What necessary procedures do I need to complete before leaving my home country? (e.g., canceling household registration, suspending social security, obtaining an international driver's license, etc.)

Relocating to JapanOverseas ProceduresHousehold Registration CancellationSocial Security SuspensionInternational Driving Permit
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Okay, friend, judging by your question, you're getting ready to head to Japan – congratulations! These formalities are definitely the most headache-inducing things before departure. Getting them right brings peace of mind, while mistakes can cause trouble down the line. Don't worry, I'll walk you through these points based on experience from someone who's been through it.

1. About Cancelling Your Hukou (Household Registration): Absolutely Do NOT Cancel It Lightly!

This is the most common misunderstanding. Many people think that settling abroad means they have to cancel their domestic hukou.

Conclusion First: As long as you haven't acquired Japanese citizenship, absolutely DO NOT cancel your Chinese hukou!

  • Why?
    • Your hukou and ID card are fundamental to your identity as a Chinese citizen. In China, opening bank accounts, buying property, purchasing train tickets, real-name verification for mobile apps... almost everything is tied to them.
    • If you cancel your hukou, your ID card becomes invalid. Returning to China for visits or handling affairs will become extremely troublesome, essentially creating unnecessary obstacles for yourself.
    • There's only one situation requiring hukou cancellation: when you decide to renounce Chinese citizenship and formally acquire Japanese citizenship (naturalization). According to Chinese nationality law, which does not recognize dual citizenship, only then do you need to take your "Naturalization Permit" to the local police station (Pai Chu Suo) where your hukou is registered to cancel it.

In a nutshell: Whether going to Japan for work, study, or settlement (even with Permanent Residency), you are still a Chinese citizen. Keep your hukou and ID card safe – they are your roots.

2. About Stopping Social Insurance (Shebao): Case-by-Case, Recommend "Suspending" Over "Withdrawing"

Social insurance relates to your future pension and healthcare, so think carefully.

  • Case 1: You are going to Japan short-term and plan to return to China for work in the future.

    • Recommendation: Find a way to continue paying. Social insurance (especially pension insurance) accumulates based on years of contributions. Paying for at least 15 years is the minimum threshold for receiving a pension after retirement. Interrupting it is a shame. Check with your local Social Security Bureau to see if you can switch to paying as a flexible worker.

  • Case 2: You plan to develop long-term in Japan and are unsure if you'll return.

    • Recommendation: Apply for "Suspension" or "Cessation of Payment".
      • This is the best option. Go to your local Social Security Bureau and apply for "Cessation of Payment". Your social insurance account will be "suspended". Your previous contribution years and the money in your personal account remain intact; they won't be cleared.
      • The benefit is that if you return to work in China later, you can resume payments and your accumulated years will count. It leaves you a way back.
    • The Least Recommended Option: Apply for "Withdrawal" (Tuibao).
      • "Withdrawal" means taking out the money from your personal social insurance account. It might sound good, but it's a big trap.
      • You can only withdraw the small portion you contributed. The larger portion paid by your employer cannot be withdrawn; it goes directly into the national pool. It's like giving money away for nothing! Moreover, all your previously accumulated contribution years are reset to zero. It's extremely disadvantageous!

In a nutshell: Social insurance is an important asset. Don't withdraw it lightly. Going to the Social Security Bureau to "suspend" it and keep your records is the safest choice.

3. About International Driving Permits: A Crucial Misconception!

This is very important. Many people get it wrong, wasting money and ending up with a useless document.

  • Core Fact: Mainland China is currently NOT a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. Therefore, any form of "International Driving Permit" (IDP) issued within Mainland China is NOT recognized in Japan and CANNOT be used to drive there!

  • So how do you drive in Japan? The correct method is:

    1. Get an Official Translation: Before you depart or after arriving in Japan, take your Chinese driver's license to a designated office of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) to obtain an official Japanese translation. This is the only translation document recognized by the Japanese National Police Agency.
    2. The "License + Translation + Passport" Trio: Within one year of entering Japan, you can legally drive using these three items together.
    3. Convert to a Japanese License: If you plan to drive long-term in Japan, the safest way is to convert your Chinese license to a Japanese one (called "Kirikae" in Japanese) within the valid period. This usually involves a simple test (typically an eye exam and written test, sometimes a practical driving test).

In a nutshell: Don't bother getting an "International Driving Permit" in China; it's useless. Go to JAF in Japan to get the translation – that's the real "key" to legal driving.

4. Besides the above, here are a few more things "someone who's been there" wants to remind you about

  • Personal Files (Academic/Personnel Files):

    • If you are a new graduate, clarify with your university where your academic file will be sent.
    • If you are resigning, clarify with your company where your personnel file is stored.
    • It's best to transfer your file to the Talent Service Center in your hukou location for safekeeping, paying a small annual fee. These files seem useless day-to-day, but if you return to China in the future for things like professional title evaluations, civil service exams, or certain certifications, not having them can be a major headache.

  • Various Notarized Documents:

    • Depending on your purpose for going to Japan (e.g., applying for a dependent visa), you might need certain certificates. It's advisable to get these notarized in China beforehand, such as:
      • Birth Certificate Notarization
      • Family Relationship Certificate Notarization
      • Marriage Certificate Notarization
      • Diploma/Degree Certificate Notarization
    • Get these documents notarized with Chinese/English (or Chinese/Japanese) translations and bring them to Japan for potential needs. Getting these kinds of cross-border certifications in Japan can be very troublesome.

  • Banking and Phone Number:

    • Bank Card: Keep at least one domestic UnionPay debit card. Ensure online banking is activated and that it can receive international SMS messages. Many Chinese apps and services now require SMS verification codes; this card and its linked phone number are your lifeline.
    • Phone Number: Keep one domestic Chinese mobile phone number. You can switch it to the cheapest "minimum retention plan" (Bao Hao), costing just a few RMB per month, specifically for receiving verification codes.

Hope this information helps! Although the preparations before going abroad can be tedious, taking it step by step and making a checklist will keep things organized. Wishing you all the best in Japan!

Created At: 08-11 12:19:47Updated At: 08-12 02:24:28