Cancellation of permanent resident status
Cancellation of permanent resident status happens by below reasons.
①Exceeding the Re-Entry Permit Period
Even if you are a permanent resident, you must comply with immigration regulations as a foreign national.
If you leave Japan with a “Deemed re-entry permit,” you must return within one year. Failure to do so will automatically result in the loss of your permanent residency.
However, those with deep ties to Japan (e.g., those who have lived in Japan since childhood) may be eligible for a “Special Landing Permission” as a “Long-Term Resident.”
Also, those married to a Japanese national or a permanent resident may qualify for a “Spouse of Japanese/Permanent Resident” visa.
After being granted another status (such as Long-Term Resident), you must wait at least one year before reapplying.
You will go through the same screening process as first-time applicants, including evaluation of income, tax compliance, and conduct.
You must also hold a residence status with a 3-year period to be eligible for permanent residency application.
② Failure to Fulfill Reporting Obligations
If you move and fail to report your new address within 14 days, or report a false address, it may lead to revocation of your permanent residency.
If such a violation is discovered, an investigation and a hearing will be conducted.
Based on these procedures, the immigration authorities will decide whether to revoke permanent residency or change your status to another visa type.
Even after being granted another status, you may reapply if your subsequent residency (income, taxes, behavior, etc.) remains proper.
However, applying immediately after revocation is unlikely to be approved; time and evidence of stable residence are essential.
③Failure to Pay Public Obligations
Public obligations include taxes, national pension, and public health insurance premiums.
If someone deliberately fails to pay despite being aware and financially capable, this constitutes grounds for revocation.
However, unavoidable reasons such as illness or unemployment generally do not apply.
If revoked due to non-payment, revocation is not automatic. Immigration authorities will consider your situation, such as reasons for non-payment and your response to warnings.
You may be permitted to stay in Japan under another visa (e.g., Long-Term Resident).
If you resume proper payments, and your situation remains stable over time, you may reapply.
Screening will focus on your past records, especially taxes and conduct.
④ Serious Criminal Violations
Crimes such as theft, fraud, extortion, or murder can lead to revocation of permanent residency.
Dangerous driving causing death or injury also qualifies.
However, traffic violations or accidents resulting in fines do not fall under this category.
Only imprisonment for over one year may trigger deportation procedures.
If revoked due to criminal violation, immigration will evaluate whether continued residence in Japan is appropriate.
If not deported, you may be allowed to stay under another status (e.g., Long-Term Resident, Spouse visa).
After switching to another visa and proving stable and compliant behavior over time, reapplication is possible.
Summary: Reapplying for Permanent Residency
Even if your permanent residency is revoked, you may still reapply after stabilizing your residency status under another visa.
Prior permanent residency does not give you any special advantage in reapplication.
You must meet all normal criteria: stable income, tax payments, good behavior, and at least three years of residence under a qualifying visa.
For more practical advice and legal guidance, visit our site: How to Reapply for Japanese Permanent Residency – regularly updated and supervised by legal experts.
