Renewal of resident card (PR) while abroad

[Isodora]

I may have to consult with an immigration lawyer on this, but am still curious to know if anyone has come across the following situation:

Permanent Resident, wants to go abroad this year for 2-3 years to continue further education. The resident card will need to be renewed in 2024.

Is there any workaround that does not require returning for the renewal, or can the renewal be postponed and if yes for how long? Or can it be done earlier? (Not likely, I guess ) One big concern is, that returning to Japan may not be allowed/the PR status be cancelled etc..

Thank you.

[adamu]

I'm no expert but I do obsessively read the immigration site

You could apply for an early renewal, explaining your circumstances. Your exact situation is mentioned as an example in the guidelines:

If it is deemed difficult to apply within the application period due to unavoidable reasons, such as business trips or having to reside outside of Japan for an extended period of time for studying abroad, and it is not possible to re-enter Japan within the application period, it may be possible to apply prior to the application period.

You should also get a 5-year re-entry permit to prevent your PR expiring if you're out of the country for more than 1 year. This is covered on the wiki:

https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Permanent_re ... iderations

[Tkydon]

Also, it is not such a big deal if your Zairyu Card expires whilst abroad, so long as your Re-Entry Permit does not.

PR is actually separate than your Zairyu Card, but is expressed on it.

If the Zairyu Card expires while you are abroad, but you still have your Valid Re-Entry Permit, they will let you in to renew the Zairyu Card.

It is much more difficult if it is the other way round.
If the Re-Entry Permit expires while you are abroad, but you still have your Valid Zairyu Card, the Zairyu Card and your PR automatically become Null and Void, and you will have to do a lot of paperwork to try to get the PR back.

[Isodora]

Thank you Adam and Tkydon! That is a bit of a relief .

The 5 year re-entry stamp I knew about, we did it when our son went abroad for almost a year, advised by a friend. It is probably wise to always have it - just in case.

I really appreciate that there is always s.o. who answers here - no matter how basic or complex a question or problem is