Starting new job as contractor

[Faxingberlin_]

Hello,

I am starting a new job as a contractor, I will work soley for one company who will withhold tax of 10% (under 1,000,000 yen). This is completety new to me as I have only worked as an employee so far and I have a few questions.

What steps do I need to take to get health insurance card?
Do I need to pay into the pension?
Do I need to register at my city hall as a contractor instead of an employee?
Can I claim back tax against expenses that I incurr (rent? items I need to buy for my job, like computer, outdoor gear (its a field/site based job) etc?)
Also would you guys suggest paying someone to take care of taxes etc or is it easy enough to do myself? And if so would you suggest someone? Also my Japanese level is N5 or below.

Thanks!

[Kanto]

Hello,

I am starting a new job as a contractor, I will work soley for one company who will withhold tax of 10% (under 1,000,000 yen). This is completety new to me as I have only worked as an employee so far and I have a few questions.

What steps do I need to take to get health insurance card?
Do I need to pay into the pension?
Do I need to register at my city hall as a contractor instead of an employee?
Can I claim back tax against expenses that I incurr (rent? items I need to buy for my job, like computer, outdoor gear (its a field/site based job) etc?)
Also would you guys suggest paying someone to take care of taxes etc or is it easy enough to do myself? And if so would you suggest someone? Also my Japanese level is N5 or below.

Thanks!

What is your current visa status?

[Faxingberlin_]

I am on the Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/ Intl' Services Visa

[pfdsa]

I am on the Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/ Intl' Services Visa

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don’t think that you can work as a contractor with that visa.
They can even deny your visa if you change categories inside that visa. For example, if you first came to Japan with a job that fits the "humanities" category, you need to report to the immigration if you want to change to job that fits the "engineer" category. They will decide it from there.

Can’t help with the rest, I’ｍ sorry. Just saying this because of personal experience. When first came to Japan came with a contract to work in a resort, last year wanted to start working as a translator and had to provide quite a few documents and explain the situation to the immigration before they accepted it.

Better get it all sorted out in the immigration to avoid trouble.

[Kanto]

I am on the Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/ Intl' Services Visa

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don’t think that you can work as a contractor with that visa.
They can even deny your visa if you change categories inside that visa. For example, if you first came to Japan with a job that fits the "humanities" category, you need to report to the immigration if you want to change to job that fits the "engineer" category. They will decide it from there.

Can’t help with the rest, I’ｍ sorry. Just saying this because of personal experience. When first came to Japan came with a contract to work in a resort, last year wanted to start working as a translator and had to provide quite a few documents and explain the situation to the immigration before they accepted it.

Better get it all sorted out in the immigration to avoid trouble.

This is how I understand things as well. I think OP needs to look into this ASAP.

[Faxingberlin_]

I've checked with an immigration attorney, who stated that it is fine to work as a contractor as long as the role is exactly the same as my previous role, which in my case it is.

[Gareth]

I worked as a gyomu itaku contractor for ten years on the Engineer Specialist in Humanities and International Services visa and then got my Permanent Residency so it is completely possible and normal.

[pfdsa]

I've checked with an immigration attorney, who stated that it is fine to work as a contractor as long as the role is exactly the same as my previous role, which in my case it is.

That’s great, thank you for letting me know!
Hope that someone can help you out with your questions.

[Gareth]

What steps do I need to take to get health insurance card?
Do I need to pay into the pension?
Do I need to register at my city hall as a contractor instead of an employee?

The best plan of action would be to head to your local city office. Ask at the health insurance desk and the pension desk what you need to do. I reckon it will only be a simple form, but don't quote me on that!

Can I claim back tax against expenses that I incurr (rent? items I need to buy for my job, like computer, outdoor gear (its a field/site based job) etc?)

Yes you can. The categories you can claim for are listed here:
https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/ind ... /12015.htm

Also would you guys suggest paying someone to take care of taxes etc or is it easy enough to do myself? And if so would you suggest someone? Also my Japanese level is N5 or below.

Thanks!

It's daunting doing your taxes for the first time. But once you get going, it's annoyingly simple. During the tax filing period, around February/March, head to your local tax office and they will walk you through it. Good luck!