09/07/2026
✈️ Can You Leave Japan While Your Visa Renewal Is Being Processed?
This is one of the most common questions we receive from our clients.
The answer is YES — you can leave Japan after submitting your application for an extension of your period of stay. However, there are several important points you should keep in mind.
✅ You Can Leave Japan
Once your visa extension application has been accepted by the Immigration Services Agency, you may temporarily leave Japan and re-enter while your application is under review.
However, you must be in Japan to receive your new Residence Card once your application is approved.
⚠️ Important Things to Consider
While your application is being processed, the Immigration Services Agency may:
Request additional documents
Contact you by phone
Send important notices by mail
If you are outside Japan for an extended period, you may miss these communications. Failing to respond within the required timeframe could result in your application being denied.
👉 For this reason, if you need to travel abroad during the renewal process, it is recommended to keep your trip as short as possible.
📅 What Is the "Special Grace Period"?
If you submit your visa renewal application before your current period of stay expires, but the review is not completed before the expiration date, you will automatically receive a Special Grace Period.
During this period:
✅ Your current residence status remains valid.
✅ You may continue working, studying, or engaging in the same activities as before.
✅ You are also allowed to leave and re-enter Japan.
However, the same caution applies—Immigration may still request additional documents during this period.
The Special Grace Period lasts until either your application is decided or up to two months after your current period of stay expires, whichever comes first.
⚠️ If you do not return to Japan and receive your new Residence Card before the end of the Special Grace Period, you could become overstayed, so be sure to return well in advance.
💳 How to Prove Your Application Is Submitted?
If you applied on paper:
The back of your Residence Card will be stamped with "Application for Extension of Period of Stay Pending" (在留期間更新申請中).
If you applied online:
No stamp will be placed on your Residence Card.
Instead, keep the confirmation email showing your Application Number and Application Date, as these serve as proof that your application has been submitted.
💡 K-network Consulting's Advice
If you must travel abroad while your visa renewal application is under review:
✔️ Keep your trip as short as possible.
✔️ Ask someone in Japan to regularly check your mail.
✔️ Be prepared to respond quickly if Immigration requests additional documents.
✔️ If possible, notify Immigration before your departure.
If you have any questions about visa renewals, permanent residence applications, or other immigration procedures in Japan, feel free to contact K-network Consulting. We're here to help.