About the National Pension System

Enroll in the National Pension System When You Turn 20

Everyone who lives in Japan and is between the ages of 20 and 59, including foreign nationals, is required to enroll in the National Pension System.
If you are enrolled in the National Pension System and meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive the Old-age Basic Pension. You may also be eligible for the Disability Basic Pension if you are left with a disability due to illness or injury. In the event of your death, your spouse or children may be eligible for the Survivors' Basic Pension.
Foreign nationals who leave Japan without qualifying for pension benefits may be eligible for a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment if they have paid pension contributions for at least six months and apply within two years after they no longer have an address in Japan.

The following people do not need to complete enrollment procedures for the National Pension System:

• People who are enrolled in the Employees’ Pension Insurance
• Dependent spouses of people enrolled in the Employees’ Pension Insurance
• People who are exempt from enrolling in the Japanese pension system under a social security agreement
• People staying in Japan under a medical stay visa or a long-stay visa for sightseeing or recreation

How to Pay National Pension Contributions

After you submit your enrollment notification, you will receive National Pension contribution payment slips from the Japan Pension Service. Please make payments at a financial institution, convenience store, or other authorized location. You can also pay by bank account transfer or credit card. Discounts are available for advance payments.

Exemption from Pension Contributions

If you have difficulty paying pension contributions, you may be eligible for an exemption from payment.

Japan Pension Service website