Giving Up Residence Card but..

Hello, after living in Japan and obtaining a residence card this year in February. My wife and I have decided to move back to America after assisting and helping her family. Since it was only a one year visa I believe the best thing I can do is hand it over at immigration via the airport before we leave, correct? I’m aware I must also inform the town hall of our move.

The main question I have going forward is: If we decide to move back to Japan in the future since having obtained a spouse visa once.. would this make it more or less difficult going into it the second time? I’ve never heard of anyone applying twice based on moving around.

Right now living in America just makes more sense for us. Any replies are appreciated. Thank you.

3 comments
  1. When you leave at the end, just make it clear at the immigration on the way out that you won’t be coming back.

    iirc they punch a big hole in the card and you get to keep it.

    For spouse visas, as long as you’re still married, it shouldn’t matter.

    Just be wary of your tax liabilities to Japan on your way out, that can be confusing.

  2. Sort out all tax, pension, NHI stuff at the city office before leaving. Surrendering you residence card is the last thing you should worry about.

  3. >If we decide to move back to Japan in the future since having obtained a spouse visa once.. would this make it more or less difficult going into it the second time?

    So long as you haven’t skipped out on tax or pension payments, no impact. The second application would be entirely independent from the first.

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