That pension letter from 日本年金機構
Almost every foreign resident gets it: an envelope from the Japan Pension Service. Here's what it is, what it costs, and the exemption most people don't know about.
What it is
Everyone living in Japan aged 20–59 must join the National Pension (国民年金, kokumin nenkin) — including foreign residents, even on short visas. If your employer enrolls you in 厚生年金 (kōsei nenkin), it's deducted from salary and you can ignore most of these letters. If you're a student, self-employed, unemployed or between jobs, the Japan Pension Service (日本年金機構) bills you directly.
What it costs
The monthly premium is around ¥17,000 (it changes slightly each fiscal year). The letter usually contains payment slips (納付書) you can pay at any convenience store, bank, post office, or by app.
The exemption most people miss
If you're a student or earn little, you can probably pay less — or nothing. Apply at your city office's pension counter for exemption (免除, menjo) or deferment (猶予, yūyo). Students use the Student Special Payment System (学生納付特例). Approval is backdated-friendly and protects your record.
If you ignore it
- Reminder letters escalate in tone; eventually a collection agency may call or visit.
- Unpaid periods reduce your future pension and can disqualify you from disability and survivor coverage — which also covers accidents while you live in Japan.
- Payment history is increasingly checked at permanent-residency screening.
If you leave Japan
You can claim a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment (脱退一時金) for up to 5 years of contributions after you leave — so money paid in is not simply lost.
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