For anyone living in Japan (meaning you have a Alien Registration Card, "gaijin card") and wish to travel abroad and then return within your authorized period of stay, you much apply for a re-entry permit (called sai nyu koku kyoka) before you leave on your trip. This permit allows you to re-enter Japan without having to apply for another entry visa when you come back to Japan.

Where can you get a re-entry permit?

Re-entry permits are obtained at the immigration bureau (nyukoku kanrikyoku, 入国管理局)

Types and costs of a re-entry permit

The re-entry permit is avaliable in two forms - Single and Multiple Entry Permits.

Paying for a re-entry perimit

You cannot pay cash when you apply for a re-entry permit. You must use revenue stamps (shu nyu in shi) which are avaliable at the post office and not at the Immigration Bureau.

What do you need to bring?

You need to bring: 1) your passport, 2) your Alien Registration Card and 3) your revenue stamp for the amount of the re-entry permit you are purchasing.

The visa is a sticker that is put inside your passport. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to fill out the re-entry permit form and receiver your permit.

Where is the Immigration Bureau (nyukoku kanrikyoku, 入国管理局) ?

GotJapan -Locations of regional, district and branch Immigration Bureaus in Japan.

	Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Official website of the Japanese MOFA and visa information.
	Immigration Bureau - Official website of the Ministry of Japan.