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Pension (年金)

National Pension System Guide for Foreign Residents

All residents of Japan aged 20–60, including foreign nationals, are required to enroll in the pension system. If you are not enrolled through an employer, you must enroll in the National Pension (国民年金) at your ward office.

Pension Categories

National Pension (国民年金)

Category 1

Self-employed, freelancers, unemployed, students

Monthly: Β₯17,510 (FY2025: Apr 2025–Mar 2026)

Employees' Pension (εŽšη”ŸεΉ΄ι‡‘)

Category 2

Company employees β€” deducted from salary automatically

Monthly: ~9.15% of salary (employer matches β€” 18.3% total)

Dependent Spouse (第3号)

Category 3

Spouse of Category 2 insured with income < Β₯1.3M/yr

Monthly: Β₯0 (covered by spouse's employer)

Key Facts

  • β€’Pension enrollment is mandatory for all residents aged 20–60
  • β€’10 years of contributions required to receive pension benefits
  • β€’Japan has totalization agreements with 23 countries to combine contribution periods
  • β€’Lump-sum withdrawal available when leaving Japan (within 2 years of departure)
  • β€’Students and low-income residents can apply for exemption (免陀)

Lump-sum Withdrawal

Leaving Japan?

If you contributed to the pension system and are leaving Japan permanently, you can claim a lump-sum withdrawal (脱退一時金) within 2 years of departure. Apply to the Japan Pension Service after leaving.

6–60 months of contributions β†’ proportional refund
Max refund period: 60 months (as of 2021 revision)
Japan Pension Service (English).go.jp