Leaving Japan

Closing your bank account

If you have no planned payments or deposits after returning home, you should close your account. Present proof of identity and your passbook at the bank counter and submit a closure request form. If you registered a personal seal when opening the account, this will also be required. If deposits or withdrawals are scheduled after your return, you may instruct a representative residing in Japan to handle the closure procedures, closing the account after your departure. For details, please inquire with your respective bank.

Moving-out notification

You need to file a moving-out notification (転出届) with the city hall or ward office at which you are registered in order to terminate your residency. Otherwise, you will be charged resident tax even after you leave Japan.

*You may be able to complete your moving-out procedures online or by mail, so please check with your city hall or ward office.

Change of postal address notice

When moving house within Japan, a service is available that allows you to forward mail addressed to your old address to your new address free of charge for one year.

Please complete the procedure online (in Japanese) or visit a post office counter with documents confirming your identity and your previous address (such as a driving license, passport, resident card, or certificate of residence issued by a government agency that includes your address). You will be asked to complete a change of address form at the post office counter.

Please note that we regret they cannot forward mail to overseas addresses.

Practical Guide for International Students - Japan Post