When the time has come for you to leave Japan, there are quite a few steps to take before boarding the plane to go back home. The procedure of leaving Japan might differ a lot from what you had to do when moving out of your country. It’s very important to make sure that you fulfill your obligations, cancel your contracts and let officials know that you are leaving.

Here are the most important things you need to do before moving out of Japan.

Administrative Formalities: 

Notice of relocation: Bring your residence card, passport, identification documents, proof of returning to the Ward Office.
Complete residence tax payment.
Procedures to cancel enrollment in social insurance: 
Go to the Ward Office where you live to complete the procedure to cancel insurance enrollment and return the insurance card.

・When you go to the Ward Office, if there is an insurance premium that you haven’t paid yet, please pay it right away.

Return the My number card or the Individual number notification card:
Return the My number card if you do not plan to return to Japan at the Civil Registry Department (戸籍課) at the City Hall.
However, if you want to come back in the future, the Civil Registry Department will stamp 「返納」 on the My number card and return it to you.

・Please bring this card to the Regional Immigration Bureau to register again if you return to Japan, each person only has a unique individual number (個人番号) so don’t lose it 

National Pension withdrawal procedure: If you participate in the pension payment, you can carry out the procedure to receive part of your pension within 2 years before going back to your country.
Return the residence card (在留カード).

Procedures related to housing: 

Cancel the rental contract: Inform the landlord 1-2 months in advance, carefully review the contract because you may still have to pay the last month’s rent even when it’s not the end of the month.
Sign up for garbage collection: For equipment such as televisions, refrigerators, etc. will not be large-sized garbage that is collected for recycling. For large-sized garbage such as blankets, tables, chairs, etc., please register for collection by phone or internet and confirm the type of garbage with the disposal center. After registering, you need to stick the garbage collection stamp purchased at Convenience store or the post office.
Please dispose of unnecessary items such as clothes, books, etc.
Stop using electricity and gas when coming back to your country.
Stop using your phone and the Internet.
Stop using your bank account: When going to the bank, remember to bring: bank account passbook, ATM card, residence card, seal. If you don’t deactivate your bank account and just leave it for a long time, the money left inside will not be withdrawn or usable in the future.
Change the registered postal address: Leaflets or letters may still be sent to the old address even after you move out. Therefore, please cancel or re-address with the nearest post office to avoid disturbing the next residents.