Cancellation of Permanent Residency in Japan
Permanent Residency Revocation in Japan:
Causes and Legal Considerations
Can Permanent Residency Be Cancelled in Japan?
Many assume that once granted, permanent residency in Japan is irrevocable. However, under Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, there are specific legal grounds under which the status may be revoked.
Permanent Residency: Durable, But Not Absolute
Unlike other statuses, permanent residency allows long-term stay without employment restrictions and does not expire—yet it can still be lost due to:
- Submission of fraudulent or incorrect application information
- Conviction of certain crimes, particularly those involving narcotics, prostitution, or organized crime
- Extended stays outside Japan without appropriate re-entry permission
- Failure to comply with residence reporting obligations
1. False or Misleading Application Details
If your PR application (or any previous visa application) is found to contain false information—whether intentional or due to omission—your permanent residency can be revoked by the Minister of Justice. This applies even years after approval if the fraudulent details come to light.
2. Criminal Offenses Leading to Revocation
In cases involving serious criminal charges—such as violations of the Narcotics Control Law, the Anti-Prostitution Law, or imprisonment without suspension—immigration authorities may initiate deportation procedures and cancel permanent residency status. Even offenses committed after the PR was granted are subject to legal review.
3. Prolonged Stay Outside Japan Without Re-entry Permit
Japan’s Special Re-entry System allows permanent residents to leave and return within one year without additional procedures. However, exceeding the one-year limit without advance re-entry permission leads to automatic cancellation. If advance re-entry permission is obtained, you may stay abroad for up to five years—but even then, exceeding the period results in loss of status.
4. Violation of Resident Obligations
Failure to report a change of address within 90 days, submitting false address reports, or not reporting overseas moves can be grounds for cancellation under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control Act. Even minor oversights in resident registration are taken seriously.
5. Other Risk Scenarios
Even if you legally obtained PR, subsequent violations of immigration law—such as engaging in unauthorized work, or becoming economically dependent on illegal income—can result in cancellation. Also, changing your name, marital status, or employment must be reported to maintain transparency.
While permanent residency offers long-term stability, it carries an obligation of legal and procedural compliance. Consulting a professional ensures your application is correct and your ongoing status is safeguarded.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
Immigration Consultant | Financial Advisor
- 18 years of experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley
- Advised over 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and foreign residents
- Specialist in permanent residency, Highly Skilled Professional visas, and compliance
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA (Certified Member Analyst, Japan)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
MBA in Entrepreneurship (Hosei Business School)
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