Foreign nationals residing in Japan who participate in the public pension system can claim a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment when departing the country after short coverage periods. To qualify for this benefit, you must ensure that you are no longer covered by the National Pension or Employees' Pension Insurance system and submit your official request within two years of leaving Japan. International students, working holiday makers, and foreign workers can access official resources and application forms provided by the Japan Pension Service to complete the application process accurately.
Who is eligible for the pension withdrawal payment in Japan in 2026?
Non-Japanese residents who have contributed to the Japanese pension system for short coverage periods during their stay can apply for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment upon departing the country. This option applies to individuals who were enrolled in either the National Pension system or the Employees' Pension Insurance system. Because pension regulations apply specifically based on individual registration and employment circumstances, you should always review your status with official authorities. Complete details regarding system coverage are published on the Japan Pension Service website.
To be eligible to receive this payment, two primary conditions must be satisfied:
- You must be a non-Japanese citizen who is no longer covered by the National Pension or Employees' Pension Insurance system.
- You must file your payment application within two years from the date you officially leave Japan.
If you fulfill these core criteria, you are eligible to submit an application to receive your refund directly from the Japanese pension authority.
What is the application deadline and timeline for foreign residents?
Timing is critical when applying for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment. Applicants must submit their claim within a strict window of two years following their departure from Japan. Once this two-year deadline passes, you will no longer be eligible to claim payments for your prior coverage periods.
Before filing, you must formally terminate your coverage under the Japanese pension framework. This requirement ensures that individuals are no longer actively enrolled in either the National Pension or Employees' Pension Insurance. For foreign graduates, students, and workers transitioning out of Japan in 2026, planning this administrative step prior to or immediately following departure helps prevent missing the two-year filing limit.
For official confirmation on deadlines and procedural requirements, refer to the Japan Pension Service guidance.
What documents and multilingual forms are provided by the Japan Pension Service?
To support foreign nationals navigating the application process, the Japan Pension Service offers official information and application forms in multiple languages. Applicants can choose forms and instructions tailored to their native language, reducing administrative confusion during departure preparations.
Application documents and entry examples are available in fourteen different foreign language options paired with Japanese:
- English
- Chinese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Indonesian
- Tagalog (Filipino)
- Thai
- Vietnamese
- Myanmar
- Khmer
- Russian
- Nepali
- Mongolian
These resources can be downloaded directly from the Japan Pension Service portal in standard PDF or Excel formats. Each language section includes an official application form as well as an example entry sheet to assist applicants in filling out the required personal and insurance details correctly.
What checklist should foreign graduates and workers follow before leaving Japan?
Preparing for your departure from Japan requires organizing your pension records alongside other administrative tasks. Following a clear checklist helps ensure you fulfill all necessary requirements:
- Confirm coverage status: Ensure that your enrollment in the National Pension or Employees' Pension Insurance will cease upon leaving Japan.
- Download the official application form: Obtain the appropriate language version from the Japan Pension Service website in PDF or Excel format.
- Review entry examples: Use the translated example entry sheets to review required entries before completing your claim form.
- Track the two-year deadline: Note your exact departure date from Japan and ensure your application reaches the pension office within two years.
- Note official headquarters details: Official pension administration is managed by the Japan Pension Service located at 3-5-24, Takaido nishi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8505.
While these steps outline the general procedure, individual circumstances can vary, so readers should confirm their personal eligibility directly with official pension representatives.
Finding a place to stay
When moving to Tokyo for study or work before managing official procedures like pension registration or leaving Japan, arranging comfortable housing in advance is essential. It is best to organize your accommodation once your visa or Certificate of Eligibility is issued, ensuring a smooth transition before your arrival in Japan. Newcomers often benefit from staying in temporary flexible accommodation while settling into their academic or professional environment. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having your accommodation secured early allows you to focus on your university studies, job search, and administrative obligations without housing stress.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment in Japan?
Non-Japanese individuals who have short coverage periods under the National Pension or Employees' Pension Insurance and are no longer covered by these systems can apply for the payment.
How long after leaving Japan can you file the pension withdrawal application?
You must file your application for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment within two years from the date you leave Japan.
In what languages does the Japan Pension Service provide application forms?
Forms and instructions are available in fourteen foreign languages alongside Japanese, including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Indonesian, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Khmer, Russian, Nepali, and Mongolian.
Sources
- 日本年金機構「Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments｜日本年金機構」(checked 2026-11-01)
Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.