2025-09-09

The right for foreign nationals to reside permanently in Japan is called “permanent residency.” If this permanent residency is revoked, is it possible to regain it? We explain in detail.

What is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency, as the name suggests, is the “right for a foreign national to live permanently in Japan.”

Foreign nationals working in Japan can apply for “permanent residence permission” if they meet certain requirements, such as having resided in Japan for over 10 years and held a valid residence status for at least 5 years. If this application is approved, they can obtain permanent residency.

Holding permanent residency removes the duration restrictions associated with work visas. It also generally eliminates occupational restrictions. In other words, it allows you to live a life nearly identical to that of a Japanese citizen.

When is permanent residency revoked?

Permanent residency can be revoked in the following four cases:

The first is if you obtained landing permission through fraudulent means. For example, if you obtained landing permission through false statements or by falsifying or altering documents to include false information.

The second is if you failed to properly report your place of residence. Foreign nationals residing in Japan are obligated to report any change of residence, such as moving. However, if they fail to report within 90 days of moving out or report a false residence, this constitutes grounds for revocation.

The third reason is failing to re-enter Japan within the re-entry period. Permanent residents can obtain a re-entry permit (deemed re-entry permit) when temporarily leaving Japan. With this permission, you can depart Japan while maintaining your permanent residency status as held at the time of departure. However, if you fail to re-enter Japan within this re-entry period, your permanent residency will be revoked.

The fourth reason is if you fall under grounds for deportation. Deportation means being forcibly removed from Japan due to criminal acts or similar offenses. Specifically, this includes the following acts:

・Entering Japan without obtaining landing permission.
・Engaging in illegal employment or causing others to engage in illegal employment.
・Possessing or using a forged residence card.
・Engaging in activities outside the scope of authorized employment.
・Remaining in Japan after the period of stay has expired.
・Engaging in work directly related to prostitution, including solicitation, mediation, or providing premises for prostitution.
・Possessed or used illegal drugs.

Can it be reacquired?

If permanent residency is revoked, is it possible to obtain it again?

To put it simply, yes, it is possible. However, to regain permanent residency, you must naturally meet the requirements for permanent residence permission. Therefore, as explained at the beginning, you must satisfy conditions such as “having resided in Japan for over 10 years and holding a valid status of residence for at least 5 years.”

This means you must first obtain a work visa, steadily build your track record, and it will take at least 10 years before you can apply for permanent residency. Therefore, once you obtain permanent residency, you must strictly avoid any actions that could constitute grounds for revocation.

Summary

Even if your permanent residency is revoked, it is possible to obtain it again. However, in that case, you will be starting from scratch, so it will take at least 10 years.