When a foreign national enters Japan, begins residing in Japan, temporarily leaves the country, and later returns to Japan, several examinations and procedures are involved.

This article explains the basic process, from obtaining a status of residence and entering Japan to temporarily leaving Japan and subsequently re-entering the country.

1. Procedures Before Entering Japan

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

When a foreign national plans to stay in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident, they generally undergo an examination concerning their status of residence before entering Japan.

In general, the foreign national, a representative in Japan, or an authorized application intermediary such as an administrative scrivener submits an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to a Regional Immigration Services Agency office.

If the immigration authorities determine that the requirements are satisfied, a Certificate of Eligibility is issued.

Visa

After the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, the foreign national generally applies for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate-general overseas.

Visa examinations are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which may coordinate with relevant authorities in Japan when necessary.

Once the visa is issued, the foreign national can proceed with traveling to Japan and preparing for entry.

It is important to note that a visa and a status of residence are separate systems.

３　Main Residence and Immigration Applications in Japan

５　The Difference Between a Visa and a Status of Residence in Japan

７　The Process of Obtaining a New Status of Residence and Entering Japan

11　Mid-to-Long-Term Residents and Residence Cards in Japan

2. Upon Arrival in Japan

Immigration and Landing Examination

When a foreign national arrives at an airport or seaport in Japan, they undergo an immigration examination.

During the examination, information such as the passport, visa, and Certificate of Eligibility is checked.

Where required, the foreign national also submits information such as the Foreign Entry Record (ED Card).

For identity verification, personal identification information such as fingerprints and a facial photograph is collected during the immigration examination.

If a person refuses these procedures without a valid reason, landing in Japan may be denied.

If the immigration authorities determine that the requirements for entry and landing have been satisfied, permission for landing is granted.

Normally, a landing permission stamp is placed in the passport. However, the stamp may be omitted when an automated gate is used.

Residence Card

A Residence Card is issued to foreign nationals who enter Japan as mid- to long-term residents.

Depending on the airport or seaport, the Residence Card may be issued at the time of landing or may be issued after the foreign national reports their address of residence.

After receiving a Residence Card, the foreign national may engage in activities in Japan based on their status of residence.

3. Temporarily Leaving Japan

A foreign national residing in Japan cannot simply leave Japan with a passport and assume that they can return to Japan freely at any time.

In principle, a foreign national who wishes to leave Japan temporarily and return while maintaining their current status of residence must use one of the following systems:

• Re-entry Permission
• Special Re-entry Permission

Re-entry Permission

Re-entry permission allows a foreign national residing in Japan to temporarily leave Japan and return to Japan while maintaining their status of residence.

If the foreign national does not qualify for special re-entry permission, such as when they intend to remain outside Japan for a longer period, they generally need to obtain re-entry permission before leaving Japan.

Special Re-entry Permission

Special re-entry permission is a system under which certain foreign nationals are deemed to have re-entry permission when they leave Japan and return within the prescribed period, even though they have not obtained ordinary re-entry permission in advance.

Therefore, in the case of a short-term temporary departure, an eligible foreign national may be able to use the special re-entry permission system without applying for ordinary re-entry permission in advance.

However, special re-entry permission has specific eligibility requirements and a time limit for returning to Japan.

Departure Examination

When leaving Japan, the foreign national undergoes a departure examination by presenting their passport and other required documents.

When a foreign national temporarily leaves Japan with the intention of returning, the rules concerning re-entry permission or special re-entry permission apply.

The Foreign Entry Record (ED Card) also confirms matters such as whether the foreign national plans to return to Japan.

When an automated gate is used, the procedures may differ from those at a regular staffed immigration counter. A departure stamp may also be omitted.

4. Returning to Japan

A foreign national who has temporarily left Japan and returns to the country must undergo another landing examination.

Upon re-entry, the foreign national presents their passport, Residence Card, and other required documents, and undergoes landing procedures based on re-entry permission or special re-entry permission.

It is important to understand that re-entry permission is not simply an independent document that must be submitted when returning to Japan. Rather, it is a permission that allows a foreign national to temporarily leave Japan and return while maintaining their status of residence.

In particular, under special re-entry permission, an eligible foreign national leaves Japan with a valid passport and Residence Card or other applicable identification and returns within the prescribed period.

If there are no problems during the landing examination upon re-entry, the foreign national may enter Japan again.

However, if a foreign national leaves Japan without being covered by re-entry permission or special re-entry permission, they may no longer be able to return to Japan while maintaining their current status of residence.