Re-entry

Without a Japanese re-entry permit (再入国許可 sai'nyūkoku kyoka), if you leave Japan your current working visa will end and you will need to apply for a new visa to return to Japan (potentially a few months to process). Re-entry permits allow you to leave the country and return once (a one-time re-entry permit) or to leave and return an unlimited number of times (a multiple re-entry permit). Once you hold a re-entry permit, you are allowed to stand in the Japanese passport holders line in customs, which is much faster than the foreign passports line.

It is recommended you get your re-entry permit for multiple trips, and you get it early in your stay in Japan. If there is an emergency at home and you have to return for a short while, you may not otherwise be able to return. You can get your re-entry permit in Nagoya or Yokkaichi, though they are only open during business hours Monday to Friday, so you'll probably have to take a day off work.

Documents to submit

• Application form for re-entry permit
• Passport
• Alien registration card
• Stamp showing the value of permit you are purchasing. You have to purchase these stamps at a post office.

Charges

• Single re-entry permit - ¥3000
• Multiple re-entry permit - ¥6000