My 家族滞在 (Dependent) extension was granted, but I have to leave Japan before receiving my new 在留カード. What should I do about re-entry?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 23 October 2026　／　Supervised by 佐藤拓行政書士

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from the applicant themselves about leaving Japan before receiving a new 在留カード after a 家族滞在 extension was granted.

Answer

Even if the 出入国在留管理局 is holding your 在留カード, you can probably apply for a 再入国許可 by attaching a 理由書 (written explanation) or similar. If you obtain an ordinary 再入国許可 on your old 在留カード, you should be able to leave and re-enter even without the new 在留カード in hand. Issuance of the new 在留カード afterwards should not affect re-entry, but it is better to carry a copy of the new 在留カード or similar just in case.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the applicant themselves about leaving Japan before receiving a new 在留カード after a 家族滞在 extension was granted.

Subject: visa (家族滞在 (Dependent))
Application type: 在留期間更新許可申請 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay) (online application), 再入国許可申請 (application for a Re-entry Permit)
Situation: The 家族滞在 extension (applied for online) has been granted, and the applicant is waiting for the new 在留カード (Residence Card) to be issued. For a family health reason, the applicant must leave Japan on September 25 and plans to return at the end of November (within the 特例期間 (grace period)). The expiration date of the period of stay on the original 在留カード is the end of October. The applicant had applied to receive the 在留カード by post, but was told that it could not be changed to collection at the counter and that issuance and posting might fall on the day before or the day of departure. The 出入国在留管理局 advised that if the 在留カード has not been issued, it is safer to obtain a 再入国許可 using the details of the current (old) 在留カード and to leave and return without the 在留カード.
Questions: (1) Even if the 出入国在留管理局 is holding the 在留カード and it cannot be shown, can a 再入国許可 be applied for (a 理由書 is to be attached)? (2) Once a 再入国許可 is obtained, is there any problem with leaving and re-entering without the 在留カード in hand? (3) If the new 在留カード is issued after the 再入国許可 is obtained, is there any problem with leaving and re-entering? Is it necessary to carry a copy of the new 在留カード or similar?

Can I apply for a 再入国許可 without my 在留カード in hand?

Even if the 出入国在留管理局 is holding your 在留カード, you can probably apply for a 再入国許可 by attaching a 理由書 or similar.

Can I leave and re-enter without the new 在留カード?

If you obtain an ordinary 再入国許可 on your old 在留カード, you should be able to leave and re-enter even without the new 在留カード in hand.

Is there anything to watch for if the new 在留カード is issued after I leave?

Issuance of the new 在留カード should not affect re-entry.

Issuance of the new 在留カード should not affect re-entry. However, it is better to carry a copy of the new 在留カード or similar just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have to leave Japan after the extension is granted but before I receive the new 在留カード?

If you obtain an ordinary 再入国許可 on your old 在留カード, you should be able to leave and re-enter even without the new 在留カード in hand.

Can I apply for a 再入国許可 while the 出入国在留管理局 is holding my 在留カード?

You can probably apply for a 再入国許可 by attaching a 理由書 or similar.

Is there anything I should prepare if the new 在留カード is issued while I am abroad?

It should not affect re-entry, but it is better to carry a copy of the new 在留カード or similar just in case.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.