This article contains affiliate links and PR content. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!
If you’ve worked in Japan and are now planning to leave for good, here’s something you shouldn’t overlook: the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment.
Many foreign workers in Japan unknowingly miss out on this payment, losing a large portion of their hard-earned pension contributions. This article will help you understand what it is, who can apply, and how much you might get back.
What is the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment?
When you work in Japan, you are automatically enrolled in the public pension system if you meet the eligibility criteria for social insurance.
Normally, to receive an old-age pension, you must contribute for at least 10 years. However, many foreign workers leave Japan long before reaching that 10-year mark. Without any action, your pension contributions would simply be gone.
The Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment is a system that allows you to reclaim part of the pension premiums you paid during your time in Japan.
It’s a one-time payment designed to prevent foreign workers from losing all of their pension contributions.
Who is Eligible?
Not everyone can apply. You must meet all of the following conditions:
- You do not have Japanese nationality.
- Your total period of pension enrollment is at least 6 months but less than 10 years (excluding unpaid periods).
- You are not eligible for any disability pension benefits, and you have never been eligible in the past.
- You no longer have a registered address in Japan.
- Less than 2 years have passed since you lost your social insurance coverage.
Important Note:
If you still had a Japanese address when you lost your coverage, the 2-year deadline starts from the date you canceled your residence registration in Japan.
How Much Will You Get?
While the exact amount depends on your total income and period of enrollment, there’s a simple way to estimate it.
Estimation Formula:
Your past annual income × 9% × number of years enrolled
Example:
- Monthly salary: ¥400,000
- Annual bonus: ¥1,200,000
- Total annual income: ¥6,000,000
- Enrollment period: 3 years
Calculation:
¥6,000,000 × 3 years × 9% = ¥1,620,000 (approximate payout)
This calculation is only a rough estimate. The actual amount may vary depending on your specific payment records.
Required Documents for Application
Once you leave Japan, you (or your representative) will need to submit the following documents to the Japan Pension Service:
- Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment Application Form (You can download this from the official Japan Pension Service website.)
- Copy of your passport
- Document showing that you no longer have a registered address in Japan (For example, a certificate of moving-out or de-registration)
- Bank account details for receiving the payment (Make sure your bank can receive international transfers.)
- Basic Pension Number Notification (This is the document showing your pension number in Japan.)
- Power of Attorney (If someone else will apply on your behalf)
Don’t Forget Your Final Apartment Cleaning Before Moving Out!
If you’re leaving Japan and moving out of your apartment, there’s one important thing to remember: end-of-lease cleaning.
Most landlords and property management companies in Japan require you to leave your apartment clean and ready for the next tenant.
If you don’t have time—or just don’t want the hassle—professional cleaning services are a great option.
One service often used by foreigners living in Japan is R-Cleaning, a professional home cleaning company.
Why choose R-Cleaning?
- Clear, fixed pricing
- Easy online booking (Japanese language website)
- No need to prepare cleaning tools—the staff will bring everything
With so much to do before leaving—like canceling utilities, packing, and applying for your Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment—
outsourcing your cleaning can save you time and stress.
Final Tip
Applying for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment is your chance to get back some of the pension money you’ve paid during your time in Japan. But don’t wait too long—there’s a strict 2-year deadline. Before leaving Japan, gather your documents and plan ahead.
For the latest application forms and detailed instructions, visit the official Japan Pension Service website.
Comments