My teaching contract expires any day now, and I did not re-contract for next year. I am planning to leave Japan in June (within 90 after work ends). Rent is already paid for April, and is paid automatically from my home country bank account.
I believe I have a 90-day grace period with my current resident status, but as a resident will have to pay for national health insurance, which is expensive, and presumably some taxes. But if I switch to a tourist visa, will I still be able to keep my current apartment as a base, or would I have to move out before I can be considered a tourist?
I am essentially wondering what makes more sense financially and logistically– keep my current resident status and leave within 90 days, or switch to a tourist visa (and leave within 90 days).
2 comments
Look [here](https://thousandleaveschiba.wordpress.com/changing-status-to-temporary-visitor/). I presume you’ll still be liable for paying taxes for any income received until 31 March (or whenever the fiscal year ends), and you’ll need proof of a flight out.
I don’t see any reason why wouldn’t be able to keep your apartment if you switched to a tourist visa.
It seems simpler to keep your current status. It gives you more freedom on when to leave the country.
Health insurance is the only difference. Either way, you are still on the hook for about 14 months worth of resident’s tax.