行政手続き
Pension & Lump-sum Withdrawal Guide for Foreigners (How to Claim a Refund 2026)
Foreigners who have worked in Japan pay into the National Pension and Employees' Pension, and can receive a partial refund called a lump-sum withdrawal payment when they leave the country.
① What Is the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment?
It is a one-time payment that foreigners enrolled in Japan's pension system (National or Employees' Pension) can claim when leaving Japan. Part of the premiums you paid is refunded.
💡 Application deadlineYou must apply within 2 years of leaving Japan. After that you can no longer claim it.
② Eligibility
- You are a foreign national (no Japanese nationality)
- You paid National/Employees' Pension premiums for 6 months or more
- You no longer have an address in Japan (after departure)
- You have not met the 10-year qualifying period for an old-age pension
③ How to Apply
- Leave Japan (remove your resident registration at the city office)
- Mail the "Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment Claim" to the Japan Pension Service
- After review (about 2–3 months), payment is transferred to your designated account
④ Estimated Amount (Employees' Pension)
| Enrollment period | Amount (at ¥200,000/month salary) |
|---|---|
| 6 months | ~¥190,000 |
| 1 year | ~¥380,000 |
| 3 years | ~¥1,150,000 |
| 5 years (cap) | ~¥1,920,000 |
⚠️ About taxesA 20.42% withholding tax is deducted from the lump-sum payment. Residents of countries with a tax treaty can claim a refund through a tax return.
FAQ
Q: By when must I apply?You must apply within 2 years of leaving Japan. After that you can no longer claim it.
Q: How much can I receive?It depends on your enrollment period and salary. At ¥200,000/month for 5 years, about ¥1,920,000 is the upper guideline.
Q: Can I claim it under the National Pension too?Yes. With 6+ months under the National Pension you can claim it, though the amount is smaller than under the Employees' Pension.
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