What departure procedures do I need to complete if I decide to leave Japan permanently?

Relocating to JapanOverseas ProceduresJapan ImmigrationPermanent residencyvisa cancellationtax settlement
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Okay, no problem. There are indeed quite a few procedures to handle when permanently leaving Japan, but taking it step by step makes it manageable. I've broken it down into major sections; follow this outline and you shouldn't miss anything.

Deciding to Leave Japan Permanently? This Guide Has You Covered!

Hey there. Deciding to leave a place you've lived in for a long time comes with mixed feelings, but it's important to sort out the paperwork to avoid future hassles. I'll walk you through the entire process, keeping it straightforward.

Step 1: Administrative Procedures - Notify Your Local Municipal Office ("Yakusho")

This is the most formal and initial step: go to your local city ward office or municipal office (similar to a district government office or neighborhood administrative center in other countries) and inform them: "I'm moving out, and leaving Japan."

  1. File the "Moving-Out Notification" (転出届 - Tenshutsu Todoke)

    • What to do? This informs the government you will no longer be a resident here.
    • How to do it? Bring your Residence Card (在留カード - Zairyū Card), My Number Card (個人番号カード), and Personal Seal (印鑑 - Inkan) (if you have one) to the Residents' Affairs section (住民課 - Jūmin-ka) counter. Tell the staff you are doing "Overseas Moving-Out" (国外転出 - Kokugai Tenshutsu), and they'll understand.
    • Important: Once this is processed, your Residence Record (住民票 - Jūminhyō) (similar to a household registry) will be deactivated.

  2. Settle National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 - Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

    • What to do? Return your insurance card and settle any outstanding premiums.
    • How to do it? You can usually handle this at the insurance section (保険課 - Hoken-ka) counter when filing your Moving-Out Notification. They will calculate premiums due up to your departure date for you to pay on the spot or inform you of the final payment method. Remember to return your original insurance card.

  3. Handle Your My Number Card (個人番号カード)

    • Your My Number Card becomes invalid after moving out. Staff will punch a hole in it or stamp it with "返納" (Hennō - Returned) and give it back. You can keep it as a memento; the 12-digit My Number itself is permanent. If you return to Japan for long-term residence in the future, you will still use this same number.

Step 2: Tax Settlement - Sorting Out Finances

This is the most crucial and easily overlooked step. Japanese taxes, especially Resident Tax, can be tricky.

  1. Resident Tax (住民税 - Jūminzei)

    • Key Point: Japanese Resident Tax is levied in the current year based on your income from the previous year.
    • Example: You leave Japan in June 2024. You are responsible for paying the entire Resident Tax amount based on your full 2023 income. This tax is typically paid in installments through May 2025.
    • What to do?
      • Option 1 (Recommended): Before leaving, go to the tax section (税務課 - Zeimu-ka) at your municipal office and apply to pay all outstanding Resident Tax in a lump sum.
      • Option 2: If you don't have time, you must appoint a "Tax Representative" (納税管理人 - Nōzei Kanrinin). This can be a friend or a professional tax agent who will handle tax notices and payments on your behalf after you leave. You also need to apply for this at the municipal office.

  2. Income Tax (所得税 - Shotokuzei)

    • If you are a company employee, your employer usually handles a "Year-End Adjustment" (年末調整 - Nenmatsu Chōsei) upon your departure, settling any over/underpayment.
    • If you file your own taxes or leave mid-year and your employer cannot handle it, you may need to file a "Final Tax Return" (確定申告 - Kakutei Shinkoku) at the Tax Office (税務署 - Zeimusho) before leaving Japan to settle your income tax for that year.

Step 3: Life Admin - Tying Up Loose Ends

These are everyday tasks, but forgetting any could lead to unnecessary charges.

  • Rental Housing (賃貸契約 - Chintai Keiyaku):

    • Notify your landlord or property management company 1-2 months in advance, as per your contract.
    • Schedule the final inspection and settle the return of your security deposit (敷金 - Shikikin).

  • Utilities (水道・ガス・電気 - Suidō, Gasu, Denki):

    • Contact each utility company (water, gas, electricity) by phone or online well in advance. Tell them your final usage date. They will arrange final meter readings (either by visit or based on your report) and send a final bill.

  • Mobile Phone & Internet (携帯・インターネット - Keitai, Intānetto):

    • This is a big one! Many mobile/internet plans have 2-year contracts. Canceling early may incur early termination fees (違約金 - Iyakukin). Clarify this well in advance and complete the cancellation procedures.

  • Bank Accounts (銀行口座 - Ginkō Kōza):

    • In principle, non-residents cannot hold standard Japanese bank accounts.
    • Recommendation: After confirming all final payments (e.g., last salary, returned rent deposit, final utility bills) are settled, go to your bank to close your account. If you need to receive one last payment, discuss options with the bank, but aim to close it promptly. Leaving an inactive account open long-term is a potential issue.

Step 4: Pension - Get Your Money Back!

If you worked in Japan, you paid into the Employees' Pension (厚生年金 - Kōsei Nenkin) or National Pension (国民年金 - Kokumin Nenkin). After permanently leaving, you can apply for a partial refund called the "Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment" (脱退一時金 - Dattai Ichijikin).

  • Eligibility:
    1. Not a Japanese citizen.
    2. Contributed to the pension system for 6 months or more.
    3. No longer have a registered address in Japan (i.e., you filed the Moving-Out Notification).
    4. Have never received Japanese pension benefits.
  • How to Apply?
    • This process is done after you have left Japan.
    • Download the application form from the Japan Pension Service (JPS) website. Fill it out and mail it to the JPS along with required documents (e.g., passport copy, proof you left Japan like a copy of your deactivated Residence Record, bank account details for the refund).
    • Crucial: You must apply within 2 years of your departure date. Keep your Pension Book (年金手帳 - Nenkin Techō) or Basic Pension Number notification safe, as it contains your essential pension number.

Final Step: Airport Departure - Surrender Your Residence Card

When leaving Japan and going through immigration, this is your final act as a "resident".

  • What to do? Hand over your Residence Card (在留カード - Zairyū Card) to the immigration officer.
  • What happens? The officer will punch a hole in the card to invalidate it and usually return it to you as a keepsake. This step formally terminates your status of residence.
  • Note: This also applies if you have Permanent Resident (永住者 - Eijūsha) status. Surrendering the card means your permanent residency rights are revoked.

To summarize the entire process:

Municipal Office (File Moving-Out, Settle Insurance) -> Taxes (Settle Resident Tax/Income Tax) -> Life Admin (Cancel Utilities, Housing, Phone/Internet) -> Bank (Close Account) -> After Departure (Apply for Pension Refund) -> Airport (Surrender Residence Card).

It's best to start planning this process 1-2 months in advance. While it might sound complex, tackling each item step-by-step will ensure a smooth farewell to Japan! Wishing you all the best and a bright future ahead!

Created At: 08-11 14:36:12Updated At: 08-12 03:21:50