Banking12 min read
Japan Pension System for Foreigners: Complete Guide (2026)
Understanding Japan's pension system as a foreigner. National Pension, Employee Pension, lump-sum withdrawal, and social security agreements explained.
Published: 1/16/2026•Updated: 1/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- Pension is mandatory for residents staying 3+ months
- Foreigners can get lump-sum refund when leaving
- Claim must be made within 2 years of departure
- 23 countries have social security agreements with Japan
- Employee pension includes basic national pension
Japan's Pension System Overview
Japan has a mandatory pension system that all residents must join, including foreigners staying 3+ months.
Two Main Types:
1. National Pension (国民年金) - Basic pension
• For self-employed, students, unemployed
• Flat rate: ~¥16,980/month (2026) 2. Employees' Pension (厚生年金) - Earnings-based
• For company employees
• ~18.3% of salary (split with employer)
• Includes National Pension
• For self-employed, students, unemployed
• Flat rate: ~¥16,980/month (2026) 2. Employees' Pension (厚生年金) - Earnings-based
• For company employees
• ~18.3% of salary (split with employer)
• Includes National Pension
Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment
Good News for Foreigners: If you leave Japan permanently, you can claim back most of your pension contributions!
Requirements:
• Contributed for 6+ months
• Not eligible for Japanese pension benefits
• Claim within 2 years of leaving Japan How Much?
• National Pension: ~¥50,000-¥300,000 (based on months paid)
• Employees' Pension: Varies based on salary/contributions How to Claim: 1. Leave Japan (cancel residence) 2. Submit claim form from overseas 3. Provide bank details (Japanese or overseas) 4. Receive payment in 3-6 months
• Contributed for 6+ months
• Not eligible for Japanese pension benefits
• Claim within 2 years of leaving Japan How Much?
• National Pension: ~¥50,000-¥300,000 (based on months paid)
• Employees' Pension: Varies based on salary/contributions How to Claim: 1. Leave Japan (cancel residence) 2. Submit claim form from overseas 3. Provide bank details (Japanese or overseas) 4. Receive payment in 3-6 months
Social Security Agreements
Japan has agreements with 23 countries to prevent double contributions:
Countries with Agreements:
USA, UK, Germany, France, Australia, South Korea, China, Brazil, and more.
Benefits:
• Avoid paying pension in both countries
• Combine contribution periods for eligibility
• Transfer pension rights when moving How It Works: If your country has an agreement, you may be exempt from Japanese pension. Check with your embassy or the Japan Pension Service.
• Avoid paying pension in both countries
• Combine contribution periods for eligibility
• Transfer pension rights when moving How It Works: If your country has an agreement, you may be exempt from Japanese pension. Check with your embassy or the Japan Pension Service.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pension is mandatory for all residents. However, you can claim a lump-sum withdrawal when you leave Japan permanently.
Unpaid pension can affect your visa renewal and may be collected with penalties. It can also impact permanent residence applications.
Yes, if you qualify (10+ years contributions). Japan has agreements with many countries for pension payments abroad.
Last updated: January 16, 2026