Leavers FAQ

This is a compilation of questions received from Departing JETs in the past.

** Please note that all advice given is what the PAs believe to be true. It is important that you consult with your own CO to confirm information for your specific situation!**

Return Flights

1. Are you required to return to the airport you originally came from?
   • Yes, if you want to claim flight reimbursement. If there are circumstances preventing you from returning to your original departure airport, please consult your CO. Otherwise, your flight will not be reimbursed if you return to a different airport.
2. When will people get refunded for flights purchased?
   • Once your flight can be confirmed by your CO. Be sure to check with your office prior to purchasing your flight if you will need additional documents, such as a flight cost estimate, or if your flight will be purchased by your office for you.
3. Must your itinerary/receipt reflect your flight purchase in Japanese Yen?
   • There is a chance your CO will ask for your flight calculated in Japanese Yen. If this is the case for you, your airline should be able to calculate a flight price for you in Yen, though it cannot be reflected on your receipt (only told to you for your own reference).

Money Matters (Pension, Banking, Local Inhabitance Taxes)

1. Where is my blue pension book?
   • If it is not in your possession, it is most likely with your CO. You can check with your CO and if you cannot find it, you can apply for a replacement at a Japan Pension Service Office either at your local municipal office or in some cases through your office/school.
2. My bank in my home country doesn’t have an official bank stamp like in Japan.
   • The bank stamp can be replaced by submitting your bank’s information as stated in pages 21-22 of the Fukuoka JET Departure Handbook.
3. How much and when will Local Inhabitance Tax be deducted?
   • Can be taken from your final paycheck, from the last two paychecks, or other. Be sure to talk with your office about this so you are not hit with an unknown cost at the end of your contract.
4. For the Tax Representative form, should we fill it in? Or have our tax rep do it?
   • It would be easiest to have your tax rep do it for you, or better yet, go over the form together with your tax rep. Make sure that your tax rep knows personal details, such as your birthdate, as they may need to confirm information
5. Is my CO going to be my tax representative?
   • In many cases, you can ask your CO/supervisor to be your tax representative, however they are not required to be your tax representative. Be sure to ask in advance.
6. How will we be refunded the 20% Lump-Sum Pension Withdrawal?
   • Your tax representative will receive your money in their bank account. Your tax representative should then transfer that money into your bank account in your home country.
7. Do I need to close my bank account?
   • Unless you plan to live in Japan after you finish JET, you will need to close your bank account. You will need to have an active home address within the country if you want to keep your bank account. Check with your CO about if you should close your bank account, or if it will be handled for you.

Moving Out

1. When can I submit my moving out notification form?
   • You should submit your Moving Out Notification (tenshutsu todoke) to your local town office. This can be done up to 14 days before your actual moving out date.
2. Will there be charges when I leave my apartment? (tatami, flooring, internet)
   • Depends on your situation, but in many instances, people have had to pay for tatami to be replaced. Talk with your housing association (likely through your office/school) about charges that may arise.

Visa Matters

1. What is required to get a spouse visa?
   • For more information about getting married in Japan and/or changing to a spouse visa, you can check out this resource from June Advisors Group.
2. How do I change my visa status?
   • See pages 18-20 in the Fukuoka JET Departure Handbook.