A Japanese pension lump-sum withdrawal payment is a benefit calculated under pension rules, not a return of every contribution you paid. Before applying, check eligibility and what claiming would mean for your future pension.
Check eligibility before estimating a payment
The Japan Pension Service eligibility rules require non-Japanese nationality, no current Japanese public pension coverage, no Japanese address, and sufficient qualifying contributions or coverage: at least six months under the relevant scheme. You must not meet the old-age pension qualifying period or have previously held disqualifying pension rights, such as the relevant disability pension entitlement.
The two-year claim limit runs from the last loss of public pension coverage, or from first ceasing to have a Japanese address afterwards if you still had one at that loss of coverage. Confirm the dates and scheme-specific conditions with the pension office.
Consider future pension rights
Receiving a lump sum invalidates Japanese coverage periods before the claim, including periods beyond the payment cap. Applicable overseas coverage may count toward pension eligibility under a totalization agreement. Read the official English claim guidance before deciding.
Ask the pension office to compare your options using your actual record, and check your pension record in Nenkin Net beforehand. Bring details of previous Japanese coverage and overseas pension membership. A decision to preserve pension rights can be just as important as preparing a claim.
Separate the benefit, withholding and any later refund
National Pension uses a schedule tied to qualifying months and the final contribution month’s fiscal year; exempt and deferred months count differently. Employees’ Pension uses average standard remuneration and an official payment rate; ordinary take-home salary is not the required input. Use the official calculation tables.
For a non-resident’s Employees’ Pension lump sum, 20.42% is withheld at source. National Pension lump sums have no such withholding. Withheld tax is not a guaranteed later refund; see our tax refund preparation guide.
Our guide to the 60-month payment cap explains the current limits. A 2025 reform provides for changes to re-entry claims and the cap, but it is not yet in force. If you plan to return to Japan, read MHLW’s explanation of the reform (Japanese) before relying on the current claim rules.
Prepare your application
The official document checklist covers passport copies, proof of a receiving bank account in your name, proof of your Basic Pension Number, and any required evidence that you no longer have a Japanese address. Moving-out notification may remove the last requirement, with an exception for people insured from July 2012 or earlier. An agent arrangement may require a power of attorney.
- Confirm eligibility, your deadline and the effect on future benefits.
- Download the current claim form and check its documents and submission destination.
- Keep a copy of your submission and a reliable correspondence address.
- When paid, reconcile the notice with the amount received and discuss any tax filing separately.
Use the Japan Pension Service’s current forms for your application. An estimate cannot establish eligibility, determine your final payment or promise a processing date.