatically canceled. At that time, you will not be able to return to Japan with your old visa and must apply for a new visa again from the beginning.
- You must return to Japan before the permit expires: The re-entry permit always has a specific expiration date. After Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, you must return before the expiration date written on the permit. If you exceed the deadline, the permit will become invalid and you will not be allowed to re-enter Japan with your old residence status.
- The re-entry permit does not extend the visa duration: This is a point that many people misunderstand. Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan only allows you to return to Japan, but does not extend the visa expiration date. If your visa expires while you are in Vietnam, you still have to apply for a new visa again.
- You should choose the permit type suitable for your personal plan: If you may enter and leave Japan multiple times, you should choose a multiple re-entry permit to save cost and time applying again. This is especially useful for people with long-term visas or permanent residence.
- Always check and carefully keep the passport with the permit attached: After Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan, the permit will be attached directly to your passport. You need to keep it carefully because this is an important document to re-enter Japan.
Understanding and complying with the above notes will help you complete the procedure of Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan safely, avoid losing your visa, and ensure a smooth return to Japan according to your plan.
Applying for a re-entry permit (over 1 year) in Japan is an important step to help you maintain your legal residence status. With just a few simple procedures, you can confidently return to your home country long-term without applying for a visa again.
If you are planning to return to Vietnam long-term, prepare your documents and complete the procedure early to avoid risks.
To see more useful guides about life in Japan, please visit AnKoi’s official website.
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