Before You Return to Your Home Country

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If your time in Japan is coming to an end and you’re preparing to return home, there’s something you might want to check before you leave: the possibility of cashing out your unused paid leave.

You could turn those unused vacation days into extra income—it’s worth knowing your options!

Can Paid Leave Be Cashed Out?

Under Japanese labor law, paid leave is considered a right granted for the purpose of physical and mental rest.

This means that in principle, paid leave cannot be converted into cash.

However, there are exceptions under specific conditions.

If You’re Leaving the Company, It’s a Different Story

Things change when you’re resigning.

Since you’ll no longer be reporting to work, you often won’t have a chance to use up your remaining paid leave.

This is where the option of a paid leave buyout comes in.

Not All Companies Offer Buyouts

Keep in mind that whether you can cash out your unused leave depends on your company’s internal policies and your manager’s decision.

But it never hurts to ask.

A simple question like, “Before I leave, is it possible to buy out my unused paid leave?” could result in an unexpected financial bonus.

Paid Leave Buyouts May Be Treated as Retirement Income

In many cases, the money paid for unused leave is treated as “retirement income”, which is legally recognized and processed accordingly under Japanese tax law.

Tax Advantages, Too

When paid as retirement income, the tax burden is often significantly lighter than regular salary.

That means more take-home pay, giving you a financial cushion for your return home.

3 Things to Do Before You Leave Japan

①Check how many days of paid leave you still have

②Ask your supervisor or HR whether a buyout is possible

③See if it can be treated as retirement income for tax savings

Doing this in your limited time before departure might lead to unexpected extra income.

Don’t Forget to Clear Out Your Apartment, Too!

While preparing for resignation and negotiating your paid leave buyout, there’s one more thing that often gets overlooked—cleaning up your apartment and disposing of unwanted items.

This is where a junk removal service can be incredibly helpful!

With just one phone call, you can get same-day service with no hidden charges:

・Free estimates

・No base fee, no transportation fee

・No labor or packing charges

Leave Japan with a Clear Mind—and Wallet

Negotiating a paid leave buyout and using a hassle-free junk removal service can help you finish your time in Japan on a positive note.

Make the most of your final paycheck and enjoy a smooth, stress-free move!