Pension Lump-sum Withdrawal Calculator
Leaving Japan? Estimate how much of your pension contributions you can get back. Covers both Employees' Pension (厚生年金) and National Pension (国民年金) with the 2021 reform rules (60-month cap).
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Starting June 2027, unpaid NHI and pension premiums will be grounds for visa renewal denial. This calculator is for people leaving Japan — if you plan to stay, keep your payments current. Read the 2027 rule guide →
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Total: 36 months
Your average monthly salary before deductions. Check your nenkin record or pay slip. Range: ¥88,000 - ¥650,000.
Estimated Refund
Eligibility Check
- ✓6+ months of enrollment (36 months)
- ✓Less than 10 years (120 months) of enrollment
- ○Must have left Japan (address deregistered)
- ○Must apply within 2 years of departure
- ○Must not currently receive a Japanese pension
Estimated Net Refund
Refund Breakdown
Possible Tax Refund via Tax Return
The 20% withholding tax (¥198,000) can potentially be recovered by filing a Japanese tax return through a tax representative (納税管理人) in Japan. The actual refund depends on your individual tax situation, but many applicants recover most or all of the withheld amount.
What You Need to Know
Apply within 2 years of leaving Japan
You must submit the claim after leaving Japan and deregistering your address at city hall. The application deadline is 2 years from the date of departure.
2021 Reform: Higher refunds
The 2021 reform expanded the calculation period from 36 months to 60 months, meaning longer-term workers can now receive significantly larger lump-sum withdrawals.
Social Security Agreements may apply
Japan has social security agreements with 23 countries (USA, UK, Germany, France, South Korea, etc.). If your country has an agreement, your pension contributions may count toward your home country's pension instead. Check before claiming a lump-sum withdrawal.
Tax representative (納税管理人)
To claim a tax refund on the 20% withholding, you need to appoint a tax representative in Japan before you leave. This person files the tax return on your behalf. Many tax accountants offer this service for ¥30,000–¥50,000.
Required documents
Pension book (年金手帳), passport copy, bank account details (home country), residence deregistration certificate, and the claim form (脱退一時金裁定請求書). Download forms from the Japan Pension Service website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pension lump-sum withdrawal payment?
The pension lump-sum withdrawal payment (脱退一時金) is a refund of part of your pension contributions when you leave Japan permanently. It applies to both Employees' Pension (厚生年金) and National Pension (国民年金). You must apply within 2 years of leaving Japan. The 2021 reform expanded the calculation period from 36 to 60 months, increasing potential refunds for longer-term residents.
Who is eligible for the pension lump-sum withdrawal?
You are eligible if: (1) you are not a Japanese national, (2) you have been enrolled in the pension system for 6 months or more but less than 10 years, (3) you have left Japan and deregistered your address, (4) you do not currently receive any Japanese pension benefits, and (5) you apply within 2 years of departure. If you have 10+ years of contributions, you may be eligible for a regular pension instead.
How much can I get back from the pension lump-sum withdrawal?
For Employees' Pension: the refund is your Average Standard Monthly Remuneration multiplied by a coefficient based on enrollment length (0.5 for 6-11 months up to 5.0 for 60+ months). For National Pension: the refund is half your monthly premium times the number of months enrolled (capped at 60 months). Example: 3 years at ¥300,000/month salary gives approximately ¥990,000 gross (before 20% tax).
How do I apply for the pension lump-sum withdrawal?
Step 1: Before leaving Japan, appoint a tax representative (納税管理人) at your local tax office. Step 2: Deregister your address at city hall. Step 3: After leaving Japan, submit the claim form (脱退一時金裁定請求書) to the Japan Pension Service by mail. Include your pension book, passport copy, and bank account details. Processing takes 3-6 months. The refund is sent to your bank account abroad.
Is there a tax on the pension lump-sum withdrawal?
Yes, a 20% income tax is withheld at the time of payment. However, you can recover most or all of this tax by having your tax representative (納税管理人) in Japan file a tax return on your behalf. Many tax accountants offer this service for ¥30,000-¥50,000. Without a tax representative, you lose the 20% permanently. Always appoint one before leaving Japan.