Pension
What is the Pension Service?
You automatically pay into the pension system. It is removed from your paycheck before you even get it. On your pay stub, it should be labeled as 「厚生年金」 and be around ￥20,000-30,000.
If you continue to work in Japan, you will continue to pay into the same pension service. When you retire, you can receive your pension as a living stipend. It's likely similar to your home country's system.
If you choose to leave Japan, you can do a lump-sum withdrawal and receive a portion of your pension back. In the event that you move back to Japan, the periods for which you withdrew your pension will no longer be available to you.
This pension book has your pension info. Please do not lose it. In the event that you do lose it, you can get a new one with some paperwork at the main office. In any case, this is sensitive and personal information so keep it safe.
This is the official pension site for Japan's pension system. It is entirely and only in Japanese. Don't worry, there are other resources! Also, the website provides a link for different languages, including English, Chinese, and Spanish (among many more).
There is also limited information in English here.
How do I get some of my pension back after I leave Japan?
appoint a tax representative
Choose someone you trust to handle your pension refund. In many cases, your CO will handle this for you. In the case that they will not, find a friend whom you trust to handle it for you. It's best that this person speaks Japanese in case there are any complications. If you don't speak much Japanese, try to find someone who speaks both languages.
Fill out the Form and gather the documents
Make sure you fill out the form correctly and in full. If you have to redo things when you're back in your home country, it will be a hassle. Make copies of all of the necessary documents to hand in with the form. Also, don't forget to make a note of your pension number before handing over your pension book.
What do I need to do as a tax representative
Step 1
Double check that the document is filled in correctly and that you have all of the necessary documents assembled. The more thoroughly you complete this step, the less problems you will have down the road.
Step 2
Send in the documents. After the documents are sent, it's just a waiting game. Make sure that you have made a note of important information as you are the representative and do not know this information off the top of your head.
Step 3
Send the money. The payments come in two parts. The first part should be automatically deposited into the provided foreign bank account, but the second part should come to the representative some time later. This money will have to be remitted to the payee.
If you are concerned about not hearing back from the pension service for a long time, you can call to inquire about your request. At this time, you will need information about the request such as the pension number on the request.
Filling in the Pension Form
① Use capital letters and be sure to print clearly.
② Refer to your pension handbook for your pension number. The form has a space for 2 different numbers, but you are likely only registered under one. If you have a second number, be sure to fill that one in, too. For most people, you only need to fill in the one number and it will go on the top of the two lines for pension numbers.
③ Be sure to avoid writing in spaces which say "Office Use Only" as with any form.
④ As mentioned in other sections of this page, please make note of your pension number before sending in the application.
⑤ If the form is not completely filled out, you will likely have to redo the application.
⑥ If you make a mistake, please redo the full form. Using a corrector like white-out may be accepted, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
⑦ On the signature line, please use block letters, not cursive. It is important that your signature is readable in Japan, not necessarily identifying.
Supporting documents
① A photocopy of your passport pages. You should include the main information page and the visa on which you entered. It is important that your name, nationality, date of birth, signature, and status of residence are all displayed.
② A certified copy of your moving out notice to prove that you no longer hold residence in Japan.
③ Documents to verify your bank name and proof that the account is in your name OR a stamp in the "Bank Stamp for verification" section of your form. You do not need both of these.
④ Your pension book. Not a photocopy. NOTE: Please make a copy of the pension book for your own records in the case of issues along the way. This is important information to have on hand.
Other resources
Check out the PA website for their guide on pension and lump-sum withdrawals.
The JET GIH is also always full of useful information.
The AJET guide includes addresses, etc. in regard to the pension forms.