Certain people who are enrolled in the Japanese Public Pension scheme for 6 or more months are eligible to apply for a lump sum withdrawal. The application can only be completed once leaving Japan but within a 2-year frame.
Who can claim a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment?
- You are non-Japanese.
- You have been covered by a public pension scheme for 6 months or more.
- You no longer have an address in Japan registered to the Municipal office.
- You have been entitled to Japanese public pension benefits including Disability Allowance.
What supporting documents do I need?
- A photocopy of your passport page(s). You must show your name, date of birth, nationality, signature and resident status.
- A resident document stating you no longer have a registered address in Japan, such as a “Johyo”, which can be obtained from your municipal office.
- Documents showing your bank’s name, branch name and address, account number, account holders name.
- Your pension handbook or documents proving your Basic Pension Number
- An application form from https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/english/lumpsum/lumpsum.files/A.pdf
When you receive the lump-sum it will likely be taxed at a rate of 20.42%. If this is the case you will be able to file a tax return through a tax agent or a dedicated resident of Japan with efficient Japanese language skills. The return will be addressed to the district director of the tax office labelled “notice of lump-sum withdrawal payment (entitled).”