Foreign workers in Japan may participate in the public pension system. After leaving Japan following a relatively short period of coverage, a person who meets the conditions may be able to claim a lump-sum withdrawal payment (脱退一時金).
Paying pension contributions alone is not enough
All conditions set by the Japan Pension Service must be met. Guidance includes requirements such as not having Japanese nationality, losing insured status and leaving Japan. Do not decide eligibility only by counting months worked.
Claim deadline
Current 2026 guidance indicates an important deadline of within two years after leaving Japan/no longer having an address in Japan, subject to the applicable conditions.
It is not simply “get back everything you paid”
The amount is calculated under a statutory formula and the number of months included is capped. For periods within the scope from April 2021, the calculation cap was increased to 60 months. Be cautious of services advertising a fixed refund percentage.
Consider long-term effects
Once a lump-sum withdrawal payment is received, the corresponding coverage period may no longer count toward certain pension purposes. Anyone planning to return to Japan long term should understand the effect before applying.
Checklist
☐ Confirm all conditions with Japan Pension Service
☐ Complete address procedures correctly before departure
☐ Keep your pension number and wage records
☐ Check the receiving bank account requirements
☐ Do not trust promises of a fixed refund percentage
Official source
• Japan Pension Service — Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment: https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/simplejapanese/japanese-system/benefit/withdrawalpayment.html
General information only. Check the latest Japan Pension Service guidance for your case.