VisaSHOGUN FAQ — Do I Get My Pension Money Back When I Leave Japan?
Do I Get My Pension Money Back When I Leave Japan?
This guide is for non-Japanese nationals who have paid into Japan's National Pension or Employees' Pension system and are leaving Japan permanently (or for the foreseeable future), and want to know whether and how they can get some of those contributions back.
Yes, in many cases. If you're a non-Japanese national who paid into National Pension (国民年金) or Employees' Pension (厚生年金) for 6 months or more, and you no longer live in Japan, you can claim a "Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment" (脱退一時金) from the Japan Pension Service. You must apply after leaving Japan, within 2 years. The refundable amount is capped at a maximum of 5 years (60 months) of contributions even if you paid longer, and 20.42% income tax is withheld from the payment — which can often be claimed back separately.
- Eligible: non-Japanese nationals, 6+ months of contributions, no longer resident in Japan
- You must apply after leaving Japan, within 2 years of your departure date
- The payment is capped at 5 years (60 months) of contributions, even if you contributed for longer
- 20.42% income tax is withheld from the lump-sum payment — a separate tax refund process exists via a tax representative
- If your home country has a social security agreement with Japan and you have many years of coverage, a future Japanese pension (via totalization) may be worth more than the lump sum — compare before deciding
Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-Japanese national |
| Contribution period | 6 months or more (National Pension and/or Employees' Pension, can be combined) |
| Residence | No longer have an address registered in Japan |
| Pension benefit history | Have never qualified for any Japanese pension benefit (including disability) |
| Application timing | Within 2 years of the date you left Japan |
The 5-Year Cap — Why Long-Term Residents Should Plan Differently
The Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment is calculated based on a maximum of 60 months (5 years) of contributions, regardless of how long you actually paid in. If you contributed for 10+ years, the lump sum still only reflects 5 years' worth.
If you've contributed for many years and your home country has a social security agreement with Japan, look into whether totalizing your coverage periods makes you eligible for an actual (larger, ongoing) Japanese pension later, rather than a one-time capped lump sum. This is worth checking before applying for the lump sum, since receiving it can affect your eligibility for future benefits based on that coverage.
The 20.42% Tax Withholding — and Getting It Back
When the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment (specifically the Employees' Pension portion) is paid, Japan withholds income tax at a flat rate of 20.42%. Many recipients are entitled to claim some or all of this back by filing a tax return under Article 171 of Japan's Income Tax Act, submitted through a tax representative (税理士 or appointed agent) in Japan, since you'll no longer be a resident. This is a separate process from the pension application itself — don't assume the withheld amount is simply gone.
How and When to Apply
- Before leaving: make sure your address deregistration at city hall is in order, and consider appointing a tax representative if you plan to claim the tax refund
- After leaving Japan: submit the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment Claim Form to the Japan Pension Service, with required documents (passport copy showing departure, bank details for the refund, etc.)
- Within 2 years of your departure date — this deadline is firm
- Separately, if eligible, file for the income tax refund on the 20.42% withholding via your tax representative
📋 Common Scenarios
Straightforward case. Apply for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment after you leave, within 2 years. Your refund reflects your actual 2 years of contributions (under the 5-year cap, so the cap doesn't affect you). Consider the tax refund process for the 20.42% withholding.
The lump sum would only reflect 5 years regardless of your 12 years of contributions. Before applying, check whether your home country has a social security agreement with Japan — totalizing your coverage might make a future Japanese pension more valuable than the capped lump sum. This is worth a consultation given the amounts potentially involved.
You still have time — the deadline is 2 years from your departure date. Gather your documents (old residence card copies, passport showing departure, Japanese bank or international transfer details) and apply as soon as possible.
🚫 Common Mistakes
The application must be made after you no longer have a registered address in Japan. Applying too early can cause processing issues.
This deadline is firm. Set a reminder for yourself before you leave Japan.
Many people receive the lump sum and don't realize a portion of the withheld tax can often be claimed back separately — leaving money on the table.
If you've paid in for many years and your country has a social security agreement with Japan, check your options before locking in the capped lump sum.
Related Questions
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