Leaving Japan Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Moving Out

Whether your study term has ended, you are changing jobs, or you are returning to your home country after years of working in Japan, departing requires navigating a specific set of bureaucratic procedures. Japan is famous for its paperwork, and this is especially true when leaving. Failing to complete key steps can lead to visa complications, unpaid tax penalties, or difficulty returning in the future. This checklist covers the 10 most critical steps to handle in your final 30 days.

Departure Roadmap & Timeline

We recommend starting this checklist at least 30 days before your flight. Here is the suggested schedule:

Timeline	Action Items
30 Days Before	Notify landlord, start selling/disposing of large trash (Sodai Gomi).
14 Days Before	File Moving Out Notice (Tenshutsu-todoke) at ward office, cancel utilities.
7 Days Before	Appoint a tax representative, cancel phone/internet plans.
1-2 Days Before	Close bank accounts, clean apartment, hand keys to landlord.
At Airport	Return residence card to immigration at passport control.

1. Notify Your Landlord (30-60 Days Prior)

Most rental contracts in Japan require a one-month written notice (and sometimes two months) before moving out. If you fail to notify your landlord or agency on time, you will be charged rent for the subsequent month. Check your contract for the "Notice of Termination" (解約予告 - Kaiyaku Yokoku) clause.

2. File a Moving Out Notice (転出届 - Tenshutsu-todoke)

Visit your local ward office (Kuyakusho) or city hall within 14 days of your departure date. Bring your passport and physical Residence Card (Zairyu Card). You will fill out a Tenshutsu-todoke (Moving Out Notice). The clerk will update the database showing you are departing the country. If you do not do this, you will continue to accrue National Health Insurance premium bills.

3. Settle and Cancel National Health Insurance

While at the ward office, go to the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) desk. Show them your Moving Out certificate and return your health card. They will calculate your final premiums up to your exact departure date. You must pay this final bill on the spot or receive a payment slip to settle at a convenience store.

4. Appoint a Tax Representative (納税管理人の届出 - Nozei Kanrinin)

If you worked in Japan, you are liable for Resident Tax (Juminzei) on the income you earned in the previous calendar year. Since Resident Tax bills are issued in June of the following year, you may have outstanding taxes even after leaving. You must appoint a resident of Japan as your Tax Representative (Nozei Kanrinin) by submitting a form to your local tax office. They will receive your tax bill, pay it on your behalf, and can also help you claim your 20% tax refund on your pension lump-sum withdrawal.

5. Cancel Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity)

Contact your utility providers (TEPCO, Osaka Gas, etc.) at least 7-10 days before your departure. Provide them with your customer number, address, and the exact date/time you want them to turn off the services. Arrange to pay the final prorated bill via credit card, bank transfer, or by having an agent visit the apartment for a cash payment on your final day.

6. Dispose of Oversized Trash (粗大ゴミ - Sodai Gomi)

In Japan, you cannot simply throw away furniture, mattresses, or appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, microwaves). You must schedule a pickup for Sodai Gomi (Oversized Trash) with your municipal trash center.

Book the pickup online or via telephone weeks in advance (slots fill up quickly).
Purchase trash stickers (*Sodai Gomi Shoshi*) at a convenience store.
Affix the stickers to the items and place them at the collection point on the designated morning.

Alternatively, to save money, check our Sayonara Sales Guide to sell or give away your furniture to arriving students.

7. Cancel Phone and Internet Contracts

Home internet routers and pocket Wi-Fi contracts often have long cancellation notice periods or termination fees. Visit your mobile carrier shop (SoftBank, docomo, au, ahamo) or log in to your provider portal to schedule cancellation on your final day. Make sure you return any rented modem/router equipment by post to avoid massive replacement penalties.

8. Close Your Japanese Bank Account

It is highly recommended to close your Japanese bank account (Yucho, MUFG, SMBC) before leaving. Leaving an inactive bank account open can lead to security blocks, and banks regularly close accounts belonging to foreigners whose residence cards have expired.
Important: If you are expecting a security deposit refund from your landlord or final salary payment, keep the account open until the funds arrive, and arrange to transfer the money out using a service like Wise before closing it remotely or having a trusted friend handle it.

9. Settle Your Mobile Payments and Credits

Ensure any recurring payments linked to your mobile wallet (Suica, Pasmo, Paypay) are exhausted or closed out. You can get refunds for physical Suica or Pasmo cards (including the ¥500 deposit) by visiting a JR ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at major stations or the airport.

10. The Airport Passport Control Procedure

When going through passport control at Haneda, Narita, Kansai, or Fukuoka airports, present your passport and Residence Card. You must inform the immigration officer that you are leaving permanently and do not intend to return on your current visa. They will punch a hole in your Residence Card and return it to you as a souvenir. This legally terminates your residency status in Japan.