Leaving Japan for Good: Complete Checklist for Foreigners (2025)
What you'll learn in this guide The complete timeline and checklist for leaving Japan permanently How to claim your Japanese pension refund (lump-sum withdrawal) What to do with your Japanese bank accounts, credit cards, and investments How to cancel your residence registration and return your residence card Shipping belongings, selling furniture, and final tax filings Quick Answer Key tasks when leaving Japan: cancel residence registration at city hall (submit 転出届), apply for pension lump-sum refund within 2 years of departure, file final tax return before leaving, close/transfer bank accounts, and handle your apartment move-out properly. Start the process 2–3 months before departure. ...