How should I handle my NISA account if I leave Japan in the future?
好的，关于离开日本时如何处理NISA账户的问题，我来根据我的理解和经验给你梳理一下。这确实是很多朋友关心的话题。
What Happens to My NISA Account When I Leave Japan?
Hey there! Don't worry, this is a common question. Simply put, NISA is a benefit for "residents" in Japan, and once your status changes, your account needs to change too. Below, I'll break down the specific steps.
The Core Principle: NISA Eligibility is Tied to Residency
First, remember the core principle: NISA accounts are designed for Japanese tax residents (居住者). If you decide to permanently leave Japan and are no longer a resident here, then in principle, you cannot continue to hold and use your NISA account.
Before you leave Japan, you must proactively contact your brokerage or bank (e.g., Rakuten Securities, SBI Securities, etc.) where you opened the account, and inform them that you will become a "non-resident" (非居住者になる). Do not think of leaving without informing them, otherwise, you may face tax issues later, or even have your account forcibly closed.
After notifying your financial institution, you typically have the following options:
Option 1: Sell All Assets and Cash Out (Simplest & Most Direct)
This is the most hassle-free method.
- Action: While you are still a Japanese resident, sell all stocks, funds, and other financial products held in your NISA account.
- Pros: Since the sale occurs within the NISA tax-exempt framework, any profits you make are 100% tax-free. You receive the money, the account is closed, and there are no further tax concerns.
- Cons: If you are very bullish on your current assets and believe they will significantly increase in value, this method might cause you to miss out on future gains.
Option 2: Transfer to a Regular Taxable Account (Tokutei Koza / Ippan Koza)
If you don't want to sell and wish to continue holding these assets, you can "move" them from your NISA account to a regular taxable account.
- Action: Apply to your financial institution to transfer assets from your NISA account to your "Tokutei Koza" (特定口座 - Specific Account) or "Ippan Koza" (一般口座 - General Account).
- Key Point: When assets are transferred, their "cost basis" will be recalculated based on the market price on the day of transfer.
- For example: You originally bought a fund for JPY 100,000. On the day you decide to leave Japan and process the transfer, it has risen to JPY 150,000.
- The JPY 50,000 profit generated during this period is tax-exempt because it was within NISA.
- After the assets are transferred to the new account, their cost basis will be recorded as JPY 150,000. If you later sell it when it reaches JPY 200,000, the taxable portion of the gain will be
JPY 200,000 - JPY 150,000 = JPY 50,000.
- Note: After becoming a non-resident, if assets in this regular account generate dividends or capital gains from sales, you will need to pay tax according to Japan's tax rate for non-residents (typically 20.315%), or as per the tax treaty between Japan and your new country of residence.
Option 3: Apply for Account Freeze to Retain Eligibility (If You Plan to Return Within 5 Years)
This option is suitable for friends who are temporarily assigned abroad, studying, and plan to return to Japan within 5 years.
- Action: Before you leave Japan, submit an application called "Keizoku Tekiyo Todokedesho" (継続適用届出書) to your financial institution.
- Effect: After submitting the application, your NISA account will be "frozen" and retained for a maximum of 5 years.
- Restrictions: During the "frozen" period, you cannot invest new funds into this NISA account to purchase any products. However, existing assets in the account can continue to be held, and any profits and dividends generated during this period will still enjoy tax-exempt status.
- Resumption: When you return to Japan and become a resident again, submit a "Kikoku Todokedesho" (帰国届出書) to your financial institution to "unfreeze" your account and resume normal use.
Summary and Recommendations
To help you understand, I've created a simple table:
| Your Situation | Recommended Action | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanently leaving Japan, not returning | 1. Sell all assets | Simple operation, clear tax implications, no future worries | May miss out on future asset appreciation |
| 2. Transfer to taxable account | Can continue to hold assets you are bullish on | Future tax handling is relatively complex | |
| Temporarily leaving, planning to return to Japan within 5 years | 3. Apply for "Continued Application" | Retain NISA eligibility, tax-exempt period is not interrupted | Cannot make new investments while away |
Final Tip:
The specific procedures and required documents may vary slightly among financial institutions. Before making your final decision, the safest approach is to directly call or consult online with the customer service of the company where you opened your account. Explain your specific situation (when you're leaving, whether you plan to return, etc.), and they will provide the most accurate and authoritative guidance.