Step 3 of 4
Understand pension
Understand your public pension coverage in Japan and the procedures that may apply when your circumstances change.
Overview
Japan's public pension system includes National Pension and Employees' Pension Insurance. Which procedures apply depends on circumstances such as age, employment, and whether you are a dependent spouse. Foreign residents who meet the applicable conditions are covered under the same statutory framework, subject to exceptions such as applicable Social Security Agreements.
Requirements
- Confirm your pension categoryNational Pension insured persons are classified into categories according to their circumstances. Category I generally includes covered residents who are not Category II or Category III. Category II generally includes people covered by Employees' Pension Insurance, and Category III covers certain dependent spouses of Category II insured persons.
- Confirm whether your employer handles enrollmentIf you work at an applicable workplace and meet the coverage conditions, Employees' Pension Insurance procedures are generally handled through your employer.
- Check whether international social-security rules applyIf you are covered by a Social Security Agreement between Japan and another country, special rules may affect which country's system applies or how periods of coverage are treated.
Documents and items
- Basic Pension Number informationKeep documents containing your Basic Pension Number securely because the number is used for pension procedures and records.
- Pension notices and recordsKeep notices and other correspondence from the Japan Pension Service so you can check your coverage and respond to required procedures.
- Employment information where applicableKeep relevant employer information when your pension coverage is connected to employment.
- Documents relating to changes in circumstancesDepending on the procedure, information concerning employment, dependent status, address, or other changes may be required. Confirm the exact requirements for your situation.
Actions
- Check your current pension coverageConfirm whether you are currently treated as Category I, Category II, or Category III and which organization handles the relevant procedures.
- Complete procedures when your status changesChanges such as starting or leaving employment or changing dependent-spouse status can affect your pension category. Complete the applicable procedure through your employer, municipality, or Japan Pension Service as instructed.
- Review pension records and noticesCheck information provided by the Japan Pension Service and make sure your pension records reflect your circumstances.
- Seek help if contributions are difficultIf you are a National Pension Category I insured person and have difficulty paying contributions, check whether a contribution exemption, postponement, or other applicable system is available rather than simply leaving contributions unpaid.
- Check procedures when leaving JapanIf you leave Japan, confirm how departure affects your pension coverage and whether any procedures or benefits, including a lump-sum withdrawal payment where applicable, may be relevant to your circumstances.
Practical notes
- Registered residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 are generally covered by National Pension regardless of nationality, subject to statutory exceptions.
- Employees' Pension Insurance coverage is connected to employment at applicable workplaces and applicable worker-coverage conditions.
- Do not assume that changing jobs or leaving employment leaves your pension status unchanged. A change in pension category or procedure may be necessary.
- Japan has Social Security Agreements with certain countries. Their provisions differ, so check the agreement applicable to your country rather than assuming the same rules apply to every country.
- A lump-sum withdrawal payment is subject to eligibility requirements. JMNET should not imply that every foreign resident leaving Japan qualifies.
- JMNET should not determine an individual's pension category, exemption eligibility, benefit entitlement, or Social Security Agreement treatment. Confirm these with the Japan Pension Service, municipality, or employer as appropriate.