There are no expiration of period of stay for PERMANENT RESIDENT and HSP2 visa status since these visa status are given with indefinite period of stay. You don’t need to apply for EXTENSION of PERIOD of STAY (Visa Renewal) any more.
However, Residence Card for Permanent Resident and HSP2 visa status (hereinafter referred to as “PR Residence Card“) has its validity period. You need to renew the Residence Card in every 7 years.
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH VISA PROCEDURES IN JAPAN, JUMP TO INTRODUCTORY PAGES BELOW FIRST:
PERSON SUBJECT to the APPLICATION
Those who obtain a visa status with indefinite period of stay, such as PERMANENT RESIDENT status or HSP2 visa status.
PERIOD of VALIDITY
PR Residence Card is valid for certain period as listed 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 don’t renew your card…
You are obliged to renew your PR Residence Card by the expiry date and it is prescribed by the law.
If you don’t renew your PR Residence Card, you will be punished by imprisonment with work for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding JPY 200K according to the Immigration Law (Article 71-2) .
WHEN and WHERE to APPLY
WHEN to APPLY
You must apply for RENEWAL of PR RESIDENCE CARD from 2 months before the expiry date written until the expiry date.
The Immigration Office may accept your application earlier than that (earlier than 2 months before the expiry date of your card) if you have reasonable grounds such as long-term business trip or study abroad.
WHERE to APPLY
Your application for renewing the Residence Card has to be submitted at the Immigration Office or the branch which has jurisdiction over your residence address.
NOTE: You cannot renew your residence card outside Japan. You need to renew your PR Residence Card while you are in Japan.
PROCESS and APPLICATION FEE
Application must be submitted in person at the relevant Immigration Office or the branch.
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 YOU FIND YOUR CARD HAS EXPIRED ALREADY
Your PR status will not be revoked even if your card has been expired.
However, as you are a Permanent Resident, you are obliged to renew the card by the expiry date of your Residence Card. You should go to the Immigration to apply for RENEWAL of RESIDENCE CARD (在留カードの有効期間の更新申請) as soon as possible. Generally, even the law prescribes you will be punished, you may renew your Residence Card without the punishment if you have reasonable grounds and provide Letter of Reason for delayed application together with other necessary documents.
If you are staying outside of Japan with a valid Re-entry Permit (including Special Re-entry Permit) and you find that the expiry date of your PR Residence Card has been passed already, you just need to come back to Japan before your Re-entry Permit has been expired and apply for the renewal of the card as soon as possible. Note that you need to enter Japan before the expiry date of your Re-entry Permit to do so.