National Pension in Japan for Foreign Residents: Enrollment, Contributions, Exemptions and Leaving Japan

Japan’s public pension system applies to foreign residents as well as Japanese citizens. In general, residents of Japan from age 20 through 59 must be covered by the public pension system regardless of nationality.

The correct procedure depends on whether you are employed by a covered company, self-employed, studying, unemployed or treated as an eligible dependent spouse. National Pension and Employees’ Pension Insurance are connected parts of the public system, not unrelated products that you freely choose between.

Resident registration usually comes before municipal pension procedures. See our resident-registration guide for foreign residents.

Quick Decision Table: Which Pension Category Applies?

Your situation	Likely category to check	Who handles the procedure?
You are self-employed, a student, unemployed or not covered through employment	Category I insured person under National Pension	You generally complete the procedure and pay contributions yourself
You work for a company or public organization and meet Employees’ Pension coverage conditions	Category II insured person	Your employer generally submits enrollment procedures and deducts contributions from salary
You are an eligible dependent spouse of a Category II insured person	Category III insured person	The insured worker normally submits the procedure through the employer
You temporarily work in Japan while covered under an applicable social security agreement	Coverage depends on the agreement and certificate of coverage	Confirm with the employer and the relevant social security institution
You recently left a covered job	You may change from Category II to Category I or another category	Confirm the loss date and complete the new procedure promptly

This table is a practical starting point. Japan Pension Service, your employer or your municipal office must confirm the category that applies to your case.

National Pension and Employees’ Pension Are Connected

National Pension forms the basic level of Japan’s public pension system. Employees’ Pension Insurance provides additional earnings-related coverage for eligible employees.

A company employee enrolled in Employees’ Pension does not normally pay a separate Category I National Pension contribution. Public pension coverage is handled through the employee system, with the basic pension component included.

Point	Category I National Pension	Employees’ Pension
Typical person	Self-employed person, student, unemployed person or another resident outside Categories II and III	Eligible employee of a covered workplace
Enrollment procedure	Municipal office or Japan Pension Service procedure	Employer normally files the procedure
Contribution	Fixed monthly National Pension contribution set for the fiscal year	Calculated from standard remuneration and shared under the employee system
Payment method	The insured person generally pays directly	The employee share is normally deducted from salary
Benefit structure	Basic pension benefits	Basic pension plus earnings-related Employees’ Pension benefits when conditions are met

Who Must Enroll?

Japan Pension Service states that all residents of Japan between age 20 and 60 must enroll in National Pension, regardless of nationality. In practical age wording, compulsory coverage generally applies from the twentieth birthday through age 59.

Foreign residents should not assume that any of the following automatically removes the obligation:

• planning to stay for only a few years;
• holding private retirement savings overseas;
• having travel or private medical insurance;
• not expecting to retire in Japan;
• being a student;
• having little or no income;
• working remotely for a foreign company;
• waiting for a Japanese employer to begin enrollment.

Special rules can apply under international social security agreements, but those rules require a country-specific review.

Where Category I Residents Complete Enrollment

A Category I insured person generally completes the National Pension procedure through the municipal office for the registered address or through the Japan Pension Service procedure available for the case.

Take or prepare:

• residence card;
• passport when requested;
• My Number information;
• Basic Pension Number Notice when already issued;
• documents showing the end of Employees’ Pension coverage;
• student identification or enrollment evidence when applying for the student system;
• income or unemployment documents for an exemption application;
• documents concerning a spouse when relevant.

Municipal procedures vary. Check the official office website before visiting.

Your Basic Pension Number

The Basic Pension Number is used to manage an individual’s Japanese pension record. In principle, one person receives one Basic Pension Number, and it does not change when the person changes jobs or pension categories.

Japan Pension Service sends a Basic Pension Number Notice when a person first enters the Japanese public pension system.

Our My Number guide explains the Individual Number, notification and plastic card.

Keep the Basic Pension Number Notice safely. Repeated or duplicate enrollment records can make future confirmation harder.

How Category I Contributions Work

Category I insured persons generally pay a fixed monthly National Pension contribution. The official amount can change by fiscal year, so confirm the current amount directly with Japan Pension Service rather than relying on an old article or another resident’s payment slip.

Common payment methods may include:

• payment slips;
• bank-account transfer;
• credit-card payment under supported procedures;
• electronic or smartphone payment methods supported at the time;
• advance payment arrangements.

Opening a Japanese account can make recurring payments easier. See our guide to opening a bank account in Japan.

Do Not Treat an Unpaid Month as an Approved Exemption

An unpaid contribution and an approved exemption or postponement are not the same.

Status	Meaning	Possible effect
Paid	The required contribution was paid	Normally counted under the applicable pension rules
Approved full or partial exemption	An application was approved because applicable conditions were met	May count differently toward eligibility and benefit calculation
Approved payment postponement	Payment was deferred under an approved system	May protect eligibility treatment but affect the final benefit unless paid later
Approved student special payment	An eligible student received approval to postpone contributions	The period is treated under the student rules and can potentially be paid later
Unpaid without approval	No valid payment or approved procedure is recorded	May damage eligibility for benefits and create collection problems

Contribution Exemption and Payment Postponement

A Category I insured person experiencing financial difficulty may be able to apply for a full exemption, partial exemption or payment postponement. Approval depends on the applicable income and household conditions.

Potential situations include:

• low income;
• unemployment;
• loss of business income;
• disaster or severe financial hardship;
• another qualifying situation under the official rules.

An application is not approved merely because payment feels difficult. Submit the required documents and wait for the official decision.

Special Payment System for Students

Eligible students whose income is below the applicable limit may apply for the Special Payment System for Students. This postpones contribution payment when approved.

Before applying, confirm:

• whether the school is covered by the system;
• which academic period the application covers;
• whether a new application is needed for another fiscal year;
• which student documents are required;
• whether previous unpaid months can still be included;
• how postponed periods affect future pension amounts;
• how later retroactive payment works.

Do not assume student status automatically creates an exemption. The application must be submitted and approved.

Paying Approved Exempt or Postponed Periods Later

Japan Pension Service states that approved exempted or postponed periods can generally be paid retroactively for up to ten years under the applicable additional-payment rules.

Later payment can increase the future Old-age Basic Pension amount, but additional amounts may apply when payment is delayed for several years.

Before paying:

• request an accurate record of eligible months;
• confirm the payment deadline for each month;
• check whether additional charges apply;
• confirm the effect on the expected pension;
• retain all receipts and notices.

Why Pension Coverage Matters Before Retirement

Japan’s pension system is not only an old-age savings system. Depending on the conditions, public pension coverage can also support disability and survivors’ benefits.

Possible benefits include:

• Old-age Basic Pension;
• Old-age Employees’ Pension;
• Disability Basic Pension;
• Disability Employees’ Pension;
• Survivors’ Basic Pension;
• Survivors’ Employees’ Pension.

Contribution-payment and coverage requirements can affect disability and survivors’ benefits. This is one reason simply ignoring invoices can create serious consequences.

Old-Age Basic Pension Eligibility

Japan Pension Service states that Old-age Basic Pension can generally be received from age 65 when the person has at least ten years of qualifying coverage periods.

Qualifying periods can include more than fully paid Category I months. Depending on the rules, relevant Employees’ Pension coverage and approved exemption periods may also be included.

The benefit amount depends on the contribution and recognized coverage record. Meeting the minimum eligibility period does not mean receiving the same amount as a person with a full contribution record.

Changing From Employment to National Pension

When you leave a job, Employees’ Pension coverage normally ends according to the employer’s reported date. Unless you immediately enter another covered category, you may need to become a Category I insured person.

Use this checklist:

1. Confirm the final day of employment.
2. Confirm the Employees’ Pension loss date.
3. Obtain documents proving loss of coverage.
4. Check whether the next employer begins coverage immediately.
5. Complete Category I enrollment when a gap exists.
6. Check whether your spouse’s Category III status also changes.
7. Confirm health-insurance procedures separately.

Health insurance and pension often change at the same time, but they are separate records. Use our National Health Insurance guide for medical-insurance procedures.

Starting a Job Covered by Employees’ Pension

When you begin eligible employment, the employer generally submits the Employees’ Pension enrollment procedure.

Confirm:

• the effective enrollment date;
• the Basic Pension Number used;
• whether the first salary deduction is correct;
• whether any Category I period remains unpaid;
• whether automatic Category I payments must be stopped;
• whether a dependent spouse’s category changes;
• whether the employer requires your My Number separately.

Do not request a new Basic Pension Number because you changed employers.

Category III Dependent Spouses

An eligible dependent spouse of a Category II insured person may be treated as a Category III insured person. This is not the same as being an ordinary financial dependent for tax or health-insurance purposes.

The applicable age, income, relationship and support conditions must be confirmed through the employee’s employer and pension procedure.

Changes requiring attention include:

• starting or leaving work;
• income increasing above the applicable condition;
• divorce or separation;
• the Category II spouse leaving employment;
• moving overseas;
• changing employers;
• the spouse reaching an applicable age boundary.

Check Your Pension Record

Keep records from every job and pension category.

Useful documents include:

• Basic Pension Number Notice;
• salary statements showing Employees’ Pension deductions;
• National Pension payment receipts;
• exemption or postponement decisions;
• student special-payment decisions;
• employment start and end documents;
• social security agreement certificates;
• annual pension record notices.

Nenkin Net allows users to review pension records and access supported services. Availability and registration instructions should be checked on the official Japan Pension Service site.

Moving Within Japan

Your Basic Pension Number does not change because you move. However, address and municipal procedures can affect where notices and payment documents are sent.

After moving:

• complete resident registration;
• update My Number Card information;
• confirm pension address records;
• check automatic-payment arrangements;
• confirm whether Category I procedures transfer correctly;
• open every notice from the former and new municipality.

International Social Security Agreements

Japan has social security agreements with multiple countries. Depending on the country and agreement, the rules may help avoid dual pension coverage and may allow coverage periods to be totalized for benefit eligibility.

Do not assume that every agreement has identical rules. Some agreements address both dual coverage and totalization, while others differ.

Before an international assignment, confirm:

• whether the country has an agreement in force with Japan;
• which pension system should cover you;
• whether a certificate of coverage is required;
• the maximum applicable assignment period;
• whether family members are affected;
• whether coverage periods can be totalized;
• which institution accepts the application.

Leaving Japan and the Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment

A non-Japanese person who leaves Japan after a relatively short pension-coverage period may be able to claim a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment when all applicable conditions are met.

Japan Pension Service states that the claim generally must be filed within two years after losing Japanese pension coverage and leaving Japan. Relevant National Pension or Employees’ Pension periods generally must total at least six months under the calculation rules.

Basic checks include:

• you do not have Japanese nationality;
• you no longer have an address in Japan;
• you are no longer covered by the Japanese public pension system;
• you meet the minimum contribution-period condition;
• you have never had the right to receive a Japanese pension;
• the claim reaches Japan Pension Service within the deadline.

Critical Warning Before Claiming the Lump Sum

Official guidance warns that all Japanese pension coverage periods before the lump-sum claim can be forfeited, even when the payment amount is calculated using fewer months than the total coverage record.

Before claiming, compare:

Option	Possible advantage	Important risk
Claim the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment	Receive a one-time payment after leaving Japan when eligible	Relevant Japanese coverage periods become invalid for future pension eligibility and totalization
Keep the Japanese coverage record	Periods may support a future Japanese pension or agreement-country totalization	No immediate lump-sum payment
Return to Japan later and continue coverage	Previous valid periods may combine with later coverage	Future plans may change and minimum eligibility still must be met

Check the current social security agreement status and obtain individual advice before choosing.

Tax and the Lump-Sum Payment

Tax treatment differs between National Pension and Employees’ Pension lump-sum payments. Employees’ Pension lump-sum payments may have Japanese income tax withheld, and a separate refund procedure may be available through a tax representative.

Before leaving Japan:

• confirm whether withholding applies to your expected payment;
• consider appointing a Japanese tax representative;
• keep copies of the claim and bank documents;
• retain the payment decision notice;
• check current National Tax Agency procedures.

Municipal or Pension Office Conversation Template

Hello. I would like to confirm my Japanese public pension status.

I am currently [employed, self-employed, a student or unemployed]. Could you confirm whether I am Category I, II or III and the effective date of my coverage?

Please check whether my Basic Pension Number and contribution record are correct. If I must pay National Pension myself, please explain the current contribution, payment methods and deadlines.

I am having difficulty paying / I am a student. Could you explain the exemption, postponement or student special-payment application and the documents required?

Useful Japanese phrases:

• Kokumin nenkin no tetsuzuki o shitai desu. — I would like to complete the National Pension procedure.
• Kiso nenkin bangō o kakunin shitai desu. — I would like to confirm my Basic Pension Number.
• Hokenryō no menjo o shinsei shitai desu. — I would like to apply for a contribution exemption.
• Gakusei nōfu tokurei o kakunin shitai desu. — I would like to check the student special-payment system.
• Nenkin kiroku o kakunin shitai desu. — I would like to check my pension record.

Common Mistakes

Assuming foreign residents do not have to enroll

Compulsory coverage generally applies regardless of nationality.

Ignoring invoices because you plan to leave Japan

Leaving later does not automatically erase the present coverage obligation.

Confusing an unpaid month with an exemption

Exemption and postponement require an application and approval.

Applying for another Basic Pension Number after changing jobs

One person should generally use the same Basic Pension Number throughout the Japanese system.

Forgetting pension procedures after leaving employment

A gap between employers may require Category I enrollment.

Assuming health insurance and pension are one record

They often change together but require separate confirmation.

Claiming the lump sum without checking totalization

The decision can permanently remove Japanese coverage periods from future pension use.

Final Checklist

• Confirm your insured category.
• Confirm your effective enrollment date.
• Keep one Basic Pension Number.
• Check salary deductions when employed.
• Pay Category I contributions by the deadline.
• Apply for exemption or postponement when needed.
• Students should check the student special-payment system.
• Keep every approval notice and payment receipt.
• Review your pension record regularly.
• Complete procedures after changing jobs.
• Update address information after moving.
• Check whether a social security agreement applies.
• Compare future pension rights before claiming a lump sum.
• Complete the moving-out procedure before a departure claim.
• File any lump-sum claim within the current official deadline.

Official Sources

• Japan Pension Service: Enrollment in National Pension
• Japan Pension Service: Categories of Insured Persons
• Japan Pension Service: Paying Pension Contributions
• Japan Pension Service: Contribution Exemption, Postponement and Student System
• Japan Pension Service: Old-age Basic Pension
• Japan Pension Service: Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments
• Japan Pension Service: Lump-sum Payment and Totalization Warning
• Japan Pension Service: International Social Security Agreements
• Japan Pension Service: Current Status of Agreements in Force
• Japan Pension Service: English Information Portal
• Japan Pension Service: Nenkin Net

Contribution amounts, application forms, agreement status and benefit rules can change. Check the latest Japan Pension Service guidance before submitting a procedure.

Keep Pension Records for Tax Deductions

National Pension payments and approved procedures can affect annual tax records, so keep official certificates and payment evidence. Read our Japan tax guide for foreign residents.

Pension Is One Part of Your First-Week Setup

Your correct pension route depends on employment, age, student status and dependent status. Resident registration, My Number and tax records may be connected, but they remain separate procedures.

Continue with the relevant next step

• Return to the First Week in Japan setup hub — see the complete sequence and choose the next task.
• Resident Registration in Japan for Foreign Residents: Address Registration, Moving In and Moving Out
• My Number in Japan for Foreign Residents: Individual Number Notice, Card Application and Renewal
• Taxes in Japan for Foreign Residents: Income Tax, Resident Tax, Filing and Leaving Japan

Practical rule:
An unpaid contribution and an officially approved exemption are not the same. Confirm your insured category before ignoring any notice.

Related Guides for Setting Up Life in Japan

• Resident Registration in Japan for Foreign Residents
• My Number in Japan for Foreign Residents
• National Health Insurance in Japan for Foreign Residents
• Opening a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreign Resident