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Japan Life Guide
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Departure & Exit Procedures

Deregistration & lump-sum pension withdrawal

What to do before leaving Japan: deregister your address, claim pension refunds, and more.

⏱️Time Required: 2–4 weeks of preparation
💴Cost: Pension refund: 0–5 years of contributions returned
📍Location: City Hall + Japanese Pension Service
🔗Official Website

⚠️Warning

  • •Pension withdrawal application must be submitted within 2 years of leaving Japan.
  • •Permanent residents (永住者) who later return to Japan may lose their pension contributions by withdrawing.
  • •Returning your residence card is mandatory — failure to do so may cause issues with future visa applications.

📋Step-by-Step Guide

1

Notify your employer and landlord

Give at least 1 month notice to your employer and 1–2 months to your landlord as specified in your contract.

2

Cancel utilities and subscriptions

Cancel electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, and any subscriptions (NHK, gym, etc.). Schedule cancellations for your departure date.

3

Deregister your residence (住民票除票)

Visit your local city hall to deregister your address (転出届). Do this on your last day or a few days before departure.

💡 Tip: This is required to apply for the pension lump-sum withdrawal.
4

Apply for Pension Lump-Sum Withdrawal (脱退一時金)

If you contributed to the National Pension (国民年金) or Employees' Pension (厚生年金) for at least 6 months, you can claim back up to 3–5 years of contributions. Apply within 2 years of departure.

💡 Tip: The maximum refund period is 5 years (60 months) of contributions.
5

File a final tax return if needed

File your final year tax return. If leaving before the March 15 deadline, you can file early or appoint a tax representative (納税管理人).

6

Return your Residence Card at the airport

Hand in your residence card at the immigration counter when departing Japan. This is mandatory.

💡Helpful Tips

  • ✓Pension lump-sum withdrawal is available if you contributed for at least 6 months.
  • ✓You can appoint an attorney or tax representative to handle paperwork after you leave.
  • ✓The pension refund is subject to 20.42% withholding tax — you may reclaim it via a tax treaty.
  • ✓Keep copies of all deregistration documents for future reference.

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📄Required Documents

●
Residence card (在留カード)

Return at airport on departure

Required
●
Passport with departure stamp

For pension withdrawal application

Required
●
Pension book (年金手帳) or basic pension number

For pension withdrawal

Required
●
Bank account info (outside Japan)

For pension refund transfer

Required
○
Withholding tax certificate

For final tax filing

Optional
○
Moving out certificate from landlord
Optional
📥 Download Checklist PDF

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