Leaving Japan Checklist: Phone, Internet, Bank, Tax & Pension in Order

Leaving Japan involves more than booking a flight. You need to cancel contracts, close accounts, and settle taxes in a specific order to avoid fees, penalties, and lost refunds. This checklist covers phone, internet, bank, tax, and pension—ordered so that each step doesn't block the next. Start at least one month before your departure.

Why Order Matters

Cancelling your phone before your bank can leave you without two-factor authentication for banking apps. Closing your bank before your final tax payment can delay refunds. The correct sequence: (1) notify your municipality, (2) cancel utilities and subscriptions, (3) close phone and internet (but keep phone number until after bank transfers), (4) settle taxes, (5) close bank accounts, (6) claim pension refund. This order prevents common pitfalls like losing access to funds or missing deadlines.

Why Order Matters — Photo by Chris Chan on Unsplash

Step 1: Notify Your Ward or City Office

At least two weeks before leaving, visit your local ward or city office (municipal office) to submit a "moving out" notification (notice of transfer). This triggers the process for your residence card, health insurance, and pension. You'll need your residence card (residence card) and passport. Per the Saitama JET guide, this is the first official step. After notification, you'll receive a certificate of departure (certificate of transfer) if moving within Japan, or a departure procedure confirmation if leaving the country. This document is required for later steps like pension refund.

Step 1: Notify Your Ward or City Office — Photo by Janis Rozenfelds on Unsplash

Step 2: Cancel Utilities and Subscriptions

Before tackling contracts, cancel the services that are easiest to resolve: electricity, gas, water, and internet. Contact each provider with your account number and final meter reading. Schedule final bills to be sent to a Japanese address (a friend's or your employer's). For streaming and gym memberships, cancel online or via phone. The Japan Living Life guide lists NHK, streaming, and gym as common cancellations. Keep records of all cancellation confirmations.

Step 2: Cancel Utilities and Subscriptions — Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

Step 3: Close Phone and Internet Contracts

Mobile phone contracts often require a cancellation fee if you leave before the contract term ends. Check your contract for the exact fee. To avoid losing your number for bank verification, keep your phone active until after you've transferred money and closed bank accounts. For internet, return the router and any equipment to avoid hardware charges. If you have a pocket Wi-Fi, return it similarly. Per the Saitama JET guide, returning equipment is a common oversight.

Step 4: Handle Taxes Before You Leave

You must file a final tax return (final tax return) if you have income earned in Japan during the year of departure. The deadline is typically March 15, but if you leave mid-year, you may need to file earlier. Also, pay any outstanding residence tax (residence tax) for the previous year. If you leave without paying, your guarantor or employer may be liable. The TaxMatch guide highlights strict deadlines. For capital gains on real estate, a special "exit tax" may apply if you've lived in Japan for 5 of the last 10 years and have assets over ¥100 million. Consult a tax professional for your situation.

Step 5: Close Bank Accounts

After settling taxes, you can close your bank accounts. Bring your residence card, passport, and bank book (passbook) if you have one. Some banks require a certificate of departure. Transfer remaining funds to an overseas account before closing. Note that banks may charge a transfer fee. If you have automatic payments set up, cancel them first. Keep enough money in the account until all pending transactions clear.

Step 6: Claim Your Pension Refund (Lump-Sum Withdrawal)

If you've paid into Japan's pension system and are not a citizen of a country with a totalization agreement, you may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal (lump-sum withdrawal payment). You must apply within two years of leaving Japan. The application is submitted to the Japan Pension Service (Japan Pension Organization) and requires a certificate of departure, pension book (pension handbook), and bank account details. The Expat Japan guide explains the process. The refund amount depends on your contribution period—up to 5 years' worth of contributions. Note that this refund is subject to a 20.42% withholding tax.

Fact Matrix: Key Steps and Deadlines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cancelling your phone before transferring bank money, losing two-factor authentication.
• Forgetting to cancel automatic payments, leading to overdrafts.
• Not returning internet equipment, incurring fees.
• Missing the pension refund deadline (2 years).
• Assuming you don't need to file a tax return if you had no Japanese income—you may still need to file for refunds.
• Not keeping records of cancellations, causing disputes.

Edge Cases: What If You're Moving to a Totalization Country?

If you're moving to a country with a social security totalization agreement (e.g., the US, UK, Germany), you may not be eligible for the lump-sum pension refund. Instead, your contributions may count toward your home country's pension. Check with your home country's social security agency. This is a common confusion, and the Expat Japan guide notes that eligibility depends on your home country.

How to Stay Connected After You Leave

If you need a Japanese phone number for a short time after leaving, consider an eSIM for travel. Options like Mobal, Sakura Mobile, Airalo, and Saily offer data-only plans. Compare rates for your dates. These are not for long-term use but can help you stay connected during your move.

Final Checklist (Printable)

• Notify ward/city office (2 weeks before)
• Cancel utilities (electricity, gas, water)
• Cancel subscriptions (NHK, streaming, gym)
• Cancel internet and return equipment
• Keep phone active for bank verification
• File final tax return and pay outstanding taxes
• Close bank accounts after tax settlement
• Apply for pension refund within 2 years
• Keep copies of all documents

Sources and Verification

This checklist is based on public information from the sources listed below, verified on August 1, 2026. Always confirm current procedures with the relevant authorities, as rules may change.

• Saitama JET Leaver's Guide: PDF
• Expat Japan: Leaving Japan Checklist
• TaxMatch Japan: Tax & Financial Checklist
• Japan Handbook: Financial Checklist
• Japan Living Life: Canceling Services and Tax Obligations

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.

FAQ

Can I cancel my phone contract before leaving Japan?

Yes, but it's better to keep it active until after you've transferred money and closed bank accounts, as you may need SMS verification. Check your contract for cancellation fees. Per the Saitama JET guide, returning equipment is essential to avoid extra charges.

How do I get my Japanese pension refund?

If you're not from a totalization country, you can apply for a lump-sum withdrawal (lump-sum withdrawal payment) within two years of leaving Japan. Submit the application to the Japan Pension Service with your certificate of departure, pension book, and bank details. The amount depends on your contribution period, and a 20.42% tax applies.

Do I need to file a tax return if I leave Japan mid-year?

Yes, if you had income in Japan during the year of departure, you must file a final tax return before leaving. You also need to pay any outstanding residence tax. The deadline is typically March 15, but leaving early may require earlier filing. Consult the TaxMatch Japan guide for details.

What happens if I don't cancel my utilities before leaving?

You'll continue to be billed, and if you don't pay, it could affect your credit or your guarantor. It's best to cancel utilities in advance, providing a final meter reading and a forwarding address for the final bill. The Japan Living Life guide lists common services to cancel.

Sources & Verification

Fact-checked on 2026-08-01:

• "You must submit a moving-out notification to your ward or city office before leaving Japan." — https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/documents/5982/out_on_a_high_note_2026.pdf (2026-08-01)
• "The final tax return must be filed before leaving Japan if you have income in the year of departure." — https://e-zeirishi.com/en/leaving-japan-tax-checklist-foreigners/ (2026-08-01)
• "The pension lump-sum withdrawal must be applied for within two years of leaving Japan." — https://expatsjapan.com/daily-life/leaving-japan-checklist-foreigners/ (2026-08-01)
• "You should close bank accounts after settling taxes and transferring funds." — https://japanhandbook.com/leaving-japan-financial-checklist-closing-accounts-getting-deposits-back/ (2026-08-01)