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At HSB JAPAN, we handle various issues and provide support on behalf of our clients.
■ What is the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment?
Ikematsu Office
Social Insurance Labor Consultant, Administrative Scrivener
Akihiko Ikematsu
The Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment is a system designed to help foreign residents who have worked in Japan recover a portion of their pension contributions after returning to their home country.
While working at a company in Japan, you are enrolled in the “Pension Insurance” system. Typically, you only qualify for a full pension if you reside and contribute in Japan for a long period (usually 10 years).
However, since many foreign professionals work here for a shorter term, they might otherwise lose those contributions.
To ensure fairness, the Japanese government established this system so you can reclaim a part of the money you’ve invested.
■ Do You Qualify for a Refund?
Not everyone is eligible for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment. To apply, you must meet the following 7 key criteria. Take a moment to check if you qualify:
- ✅You are a foreign national (non-Japanese citizenship).
- ✅You are currently living outside of Japan (already returned home).
- ✅You are no longer enrolled in the Japanese pension system.
- ✅You have contributed to the pension system for at least 6 months.
- ✅You have never received any Japanese pension benefits (such as old-age or disability pensions).
- ✅You are filing the application within 2 years of leaving Japan.
- ✅You have contributed for less than 10 years (meaning you haven’t reached the full pension eligibility).
Work Flow of Pension Lump-sum Withdrawal
Our Clients (Living Overseas)
↓
Request for Application Preparation
(If you cannot prepare it yourself, we will introduce a specialist)
↓
Social Insurance Labor Consultant
(Document Preparation)
↓
Filing the Application
↓
Issuance of the “Notice of Entitlement”
↓
Lump-sum Withdrawal Refund
■ Summary: File Correctly to Claim Your Money
The Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment is a significant financial asset for foreign employees who worked in Japan. If you’ve contributed for 6 months or more, don’t miss out on what you’ve earned.
Key takeaways to remember:
- ✅Only non-residents living outside Japan can apply.
- ✅The refund amount varies depending on your insurance type (National Pension or Welfare Pension).
- ✅Applications must be submitted within 2 years after your departure date.
- ✅Check if your home country has a Social Security Agreement with Japan.
Countries with Social Security Agreements include:
USA, Philippines, South Korea, China, Brazil, Germany, France, Australia, Vietnam, and Italy.
For more details, we recommend visiting the official Japan Pension Service website regarding Social Security Agreements.