外国人暮らしのQ＆A「海外で在留カードを失くしたら、再入国はできるか」

Q:

My friend left Japan with a re-entry permit, and now has to come back to Japan. He has the documents (re-entry permit, ED card for re-entry attached to his passport) for re-entry, but he lost his Residence Card (zairyū kādo / 在留カード). Can he still come back to Japan without his Residence Card? What should you do if you lose your Residence Card?

A:

Firstly, if you no longer have your Residence Card due to loss, theft, etc., you should make a lost property report (ishitsu-todoke / 遺失届) or stolen property report (tōnan-todoke / 盗難届) at the nearest police station as soon as possible after you become aware of the loss or theft. Once you have made the report, you will receive a document certifying that you have reported the card as lost or stolen.

To apply for the reissuance of a Residence Card due to loss, etc., you will need to undertake the application for reissuance of a Residence Card due to loss (zairyū kādo sai-kōfu shinsei / 在留カード再交付申請) at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over the area in which you reside within 14 days of the date when you realized the card was missing (or within 14 days of your first entry into Japan after realizing the card was missing while outside Japan). Although a 14-day period is given, you will need your Residence Card in everyday life, so it is recommended that you apply for reissuance as soon as possible.

When applying, you will need items such as ① the application form, ② your photograph (of the required dimensions; not required for persons under 16), ③ a document certifying the loss of possession (lost property certificate, stolen property certificate, etc.), ④ a valid passport (or Certificate of Eligibility), ⑤ written permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted (if applicable), etc. Please consult the Regional Immigration Services Bureau for details.

If you lose your Residence Card while outside Japan, too, you should report the card lost at a local police station, and receive certification of the lost property report. If you have a re-entry permit, or an ED card for re-entry attached to your passport, you can enter Japan even without your Residence Card. After re-entering Japan, please apply for the card to be reissued as early as possible.

It is possible that some airline companies may deny a passenger who is not able to present a Residence Card from boarding, so it may be a good idea to confirm with the airline beforehand.

If you have received a re-entry permit before leaving Japan, and have lost your passport or Residence Card, or had to surrender your old passport when receiving a new one, etc., and do not have any documents indicating that you are able to re-enter Japan, you can have a person living in Japan act as your representative and submit an application for certification of re-entry permission deadline (sai-nyūkoku kyoka kigen shōmei negai / 再入国許可期限証明願) and receive written proof of the re-entry permission expiration date. Your representative must be a relative living at the same address, or a person who possesses a letter of proxy (power of attorney) certifying that they are authorized to act on your behalf.

For more information on the procedure for reissuance of a Residence Card due to loss, etc. please contact your nearest Immigration Services office, or the Immigration Information Center (phone: 0570-013904).

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