Leaving Japan Financial Checklist: Closing Accounts & Getting Deposits Back
A clear, step-by-step checklist for expats leaving Japan. Learn when to notify city hall, how to close bank, phone, and utility accounts, claim your apartment deposit, recover IC-card deposits, appoint a tax agent, and apply for the pension lump-sumโwithout missing deadlines.
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At-a-glance timeline
| When | Task | Who to contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-60 to T-30 days | Book move-out date and cleaning | Landlord / agency | Confirm inspection rules and deposit terms under โrestoration to original conditionโ guidelines. |
| T-14 days to departure | File Moving-Out Notification (tenshutsu todoke) for moving abroad | Your city/ward office | Required for all residents moving overseas; do it from 14 days before departure. |
| T-21 to T-10 days | Set end dates for electricity / gas / water / internet | TEPCO/Tokyo Gas/Waterworks/ISP | TEPCO suggests ~3โ4 daysโ notice; many guides advise a week+. Gas may require someone present. |
| T-21 to T-7 days | Cancel mobile and return router/SIM as needed | Docomo / au / SoftBank | Cancellation can be done in-store; some providers allow overseas cancellation. |
| T-21 to T-1 day | Close or prepare to close bank accounts and auto-debuts | Your bank | Many banks require in-person closure before leaving. |
| T-21 to T-1 day | Appoint a tax agent (Nozei Kanrinin) if youโll owe or may file anything later | National Tax Agency form | Appointing a tax agent lets you file by March 15 next year; otherwise file before departure. |
| Departure day | Return residence card at border if youโll not re-enter on time; keep if using Special Re-entry | Immigration officer | Hand back the residence card if leaving with no plan to return within permit; special re-entry allows a short return. |
| After departure | Apply for Pension Lump-Sum Withdrawal (within 2 years) | Japan Pension Service | 20.42% tax is withheld; you (or your tax agent) may claim a refund of that part. |
Step 1: Tell city hall youโre moving abroad
Submit a Moving-Out Notification (่ปขๅบๅฑ tenshutsu todoke) for โmoving overseasโ at your municipal office. This is legally required and links to many other cancellations (National Health Insurance, resident registry, My Number handling). File it from 14 days before your move; bring ID and proof of departure (flight, etc.).
If you skip this step, later processes (tax, health insurance withdrawal, pension claim) become harder. Many wards also remind you to cancel utilities and NTT/Post at the same time.
Related reads: Registering Your Address in Japan
Step 2: Health insurance, My Number, and the residence card
National Health Insurance (NHI) or Employer Health Insurance
When you file your moving-out for overseas, cancel NHI at the ward office and return the card. If you were on employer insurance, return the card to HR on your last day. Municipal pages and universities consistently advise doing NHI withdrawal around a week before departure.
My Number (Individual Number) Card
If you want to keep using your My Number Card from overseas (for certain e-services), you must complete a continued-use procedure at city hall by the day before your move; otherwise, the card becomes unusable.
Some municipal and university guides say you return the My Number card when submitting the moving-out notice if you are not setting it for overseas continued use. Check your cityโs rule at the counter when you file.
Residence card at departure
If you wonโt return within your permitted period, hand your residence card to the immigration officer at the airport when you leave Japan. If you plan a short return (special re-entry), you keep it and show it on re-entry.
Related reads: Health Insurance in Japan Explained
Step 3: Taxes you must settle (and why appointing a tax agent is smart)
Japan taxes run on a calendar year. If you leave mid-year, you may still have:
- National income tax for the year of departure.
- Resident tax (levied the following year on last yearโs income).
- Possible exit tax if you hold large financial assets (special case).
If you appoint a tax agent (็ด็จ็ฎก็ไบบ) before leaving, you can file and pay next year by the usual deadline (around March 15) from overseas. If you donโt appoint one, you must file and pay before you depart. The National Tax Agency spells this out clearly in English.
Municipal sites (e.g., Mitaka City) also note that resident tax may still be due after you leave. A tax agent can receive bills and handle payment on your behalf.
Action items
- Fill out the NTA โNotification of Tax Agent for income tax / consumption taxโ and submit it to your district tax office.
- If you used the pension lump-sum (below), remember 20.42% is withheld and you may reclaim some or all via a separate filing through your tax agent.
Related reads: How Income Tax Works in Japan, Resident Tax for Expats
Step 4: Claim your pension lump-sum after you leave
If youโre non-Japanese and paid into the National Pension or Employeesโ Pension, you can apply for the Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment (่ฑ้ไธๆ้) within 2 years of leaving Japan (minimum 6 months of coverage required). Apply only after youโre no longer covered and no longer have a registered address in Japan.
Tax note: The payment is subject to a 20.42% withholding at source. Many people appoint a tax agent to file for a refund of the withheld tax (if eligible) afterward.
Related reads: Pension Refund Guide for Foreigners
Step 5: Close (or prepare to close) your bank accounts
Many Japanese banks require you to close your account in person before you leave Japan. Online-only or Japan-resident-only banks may close your account once you lose residency. Examples: SBI Shinsei Bank asks you to close before leaving; Sony Bank also directs closures when necessary.
Tips
- Stop all auto-debits (utilities, phone, internet, subscriptions) before closing.
- Keep one account open if you appointed a tax agent and will need bank transfer for tax refund/settlement; confirm with your bank you can keep it after deregistrationโpolicies vary. The NTA notes bank transfers for tax payments are possible when youโve filed the tax-agent notice.
Related reads: Open a Bank Account in Japan, International Money Transfers from Japan
Step 6: Cancel mobile phone, internet, and credit cards
Mobile phone
- Docomo, au, SoftBank all provide cancellation guidance in English. In most cases you must cancel in person at a shop before departure; some allow overseas cancellation by phone or mail in special cases. Return rental routers or pocket Wi-Fi to avoid extra fees.
Home internet
- For example, SoftBank Hikari explains how to cancel and return equipment; confirm your providerโs final billing cycle and any fees.
Credit cards and points
- Use up points and redeem partner e-money before you cancel. Program rules vary; for instance, Rakuten outlines how points work and that membership can be cancelled anytime (but then you lose access).
- Pro-tip: If your card has an annual fee, some issuers globally allow a short window for refunds after postingโcheck your Japanese issuerโs policy before cancelling.
Related reads: Top 5 Credit Cards for Foreigners in Japan, Best Bank Accounts for Expats in Japan
Step 7: Utilitiesโelectricity, gas, water
Set a stop date that matches your move-out and provide final meter readings.
- Electricity (TEPCO): Notify several days in advance; many local guides suggest 3โ4 business days notice.
- Gas: Often requires a technician visit; plan your timing so gas is on until you finish cleaning/packing and someone can attend the shut-off.
- Water: The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau provides an English portal to start/stop service; have your customer number handy.
Municipal guides (e.g., Shinjuku) recommend notifying electric, gas, water, NTT, and post; staff may do meter checks on move-out day.
Related reads: Setting Up Utilities in Tokyo, Types of House in Japan
Step 8: Get your apartment deposit back (and what youโll be charged for)
In Japan, you usually pay a security deposit (ๆท้ shikikin). When you move out, you are responsible for tenant-caused damage and cleaning that exceeds โnormal wear and tear,โ while the landlord covers aging and ordinary wear. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) publishes Restoration to Original Condition Guidelines used across the industry; they explain typical cost sharing.
Checklist for a smooth refund
- Photograph the property after cleaning; attend the move-out inspection.
- Return all keys and settle last utility bills to avoid deductions.
- Ask your agent for a statement of itemized charges if any.
Related reads: Renting in Japan 101, How Key Money and Deposits Work
Step 9: Forward mail (domestic), or set up a virtual mailbox
Japan Post forwards domestic mail for one year, free, when you file a tenkyo todoke (relocation form) online or at a post office. They do not forward overseas, so if youโre leaving Japan, consider a private forwarding/scanning service.
Related reads: Mail Forwarding and Address Change in Japan
Step 10: Donโt forget IC transit card deposits (Suica, PASMO)
- Suica: Your purchase includes a ยฅ500 deposit; you can return the card at JR East stations to get your remaining balance + deposit (handling fee rules apply).
- PASMO: Return the card to receive the stored balance and the ยฅ500 deposit (commuter pass refunds have their own rules).
- Welcome Suica (for short-term visitors) has no deposit and no refund of the remaining balance.
Step 11: Investments (NISA/iDeCo) when you leave
- NISA: The new NISA (2024โ) allows indefinite tax-free holding. If you temporarily go overseas for work and complete the required procedure, some institutions allow you to keep tax-free status for a periodโbut you cannot make new purchases while abroad, and policies vary by broker. Confirm details with your broker and the FSA FAQ.
- iDeCo: Enrollment depends on being covered under Japanโs National Pension categories (resident status). The official iDeCo materials show eligibility by category; when you become a non-resident, contributions generally stop. Check with your provider for account status and fees while abroad.
Departure day: what to bring and return
- Residence card (return at the airport if you wonโt re-enter during the valid period).
- My Number card (only if your city instructed return; otherwise ensure youโve done the overseas continued-use procedure).
- Receipts for utility final readings and rent settlement.
- Refunds: IC cards, landlord deposit timeline, and any insurer premium refunds if applicable.
After youโve left: finish the money stuff
- Pension Lump-Sum: Apply within 2 years from abroad; Japan Pension Service has the forms in English.
- Tax on Lump-Sum: A 20.42% withholding is applied; your tax agent can file to reclaim eligible amounts.
- Resident Tax / Other Bills: Your tax agent can receive bills and pay. Without an agent, you may miss notices or face penalties.
Practical table: who to tell, what you may get back, and documents to prepare
| Category | Tell/Visit | Possible refund | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| City/Ward office | Moving-Out Notification for overseas | โ | Passport, residence card, departure proof, My Number card (and decide continued-use vs return) |
| National Health Insurance | City/ward NHI counter | Pro-rated adjustments (case-by-case) | NHI card, moving-out receipt |
| Pension | Japan Pension Service (by post) | Lump-Sum Withdrawal (if 6+ months) | Pension number, claim form, bank info, copy of exit record; file within 2 years |
| Taxes | National Tax Agency (via tax agent) | Refunds incl. withheld 20.42% on pension | Notification of Tax Agent; keep a JP bank if needed for transfers |
| Bank | Your branch/customer support | Remaining balance interest; card annual fee pro-ration per issuer | Passbook/card, hanko (if used), ID; close before leaving |
| Credit cards & points | Issuer / card app | Points redemption; some fee refunds per rules | Redeem points; check rules (e.g., Rakuten points/ membership) |
| Utilities | Power/Gas/Water/ISP | Deposit/overpayment refunds (if any) | Customer number, move-out date; gas visit slot; English portal for water in Tokyo |
| Housing | Landlord/agent | Shikikin (security deposit) less fair restoration | Lease, cleaning invoices, photos; MLIT guidelines help with disputes |
| Japan Post | โ | Free 1-year domestic forwarding; no overseas forwarding by JP Post | |
| Transit IC | JR East / PASMO issuer | ยฅ500 deposit + balance | Return card at issuer counter; Welcome Suica has no deposit refund |
Frequently asked โgotchasโ
Do I really need a tax agent?
If you might owe resident tax or plan to claim the pension lump-sum tax refund, a tax agent is the safest way to avoid missed deadlines and to file from abroad. NTA explains your filing deadline stays the regular March date if you appoint one.
What if Iโm coming back within a year?
Use the Special Re-entry Permit (check the box at departure). In that case you keep your residence card and use it again on return.
How soon should I cancel utilities?
Electricity can be shut off remotely, but gas often needs a technician; schedule it so you still have hot water for cleaning. TEPCO suggests several daysโ notice; many local guides recommend about a week for all utilities.
Will I get all of my deposit back?
Not always. Under MLITโs guideline, you pay for tenant-caused damage and beyond-normal cleaning. Ordinary wear and aging are on the landlord. Keep evidence and ask for an itemized bill.
Can Japan Post forward my mail overseas?
NoโJapan Postโs forwarding is domestic only for one year. Use a private mail forwarding/scanning service if youโll be abroad.
One-page checklist you can copy
- Book move-out, inspection, and cleaning date.
- Tenshutsu todoke at city hall (moving overseas).
- Cancel NHI or return company health card.
- Decide My Number continued-use vs. return at the counter.
- Appoint tax agent and give them your new contact details.
- Schedule utilities shut-offs (power, gas visit, water), and return ISP gear.
- Cancel mobile and return any rented devices.
- Close bank accounts after stopping auto-debits; confirm one account policy if needed for refunds/taxes.
- Redeem points, cancel credit cards you wonโt keep.
- File Japan Post domestic forwarding (or set up virtual mailbox).
- Return IC transit cards for deposit/balance.
- On departure: handle residence card at immigration.
- After leaving: pension lump-sum application; tax refund via agent as needed.
Want to go deeper?
- Budgeting in Japan: How Expats Can Save Money, Best International Money Transfer Options from Japan, Japan Pension RefundโStep by Step.
Final encouragement
Leaving Japan involves many moving parts, but if you start 3โ4 weeks early and follow this checklist, you can close accounts cleanly, get back the money youโre owed, and avoid surprise bills after you land. Safe travelsโand keep more of your yen in your pocket!
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
