For Those Planning to Leave Japan Under a Business Manager Visa: What to Do Before Departure (Business, Immigration, and Administrative Procedures)

A Complete Guide to Business, Immigration, and Administrative Procedures Before Departure

In recent years, the practical requirements for renewing a Business Manager Visa in Japan have clearly become stricter.
Greater emphasis is now placed on actual sales performance, business continuity, and substantive operations.

As a result, more foreign entrepreneurs are finding themselves in situations where:

• Business revenue has not grown as expected

• Visa renewal prospects are uncertain

• Financial, family, or personal considerations make continued stay difficult

• They decide it is better to return home and reassess their plans

This article is written for those who are considering ending their stay in Japan under a Business Manager Visa and explains, in one place, the procedures that should be handled before leaving Japan—both from a business and daily life / administrative perspective.

Leaving Japan Is Not a Failure

First, it is important to say this clearly:

Choosing to return home is not a failure.

Changes in visa policy, business conditions, personal circumstances, or long-term planning can all justify ending your stay in Japan at this stage.
What matters most is how you close this chapter, not the decision itself.

Leaving Japan without properly closing procedures can cause problems later—especially if you ever wish to return.

Your Main Options When Returning Home (Business Perspective)

If you are leaving Japan under a Business Manager Visa, you generally have two options regarding your business.

Option 1: Close the Business and Leave Japan

Option 2: Transfer the Business to Someone Else and Leave Japan

Many people assume only Option 1 exists, but Option 2 is also realistic in certain cases, especially for small-scale businesses.

Option 1: Closing the Business Before Departure

If You Are a Sole Proprietor

• Filing a business closure notification

• Settling tax matters

• Canceling contracts (office, phone, utilities, bank accounts, etc.)

If You Operate a Company (GK / KK)

• Ceasing business operations

• Company dissolution and liquidation

• Corporate registration and tax procedures

Leaving Japan without handling these matters properly often leads to tax, registration, or immigration-related problems later.

Option 2: Transferring the Business Before Departure

Small-scale business transfers have become increasingly common in Japan.

Who Can Take Over the Business?

• Former employees

• Business partners or clients

• Japanese friends or acquaintances

• Third parties seeking business succession

Transfers may be informal in scale, but written agreements and proper procedures are essential, even when transferring to someone you trust.

Important Note: Business Transfer and Visa Status

This point is often misunderstood, so it must be stated clearly.

• Once you transfer or exit the business, the basis for your Business Manager Visa no longer exists

• A business itself cannot “carry” a visa

• A visa cannot be transferred to another person

If the new owner is a foreign national, they must independently satisfy the requirements for a Business Manager Visa, unless they hold a status-based residence status such as Permanent Resident or Spouse of a Japanese National, in which case the Business Manager Visa requirements do not apply.

Administrative and Daily Life Procedures Before Leaving Japan

In addition to business matters, there are several essential administrative procedures that must be completed before departure.

1. Procedures at the Municipal Office

Filing a Moving-Out Notification

• Submit a moving-out notice at your local city or ward office

• Failure to do so may result in continued billing for:

  • Resident tax

  • National health insurance

  • Pension contributions

Returning the My Number Card

When filing a moving-out notification for departure abroad, you may either return your My Number Card or apply for continued use, depending on your situation.

• If you plan to return to Japan temporarily or in the future, you may choose continued use, in which case the card will receive a “Returned” (overseas move) stamp and can still be used after re-entry.

• If you do not plan to return to Japan for a long period, the card is generally returned to the municipal office at the time of the moving-out procedure.

Please note that even when continued use is approved, some services—such as convenience store certificate issuance—may be restricted, although the card may still be used as identification and for My Number Portal services.

2. Taxes and Social Insurance

Resident Tax

• Any unpaid resident tax must be settled before departure

National Health Insurance

• Withdrawal procedure

• Return of insurance card

• Final adjustment of insurance premiums

(If you are enrolled in company social insurance, procedures are generally handled by the company.)

National Pension (If Enrolled)

• Withdrawal procedure at the municipal office

• If you have paid contributions for six months or more, you may apply for a lump-sum withdrawal payment

• This application can be submitted after leaving Japan

3. Immigration-Related Procedures

Returning Your Residence Card

• Your residence card must be returned at airport departure immigration control

Notification of Withdrawal from Activity (If Applicable)

• Required when you stop engaging in the activity linked to your visa status

4. Financial and Contractual Matters

Bank Accounts

• Close bank accounts before departure

• Settle any automatic withdrawals in advance

Housing

• Notify landlord or real estate agency of move-out

• Check contract for notice period

• Restore the property to its original condition and dispose of trash properly

Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)

• Cancel contracts and settle final bills

• Procedures can usually be completed online or by phone

Mobile Phone Contracts

• Cancel at the carrier’s shop

• Settle outstanding usage charges

Common Problems to Avoid

• Leaving Japan without filing a moving-out notification

• Unpaid taxes or insurance premiums

• Abandoned companies or bank accounts

• Postponing everything “until after departure”

These issues can affect your credibility and future immigration procedures if you ever return to Japan.

A Message from an Administrative Scrivener

Leaving Japan is not a problem in itself.
However:

The way you close your stay in Japan determines your future options.

If you may wish to:

• Return to Japan in the future

• Apply for another visa category

• Maintain business or professional ties with Japan

then it is strongly recommended to complete the necessary procedures properly before departure.

Summary

• Business Manager Visa requirements have become stricter

• More foreign entrepreneurs are choosing to leave Japan

• You may either close or transfer your business

• Business matters alone are not enough—administrative and daily life procedures are equally important

• Proper closure helps preserve future opportunities

Ending your stay quietly and responsibly is not a failure.
It is simply one informed decision among many.

Important Notice

Please note that administrative procedures and required documents may vary depending on the municipality or local authority.

The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance only and does not replace confirmation with your local city or ward office, tax office, pension office, or immigration authority.

Before taking any action, be sure to check the latest requirements with the relevant local offices based on your place of residence and individual circumstances.

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