Hi!
I live in Minato Ku as a resident (engineering visa) and have been here for over two years. I’m currently pregnant and plan to return to my home country for the birth so I can be around family. I expect to be away for 5ish months before returning to Japan to resume work.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to manage my address and residency during this period to avoid paying for an expensive place I won’t be living in. I’m happy to continue paying insurance and local taxes, but I’m not sure how this works if you don’t have an address… and am also concerned about how my decisions might impact my childbirth benefit.
Does anyone have experience navigating this?
Here are the options I’m considering:
1. Rent a smaller and cheaper place in Minato Ku that will remain vacant while I’m away.
2. Give up my current place, forward mail to a friend’s address, and then re-register at a new place in Minato Ku when I return.
I’m willing to sacrifice benefits if necessary, but I want to make an informed decision. Have read a few conflicting opinions on whether an address is necessary to retain residence status? Any advice or experiences on navigating this situation would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
by adoube