JJapan Finance

Australian employee but working in Japan, do i need to restructure or speak to an English speaking accountant?

  • October 14, 2025

Appreciate any input for my case which I am aware isn't new and if anyone has been in similar scenario what was the solution or who did you speak to?

Background

  • Been in Japan since October 2024 to March 2025 on a Vistor visa.
    • Applied in December 2024 for spousal visa which was granted in March 2025.
    • Note – previously lived in Japan 2017-2019 on holiday visa.
    • Note – I'm paying pension and health insurance, residency tax will be next year base on tax return.
    • Don't speak very well or read Japanese.
  • Working full-time remotely for an Australian employer who is also withholding tax on my salary.
    • I believe I'll get a foreign tax credit of this amount either starting from October 2024 or March 2025, which ties into my next point
    • I am aware this is deemed Japan Source income, not sure if it's from October 2024 or March 2025 since my Visa status and work rights
    • Did not lodge a 2024 tax return.
  • Employers Japan compliance – I read about Permanant Establishment (PE) – Agent PE
    • This makes me question if there needs to be some changes to my employment structure due to this possible low possibility.
      • Note – My role does not conclude contracts on behalf of the company, all the work I do is for Australian customers. And i am not in a selling or renting anything the business owns or controls.
      • I was wondering if i need EOR or restructure as a contractor? Will I be better off doing either of these?
  • Cryptocurrency
    • I made a few sales at loss and very minor gains early this year, do i need to report it in my tax return for Japan and is there any tax-free period that i can utilize to cash out what's remaining before it becomes taxable? Or is it all deemed taxable world-wide now that i am on a spousal visa?
  • Tax return 2025
    • Should I get a Japanese speaking account and ask my partner to translate? or English speaking accountant to help with the Australian Salary/ extra Aus interest earnings/foreign tax credits/possible crypto? What about that small period when i was waiting for Spousal visa to be approved?

If you have gotten this far, i thank you kindly and appreciate any input. I hope to do right and stay long term.

by NellyFatrdo