Menu
Pension Lumpsum after Leaving Japan: Your Simple Guide (2025)
Pension Refund Japan: Your Simple Guide (2025)
Leaving Japan is a bittersweet experience. You’re excited for the next chapter, but you’re also leaving behind amazing food, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable memories. Amidst the chaos of packing and saying your goodbyes, don’t forget one crucial thing: the money you’re owed! If you’ve worked in Japan, you’ve been paying into the national pension system. The great news is you can get a portion of that money back.
This simple guide will walk you through the pension refund Japan process, explaining who is eligible, what you need to do, and how to get the full amount you’re entitled to.
What is the Japanese Pension Refund?
In Japan, it’s officially called the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment (脱退一時金, dattai ichijikin). Think of it as a refund for the mandatory pension contributions you made while working here. Since you likely won’t be retiring in Japan and receiving a Japanese pension, the government allows you to claim back a portion of your payments after you leave the country.
This is your money, and it’s important to claim it.
Are You Eligible for the Pension Refund?
Before you start dreaming about what to do with the extra cash, let’s see if you qualify. You are likely eligible if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are not a Japanese citizen.
- You paid into the Japanese pension system (for at least 6 months).
- You no longer have an address in Japan (you have officially “moved out”).
- You apply within two years of your last day of residence in Japan.
If you can tick all those boxes, congratulations! You’re ready to start the application. This is a key part of the pension refund eligibility Japan criteria.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process can seem intimidating, but it’s manageable when broken down. Here’s a clear look at the Nenkin refund process.
Step 1: Before You Leave Japan
The most important step happens before you even board your flight. You must go to your local city or ward office and submit a “moving-out notification” (転出届, tenshutsu todoke). This officially removes your residency status and is essential for proving to the Japan Pension Service (JPS) that you no longer live in the country.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Once you are back in your home country, it’s time to get your paperwork in order. You will need:
- The Application Form: You can download the “Application for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment” from the JPS website.
- Your Blue Pension Handbook (年金手帳, nenkin techō): Or your Basic Pension Number Notification. You must submit the original. If you’ve lost it, don’t panic! Your local pension office can help you find your number before you leave.
- A Photocopy of Your Passport: Specifically, the pages showing your name, date of birth, nationality, signature, and visa status in Japan.
- Proof of Your Bank Account: A bank-stamped document, a voided check, or an online statement showing the Bank Name, Branch Name, Branch Address, Account Number, and your name as the Account Holder. The account must be in your name, not a family member’s.
These are the core documents for pension refund Japan that you’ll need to submit.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Mail all the original documents to the Japan Pension Service. The address is available on the application form itself. We highly recommend using a tracked postal service for peace of mind.
Step 4: Wait for Your Payment
Patience is key. It typically takes 4-6 months to process the application and receive the payment. You’ll first receive a “Notice of Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment” in the mail, followed by the funds being deposited into your designated bank account.
The Important Part: The 20% Tax on Pension Refund!
Here’s a detail many people miss. When the JPS sends your refund, they automatically withhold 20.42% for income tax. So, you only receive about 80% of your total refund initially.
But you can get that 20.42% back!
This requires a second, separate application to the Japanese tax office. To do this, you must appoint a tax representative for Japan pension refund—someone still living in Japan who can file the tax return on your behalf. This is because the application must be filed from a Japanese address. This is the only way to complete the process and get your full refund.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Quick Summary
- Foreigners who worked in Japan for 6+ months can get a pension refund.
- You must apply within 2 years of leaving Japan.
- The first step is filing a “moving-out notification” at your ward office.
- You need your pension book, passport copy, and foreign bank details to apply.
- The initial refund is taxed at 20.42%.
- You can claim this 20.42% tax back by appointing a tax representative in Japan.
- The full process ensures you get 100% of the money you are owed.
Conclusion
Navigating Japanese bureaucracy can be tough, but don’t let it stop you from claiming what’s yours. Following these steps will help you successfully get your pension refund. Remember the two-part process: first the main pension refund from the JPS, and second, the tax refund from the tax office. Completing both steps is crucial for maximizing your return.
Your Money is Waiting – Let Us Help
The entire process of getting your pension and tax refund back can feel complex, especially when you’re dealing with it from another country. If you have questions about the Tax Refund in Japan or the Pension Lumpsum after leaving Japan, our team at HSB JAPAN is here to help. We specialize in making this process smooth and simple for foreign workers, acting as your tax representative to ensure you get every last yen you’re owed. Feel free to message us for a no-obligation consultation!
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much money will I get from the Japan pension refund?
The amount depends on your average monthly salary and how long you paid into the system. The JPS uses a specific formula, but you can generally expect a refund equivalent to several months of contributions. - What if I lost my blue Pension Handbook (nenkin techō)?I
f you lose it before leaving Japan, visit your local pension office. They can issue you a confirmation of your Basic Pension Number. This number is the most crucial piece of information. - How to claim pension refund after leaving Japan if I don’t have a foreign bank account in my name?You must have a bank account in your own name. The JPS will not deposit funds into an account belonging to a family member or friend. It’s best to set one up in your home country before you apply.
- Do I need to close my Japanese bank account before I leave?
It’s not strictly necessary for the pension refund itself (since you’ll use a foreign bank account), but it’s generally a good idea to close it to avoid potential fees or administrative issues down the line. - What’s the difference between the pension refund and the tax refund?
The pension refund is getting your pension contributions back from the Japan Pension Service. The tax refund is reclaiming the 20.42% tax that was withheld from your pension refund. This second step is done through the tax office via a tax representative.