Leaving Japan Checklist: What to Do Before You Move Out of Japan

Before you leave Japan for good, the main tasks are: give notice on your apartment, file a moving-out notice (転出届) at your city or ward office, cancel utilities and your phone, decide what to do with your bank account, arrange large-rubbish collection, sort out resident tax and pension, and hand in your residence card at the airport if you’re not coming back. Start about two months ahead, because some steps need appointments or notice periods, and many offices only work in Japanese.

The checklist

When	Task
1–2 months before	Give notice on your apartment (解約); check your contract for the notice period, often one month or more.
1 month before	Book large-rubbish collection (粗大ごみ), sell or give away furniture, tell your employer and school.
2 weeks before	File the moving-out notice at the ward office, and ask about resident tax, health insurance and pension.
1–2 weeks before	Arrange final readings and cancellation for electricity, gas, water and internet; plan your phone cancellation.
Last week	Apartment inspection and key return (退去立ち会い); decide on your bank account.
At the airport	Hand in your residence card at immigration if you’re leaving permanently.

Money and paperwork to think about

Resident tax. It’s based on the previous year’s income, so you may still owe it after you leave. Ask the ward office whether to pay in advance or appoint a tax representative (納税管理人).
Pension. Some foreign residents can claim a lump-sum withdrawal payment after leaving. Check the rules and deadlines with the Japan Pension Service.
Bank account. Some banks restrict accounts held by non-residents. Ask your bank before you leave.
Deposit. Cleaning and repair costs are often taken from your deposit (敷金); be at the inspection if you can.

This is a general guide, not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so check with each office.

Useful phrases

Japanese	Say it	Meaning
海外に転出します。	kaigai ni tenshutsu shimasu.	I’m moving abroad (at the ward office).
部屋を解約したいです。	heya o kaiyaku shitai desu.	I’d like to end my lease.
〇月〇日に退去します。	… gatsu … nichi ni taikyo shimasu.	I’ll move out on (date).
粗大ごみの収集をお願いしたいです。	sodai gomi no shūshū o onegai shitai desu.	I’d like to book large-rubbish collection.
契約を解約したいです。	keiyaku o kaiyaku shitai desu.	I’d like to cancel my contract (phone, internet).

For more, see Japanese at the ward office, renting an apartment in Japan and bank accounts in Japan.

Saying goodbye

A short farewell note to neighbours, colleagues and teachers is a kind way to leave. See farewell letters when you leave Japan.

How Hanabuddies can help

We can interpret calls with your landlord, ward office, bank or phone company online, so nothing gets lost in a busy final month, and translate letters that arrive after you leave, such as tax notices. We can also help you write your farewell notes. Translations are uncertified and for your understanding.