Leaving Japan After Your Teaching Contract: A Practical Checklist

Planning to leave Japan after your teaching contract? It’s smart to start your exit checklist early, even if your departure date feels far away. From your apartment to your bank account, small details can become major stress points if you leave them until the last minute.

Here’s what you should begin thinking about now.

Tell Your Employer at the Right Time

Most contracts require a clear notice of intention—whether you plan to renew or resign. While it may feel too early to talk to your company, check your contract’s notice period. You’ll need to balance giving proper notice with keeping your visa valid while you continue working.

In many cases, your visa will be extended until the end of your contract even if you’ve already decided to leave. That can work in your favor if you want to stay in Japan for a month after your final working day to travel and say goodbye.

Your Apartment: Know Who Is Responsible

If your apartment is not tied to your employer, you are responsible for the cancellation process. Rental companies like Leopalace require notice—usually one to two months before move-out. Expect to handle:

• Final rent and pro-rated utilities
• Cleaning or restoration fees
• Possible early termination penalties

Contact your rental company directly to confirm their exact procedure. Don’t assume your employer will manage it. If the apartment is in your name, the paperwork is on you.

Last Paycheck and JP Bank Account

A common question is whether your final paycheck can be deposited into your JP Bank account, and whether you can close the account afterward.

In most cases, yes. To make things smoother:

• Confirm your final pay date with your employer.
• Ask whether they will deposit your last salary after your departure.
• Keep your JP Bank account open until the deposit arrives.
• Transfer the money to your home account or withdraw it in cash.
• Close the account in person before leaving the country.

Check whether any final deductions—taxes, pension adjustments, or unpaid bills—will affect the amount you receive.

Pension, Health Insurance, and Residence Tax

Before you leave Japan, you’ll need to handle several important items:

• National Pension: If you’ve contributed for the required period, you may be eligible for a partial lump-sum withdrawal refund. Submit the application before you leave or within the allowed time after departure.
• Health Insurance: Cancel your enrollment at your local city or ward office. Bring your insurance card and residence card when you go.
• Residence Tax: This can be the biggest surprise. If you leave Japan on or before December 31, you may avoid residence tax on your income for the following year. But if you leave on or after January 1, you may owe residence tax on your entire previous year’s income—roughly 10% of your gross taxable income, which can include transport reimbursements.

For many teachers, that amount is considerable. Later in the year? It’s worth planning your departure date around this tax rule.

Other Costs and Forms to Prepare

Don’t forget the smaller but equally important items:

• City/ward office: Submit a moving-out notification and return your residence card at the airport when you leave.
• Utilities and internet: Cancel services and pay final bills before your move-out date.
• Mobile phone contract: Cancel or transfer your plan. Some carriers charge a cancellation fee.
• Furniture and appliances: Sell, give away, or arrange disposal in advance.
• Mail forwarding: Set up forwarding if you expect important mail after you go.

Enjoy Your Final Month in Japan

Leaving Japan is a process with many moving pieces, but a solid checklist makes it manageable. Start early, confirm what your employer handles, and take care of the administrative layers one by one.

Then you can enjoy your final month—traveling, sharing meals with friends, and visiting the places you love—without the stress of unfinished paperwork hanging over your head.