There no expiration of the period of stay for Permanent Resident and HSP2 visa holders, as these statuses are granted with an indefinite period of stay. You don’t need to apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (Visa Renewal) any more.
However, the Residence Card for Permanent Resident and HSP2 visa holders (hereinafter referred to as the “PR Residence Card“) has its validity period. You are required to renew the Residence Card in every seven (7) years.
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH VISA PROCEDURES IN JAPAN, JUMP TO THE INTRODUCTORY PAGES BELOW FIRST:
PERSON SUBJECT to the APPLICATION
Holders of visa statuses with an indefinite period of stay, such as Permanent Resident and HSP2.
PERIOD of VALIDITY
PR Residence Card is valid for a specific period, as shown below:
Residence Card issued on/from November 1st, 2023
| Age | Permanent Resident HSP2 |
|---|---|
| 16 or older | 7 years from Date of Issue of the card |
| Under 16 | Until the day before 16th Birthday |
Residence Card issued on/by October 31st, 2023
| Age | Permanent Resident HPS2 |
|---|---|
| 16 or older | 7 years from Date of Issue of the card |
| Under 16 | Until 16th Birthday |
You can confirm the expiry date of PR Residence Card on your residence card. You need to apply for Renewal of PR Residence Card by that date.
IMPORTANT: If you fail to renew your card…
You are obliged to renew your PR Residence Card by its expiry date, as required by law.
If you fail to renew your PR Residence Card, you may be subject to penalties, including imprisonment with work for up to one year or a fine of up to JPY 200,000, in accordance with the Immigration Control Act (Article 71-2) .
WHEN and WHERE to APPLY
WHEN to APPLY
You must apply for the Renewal of your PR Residence Card starting from 2 months before the expiry date written on your card.
The Immigration Office may accept your application earlier than this period if you have reasonable grounds, such as a long-term business trip or studying abroad.
WHERE to APPLY
Your application for PR Residence Card Renewal must be submitted to the Immigration Office or branch office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
NOTE: You cannot renew your Residence Card outside Japan. You must be in Japan to renew your PR Residence Card.
PROCESS and APPLICATION FEE
Application must be submitted in person to the relevant Immigration Office or branch office.
Generally, you can receive the renewed card on the same day of application.
No application fee is charged.
You can download the application form and find required documents on the website of the Immigration Office here >> APPLICATION for RENEWAL of RESIDENCE CARD （在留カードの有効期間の更新申請）
IF YOUR CARD HAS ALREADY EXPIRED
Your Permanent Resident (PR) status will not be revoked even if your Residence Card has expired.
However, as a Permanent Resident, you are obliged to renew your card by its expiry date. You should visit the Immigration to apply for a Residence Card Renewal (在留カードの有効期間の更新申請) as soon as possible.
Generally, even though the law prescribes for penalties, you may still renew your Residence Card without any punishment if you have reasonable grounds and submit a Letter of Reason for Delayed Application along with other required documents.
If you are staying outside Japan with a valid Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit and find that the expiry date has already passed, you must return to Japan before your Re-entry Permit expires. After returning to Japan, you must apply for a Residence Card Renewal as soon as possible.
Please note that you must enter Japan before the expiry date of your Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit.