Do Foreigners Need to Pay Pension in Japan? (2026 Guide)

Many foreigners in Japan are surprised that participation in the public pension system is mandatory, even for non-Japanese residents. Whether you are working full-time, part-time, or studying, understanding pension rules is essential to avoid penalties and protect your future benefits.

This guide explains who must pay, how much, exemptions, refunds, and what happens if you leave Japan.

1. Is Pension Mandatory for Foreigners?

Yes.

All residents aged 20 to 59, including foreigners, must enroll in the Japanese public pension system, governed by the National Pension Law.

This applies regardless of nationality or visa type.

2. Types of Pension Systems in Japan

① National Pension (国民年金 – kokumin nenkin)

For:

• Students

• Self-employed workers

• Freelancers

• Part-time workers

• Unemployed residents

Monthly contribution (2026): ~¥16,980

② Employees’ Pension (厚生年金 – kōsei nenkin)

For:

• Full-time employees

• Many part-time workers at larger companies

How it works:

• Contribution split 50/50 between employee and employer

• Automatically deducted from salary

• Includes National Pension coverage

3. Who Must Enroll?

You must enroll if:

• You have a Residence Card (在留カード – zairyū kādo)

• You live in Japan for 3 months or longer

• You are aged 20–59

Applicable to:

• Work visa holders

• Spouse visa holders

• Students

• Permanent residents

4. How Much Do Foreigners Pay?

Employer contributions for Employees’ Pension are essentially “free money” for the employee.

5. Can Foreigners Get an Exemption?

Yes. If your income is low, you can apply for Pension Exemption (免除 – menjo).

Types of exemption:

• Full exemption

• Partial exemption

• Student exemption (学生納付特例 – gakusei nōfu tokurei)

⚠ You must apply—it is not automatic.

6. What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Non-payment can result in:

• Official reminders

• Seizure of bank funds or salary

• Problems with visa renewal

• Loss of pension benefits

Pension is treated as a legal obligation, not optional savings.

7. Can Foreigners Get Pension Money Back?

Yes. Foreigners leaving Japan permanently can apply for a Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment (脱退一時金 – dattai ichijikin).

Requirements:

• Paid into pension for 6 months or more

• Leave Japan permanently

• Apply within 2 years of departure

Amount depends on:

• Contribution period

• Pension type

8. Pension Agreements (Social Security Totalization)

Japan has agreements with countries such as:

• United States

• UK

• Canada

• Australia

• Germany

• France

• South Korea

Benefits:

• Prevents double payments

• Allows combining contribution periods for future benefits

9. Is Pension Worth Paying for Foreigners?

For many foreigners:

• Employer contributions = free money

• Required for legal compliance

• Refund available if leaving

• Needed for long-term residency stability

For permanent or long-term residents, pension is an essential part of retirement planning.

10. Key Documents to Know

• Pension number notice (年金手帳 – nenkin techō) – now often digital

• Payment slips (納付書 – nōfusho)

• Pension record statement (年金記録 – nenkin kiroku)

11. Practical Tips

• Register at your city office immediately after moving

• Apply for exemption if income is low

• Keep all payment records

• Check eligibility for refunds before leaving Japan

• Ask your city office for English assistance

✅ Summary:
Foreign residents in Japan must participate in the public pension system. Contributions are mandatory for ages 20–59, with options for exemptions or refunds if leaving Japan. Employer contributions provide extra value, and proper record-keeping ensures you can claim benefits now or in the future.