If you’re a foreign national planning to quit job Japan, the process is generally the same as it is for Japanese employees. You’ll need to follow your company’s rules and comply with Japanese labor laws. However, one important difference is your residency status. As we’ll explain later, it’s essential to check your visa conditions and complete any necessary procedures before leaving your job.
According to guidelines from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, employers are expected to explain the relevant laws and resignation procedures to foreign workers. Use this guide to make sure you quit job Japan smoothly and without trouble.
Table of Contents
Profile of Writer
Masashi Yasumori
Representative of Yasumori Social Insurance Labor Consultant Office;
After 25 years at Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai), opened Yasumori Social Insurance Labor Consultant Office in 2023. At JR Tokai, worked on human resources strategy, Shinkansen reservation system development, and the creation of railway usage rules. Now, as a certified Labor and Social Security Attorney, provide consulting on HR matters and write as a specialist in labor and employment issues.
For more useful tips on living in Japan, check out the articles below.
Chapter 1: Types of Resignation
When you quit a job in Japan, there are two main types of resignation: voluntary resignation and involuntary (company-initiated) resignation. The type of resignation you fall under will affect things like how and when you can receive unemployment benefits.
- Voluntary resignation means you choose to leave your job for personal reasons. This could be due to a job change, health issues, or needing to return to your home country for personal circumstances.
- Involuntary resignation, on the other hand, happens when you leave your job due to reasons beyond your control—such as company bankruptcy, layoffs, or dismissal. It also applies in cases where the actual working conditions are significantly different from your contract, when wages or working hours are unreasonably poor, or if you’re subjected to serious harassment by a boss or coworker.
If your resignation is classified as involuntary, you may be eligible for more generous unemployment benefits compared to a voluntary resignation.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Voluntary resignation |
自己都合退職 |
Jiko tsugō taishoku |
|
Involuntary resignation |
会社都合退職 |
Kaisha tsugō taishoku |
Chapter2: Things to Check Before You Quit Job Japan
Before you quit job Japan, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Here are key points to confirm to ensure a smooth resignation process.
1. Review Your Employment Contract and Company Rules
The rules around quitting your job are usually written in the company’s work regulations or your employment contract. Be sure to review these documents before submitting your resignation. Focus on the following points:
Resignation Timing and Notice Period
Most companies specify in their rules how and when to submit a resignation. A common requirement is to give notice at least 30 days before your intended last working day. This period allows time for handing over your tasks and ensuring a smooth transition.
For dismissals initiated by the company, the same rules apply. According to Japan’s Labor Standards Act, employers must give 30 days’ notice before terminating an employee. If they cannot provide this notice, they are required to pay a dismissal notice allowance, called Kaiko Yokoku Teate, 解雇予告手当.
2. Understanding the Difference Between Resignation Documents
Taishoku Negai (退職願): A resignation request
This is a letter you give to your company to ask if you can quit your job. It’s the most common way to let your employer know you want to leave. If the company agrees, your resignation is accepted. Until then, you can still change your mind and take it back.
Taishoku Todoke (退職届): A formal resignation notice
While most people start with a resignation request, there are times when you may want to resign without waiting for company approval—especially if there are problems at work. In Japan, the law says that if you don’t have a fixed-term contract, you can quit by giving two weeks’ notice. In this case, or when you want to confirm your resignation after your request is approved, you submit a Taishoku Todoke.
In everyday use, many companies don’t strictly separate the two, and both are often treated the same.
Jihyō (辞表): A resignation letter for executives
This is used when someone in a management or executive role quits their position and duties. It’s usually submitted by directors or senior managers.
3. Check Your Visa Status (Work Visa)
- Your work visa remains valid after resignation, but if you don’t find a new job within three months, it could affect your ability to renew your visa.
- Also, make sure your new job fits within the scope of your current visa. For example, changing from an engineering job to a food service job may not be allowed under the same visa category.
Chapter 3: Steps to Resign from Your Job in Japan
1. Tell your manager you plan to resign (ideally more than one month in advance)
Ideally more than one month in advance. Check your company’s internal rules, but most expect at least a month’s notice to allow time for a smooth handover.
2. Submit a resignation letter (退職願 or 退職届)
Besides giving notice verbally, you’ll usually need to submit a written resignation. Some companies have a specific format, so check with your manager or HR. A written document helps avoid any misunderstandings later on.
3. Confirm your last working day and set up a handover plan
Once your resignation is accepted, your final day will be confirmed. Make sure to plan your schedule so you can hand off your responsibilities properly before you leave.
4. Handover your work to your replacement
Finish as much as you can, and for anything ongoing, prepare a clear summary of what’s been done and what still needs to happen. If possible, explain it directly to the next person. If you’re working with clients or business partners, make sure to say your goodbyes.
5. Use any remaining paid leave
If you have unused paid leave, you can take it before your last day. Be sure to discuss it when setting your final schedule and apply for it in advance.
6. Get information on health insurance, pension, and unemployment benefits
If you’re not moving directly to another job, you’ll need to handle procedures related to health insurance, pension, unemployment benefits, and taxes. Your company should give you the necessary guidance—don’t hesitate to ask if anything’s unclear.
7. Collect important documents from your company
Before you leave, make sure to get the following:
離職票 (Rishokuhyō): Needed if you’re applying for unemployment benefits. If you already have a new job lined up, you won’t need it—just let your company know.
源泉徴収票 (Gensen Chōshūhyō): A document showing your income and taxes withheld. It’s used for year-end tax adjustments or filing a tax return.
給与所得者異動届出書 (Kyūyo Shotokusha Idō Todokede-sho): Related to resident tax. If you start a new job within a month, give this to your new employer so they can keep deducting your tax from your salary. Otherwise, you’ll receive a payment notice and pay it yourself.
退職証明書 (Taishoku Shōmeisho): If you’re a foreign national and planning to stay in Japan and work, this may be needed for visa-related procedures. Ask your employer to issue it if required.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Certificate of Separation |
離職票 |
Rishokuhyō |
|
Withholding Tax Statement |
源泉徴収票 |
Gensen Chōshūhyō |
|
Employee Transfer Notification for Tax Purposes |
給与所得者異動届出書 |
Kyūyo Shotokusha Idō Todokede-sho |
|
Certificate of Resignation |
退職証明書 |
Taishoku Shōmeisho |
Chapter 4: What to Do After Leaving Your Job
1. Applying for Unemployment Insurance
If you’ve already secured a new job, simply hand over your Employment Insurance Certificate (雇用保険被保険者証) to your new employer after leaving your previous one.
If you’re still job hunting, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits—as long as you meet the requirements, like having paid into employment insurance for at least 12 months in the past two years.
To apply, bring your Certificate of Separation (離職票) along with ID and any other required documents to the Hello Work office that handles your residential area.
Keep in mind: unemployment benefits come with a time limit. You’ll need to apply within one year of your last working day, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible.
2. Health Insurance After Leaving Your Job
Unless you’re starting a new job the day after you leave your current one, you’ll need to take care of your health insurance. Here are your main options:
Continue Your Employer’s Health Insurance (Voluntary Enrollment)
You may be able to stay on your previous employer’s health insurance plan for up to two years through voluntary continuation. To do this, you must apply within 20 days of losing your coverage (which starts the day after your final working day). If you’re interested, let your company know before your last day.
Enroll in National Health Insurance
If you don’t continue your employer’s plan, you’ll need to enroll in the National Health Insurance system at your local city or ward office. You must apply within 14 days of losing your company coverage. Bring a document that shows your last day of employment (like a certificate of loss of coverage), along with personal identification.
Be Added as a Dependent on a Family Member’s Plan
If a family member has health insurance and you meet certain requirements—such as living in Japan and earning less than 1.3 million yen annually—you may be eligible to join their plan as a dependent. The insured family member will need to apply on your behalf through their insurance provider.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Voluntary Enrollment |
任意継続 |
Nini Keizoku |
|
National Health Insurance |
国民健康保険 |
Kokumin Kenkō Hoken |
|
Dependent Coverage |
扶養 |
Fuyō |
Related Post
3. Pension Procedures
If you start a new job within the same month as your resignation, all you need to do is provide your My Number to your new employer—no other procedures are needed.
If there is a gap between jobs or you’re not immediately starting a new job, you’ll need to switch to the National Pension system. Just like with National Health Insurance, this must be done within 14 days of the day after your resignation.
To complete the procedure, visit your local city or ward office with the following:
Your Basic Pension Number Notification
A document that shows your resignation date
A valid form of ID
4. Updating Your Address and Residence Card After Leaving a Job
If you move after leaving your job, you’ll need to update your registered address. This update is important because it also affects other procedures like signing up for National Health Insurance and the National Pension, so be sure to take care of it promptly.
If you hold a residence card, make sure to check your current visa status and expiration date. If your job change affects your visa type or conditions, you’ll need to update your residence card accordingly. Failing to do so can result in overstaying your visa, which may lead to fines or other serious consequences.
5. Procedures at the Immigration Office
Within 14 days of leaving your job, you must submit a “Notification of Affiliation” to the Immigration Services Agency. This applies whether you plan to stay in Japan or return to your home country. For more details, please check the official website.
Chapter 5: What to Do on Your Last Day
Collect Important Documents from Your Employer
When you quit your job in Japan, be sure to get all the necessary paperwork from your employer, like your separation notice (離職票) and your final tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票).Return Company Property
Make sure to return everything the company lent you—employee ID, uniform, work phone, and your health insurance card.Say Goodbye to Your Colleagues and Boss
It’s important to personally thank your coworkers and supervisors on your last day. A genuine farewell is part of the proper etiquette when you quit your job in Japan and helps leave a positive impression.
Chapter 6: Support After Leaving Your Job
How to Receive Unemployment Benefits and Eligibility
Right after leaving your job, you need to go to the local Hello Work office to apply and confirm your eligibility for unemployment benefits. After this, there’s usually a 7-day waiting period, followed by a benefit waiting period of 1 to 3 months.
Once this is over, you can start receiving unemployment benefits by regularly visiting Hello Work—typically every four weeks—for unemployment certification.
To keep receiving benefits, you must actively look for work. This means you need to do at least two job-seeking activities in the previous four weeks before each certification. These activities can include applying for jobs, attending interviews, or consulting with Hello Work staff.
Important Things to Know When Returning to Your Home Country
Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment
If you plan to leave Japan permanently, there are important tax and pension refund procedures you should be aware of. One key process is claiming the Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment (脱退一時金) from Japan’s pension system.
You can apply for this refund within two years after leaving Japan and losing your Japanese residency. To be eligible for the pension lump-sum withdrawal, you must meet all of the following conditions:
Have paid pension contributions for at least six months
Have been enrolled in Japan’s pension system for less than 10 years (meaning you do not qualify for the Japanese old-age pension)
Are not currently receiving any disability pension benefits
This process is essential for foreigners and expatriates who want to claim back part of their pension before leaving Japan. Be sure to complete the paperwork on time to avoid losing your refund rights.
Income Tax and Resident Tax
- There are cases where the income tax withheld from your salary (called withholding tax) can be refunded. To receive a refund, you need to file a final tax return. If you plan to file your tax return after returning to your home country, it’s advisable to appoint a tax representative in Japan (such as a friend or a company contact) in advance.
- For resident tax, if you were living in Japan on January 1st, you’re required to pay it even if you leave the country later that year. The tax is calculated based on your income from the previous year and is charged from June through the following May. If you’re planning to return home after quitting your job, you’ll need to either pay the resident tax before you leave Japan or appoint a tax representative to handle the payment for you after you’ve gone.
My Number Card, and Cancelling National Health Insurance
Be sure to complete your moving-out notification at your local city or ward office and return your My Number card. If you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance, don’t forget to cancel your enrollment as well.
Impact on Residency Status (Visa) and the Need for Reapplication
If your job duties change due to a career move, you may need to update your residency status (visa). It’s important to complete the visa status change procedures before starting work at your new job. Also, if you hold a work visa, be aware that if you do not work for more than three months continuously, your residency status may be revoked.
Chapter 7: Conclusion
This article has explained the key steps and paperwork involved when leaving a job in Japan. Be sure to double-check everything before and after you resign, so you don’t miss any important procedures.
If you have any questions or want to know more about quitting a job in Japan, just drop your questions below! We’re happy to help.
Reference:
