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Max period I can stay outside Japan and keep my perm visa?
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Pitarou



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: Narita, Japan

PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 12:07 am    Post subject: Max period I can stay outside Japan and keep my perm visa? Reply with quote

Hi guys! Long time no see. I've been out of Japan for a while, so I'm afraid I haven't had much reason to visit this forum. Is rslrunner still doing his thing?

On to my question. I have a permanent Japanese visa, and I'd like to hang on to it, if possible. I also know I'll lose my visa if I spend too long a period outside Japan. But how long is too long? My wife tells me it's 2 years, but the chap who stamped my passport when I left said it was 1 year. Which of us is right?

I'd be especially grateful to anyone who can direct me to an official source, in English or Japanese, that gives the definitive answer.

Thanks! Very Happy
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rtm



Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 1003
Location: US

PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 2:17 am    Post subject: Re: Max period I can stay outside Japan and keep my perm vis Reply with quote

Do any of these help?

Quote:

Q33: In what situations will a special permanent resident certificate become void?
A: A special permanent resident certificate will become void in the following cases: 1) When the holder is no longer a special permanent resident, 2) When the period of validity expires, 3) When the holder leaves Japan without a re-entry permit (this includes special re-entry permits), 4) When the holder does not re-enter Japan within the period of validity for the re-entry permit (in the case of special re-entry permit, within two years from date of departure), 5) When a new special permanent resident certificate is issued for the holder, 6) If the holder is deceased.

Q43: Will I lose my status as a special permanent resident if I re-enter Japan after my special reentry
permit expires?
A: Please carefully note that the period of validity for special re-entry permits (two years from the date of departure) cannot be extended and that you will lose your status as a special permanent resident after this period has passed.

Q44: What procedures are necessary when re-entering Japan after the two-year period of validity
of a special permanent resident’s special re-entry permit has passed?
A: When a special permanent resident that has left Japan via a special re-entry permit tries to enter Japan more than two years after the initial date of departure, he/she cannot enter the country as a special permanent resident. Said person must receive new landing permission, which includes obtaining a new visa in the case of a status of residence that requires a visa. Furthermore, even after entering Japan with new landing permission, the person cannot obtain status as a special
permanent resident again.


http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/tokubetu/spPermResident_FAQ.pdf
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kzjohn



Joined: 30 Apr 2014
Posts: 277

PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2016 11:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rtm--thanks for that! A great PSA.

(But I wonder how one handles their tax reporting when out of the country. I've always used help from the tax office people after taking my ticket and waiting. I'm not sure I'd trust my self to do it on my own online.)
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Harp



Joined: 09 Jan 2014
Posts: 46
Location: As far north as you can get, before you hit Saitama

PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 4:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rtm's quotes are about the 'special permanent resident' status - isn't that the one for the Koreans who came to Japan after WW2 and then stayed, so their kids are basically Japanese but are not granted citizenship, therefore they are special permanent residents?

This is a different status from the permanent residency that we apply for...
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Rooster.



Joined: 13 Mar 2012
Posts: 247

PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 12:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm pretty sure you can get an extension for up to 5 years.
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steki47



Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Posts: 1029
Location: BFE Inaka

PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 1:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
6) If the holder is deceased.


That would do it for me.
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Pitarou



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: Narita, Japan

PostPosted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for posting that, rtm, but I think Harp's right. Special Permanent Residents are, well, special. We former English teachers aren't.

In any case, I'm pretty sure the FAQ doesn't apply to my situation, because I've previously re-entered Japan without a re-entry permit, and didn't lose my visa. If memory serves, that rule was relaxed in 2012.
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Pitarou



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: Narita, Japan

PostPosted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

steki47 wrote:
Quote:
6) If the holder is deceased.

That would do it for me.

I'm sorry to hear of your passing. How's life on the other side?
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mitsui



Joined: 10 Jun 2007
Posts: 1562
Location: Kawasaki

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 12:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

How long does it take to get PR?
I have been here for 15 years and have been married for 11 years.
I heard that if you are retired and come back to Japan, you can't get health insurance through your city. But with PR it is possible.

I should have got it before. Now I think I must stay here until I get it.
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milkman



Joined: 12 Jul 2013
Posts: 29

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What I wonder is as long as you just come back to Japan every 2 years, you're safe? What is the renewal like for PR? Do you need to submit things like tax documents or a jyuminhyo? If you decide to leave Japan but come back every once in awhile just to keep the visa, will that make it difficult to renew?
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