The Retirement & Pensions System in Japan for Foreigners

Lots of ALTs and other foreign people in Japan are no longer staying for a few years maximum. A lot of workers now choose to make Japan their permanent home. 

The Japanese pensions system requires workers to pay into the system from age 20 to 59. Both legal citizens of Japan and legal foreign residents are obliged to pay. 

Similarly to the UK, employers pay towards pensions in Japan if they are employed, however self-employed citizens pay a set amount. 

Categories for Compulsory Coverage 

There are 3 different categories of people’s pensions in Japan. These are known as categories 1, 2 and 3. As everyone is enrolled into the Japanese pension system, you’re sorted into different categories, including people who rely on their spouse’s pensions. 

Japanese basic pensions can be subsidised by a private company pension scheme for people whose employers want to add more to their pension. 

Category 1 of Japanese Pension

Category 1 residents are anyone who doesn’t fall into the category of 2 or 3. These are registered residents between the ages of  20-59 who work self-employed. 

Self-employed industries often include – 

• Agriculture
• Fishery Business Operators
• Forestry 
• Students

Category 2 of Japanese Pension

Category 2 persons are people who have worked for employers within the private sector. They will have contributed to their pension, as will their employers, usually at a 50/50 contribution ratio. 

Category 3 of Japanese Pensions

Category 3 is for insured people’s’ dependent spouses aged 20-59, and you DO need to reside in Japan to receive a category 3 status.

However, here are a few exceptions to this rule if you’re not able to provide an address for your home in Japan, for example –

• You’re a student studying abroad 
• You’re accompanying a person of category 2 who is sent to work abroad
• Staying in a foreign country for non-work purposes such as leisure or tourism

Can You Opt Out of the Japanese Pension System?

No, you cannot opt out of the Japanese pension scheme. Everyone in Japan must pay into the system, including foreigners in Japan. However, if you are disabled or unemployed, you can apply for reduced contribution payments. Visit your local municipal office to apply yearly.

How Stable is a Japanese Pension for Foreigners?

Everyone is guaranteed to get a pension who pays into the system, including foreigners. However, with the country’s ageing population, the pension system in Japan is in a bit of a varying state. The government of Japan has promised that Japanese pensions will not fall lower than 50% of the average wage.

How Do I Enrol Into the Japanese Pension System?

It’s best to check with your employer regarding your pensions, as they can enrol you into the basic scheme or the private employer’s pension scheme. 

You should receive an envelope every April you are residing in Japan containing your deductions. These payments will be split into monthly or quarterly increments which can be paid at the post office, store or bank.

Alternatively, you will see deductions on your payslip. These deductions will be named shakai hoken (社会保険) or social security. Alongside these deductions you should see one for healthcare, long-term care insurance, welfare insurance and employment insurance. 

Be warned, Japanese employers have been caught splitting wage payments into separate bank accounts for workers. This means the tax will then be shifted from them to you. If your employer in Japan requests for you to open several bank accounts to spread your payments, this is illegal and should be reported. 

How Much Will I Pay into the Japanese Pension System?

Each type of person residing in Japan or who falls into the other pensions categories will pay into the system. There are 3 different categories as previously discussed, as a resident of Japan you will be eligible for a Japanese pension as a foreigner regardless of how long you plan to stay.

Category 1 Pensions – Self Employed

As mentioned previously, Category 1 residents will pay a rate of ¥14,660 (£91.32, $112.56) per month. This usually rises by around ¥280 (£1.74, $2.50) per month for each year you contribute, but this will stop rising at ¥16,900 (£105.27, $129.73) with 8 years of consistent contributions. 

Category 2 Pensions – Private Sector 

Category 2 worker’s pension contribution depends on their wage. The total contribution is 15.507% of their monthly salary, before tax. Within this category, employers pay 50/50 towards their employees pensions, which works out as around 8% deductions overall. Category 2 members cover both basic national pensions and company subsidised. 

Category 3 Pensions – Spouses 

Dependants within Category 3 will not make any contributions to pensions, they’ll be covered by their partner’s pensions. Companies do NOT pay towards your spouse’s pensions, even if they contribute to yours. The basic contributions are significantly lower than company subsidised ones, so expect a lesser payout if you fall into this category. 

Which Category are ALTs in for Japanese Pensions?

English teachers in Japan are classed within category 2 workers, which means you and your employer will both contribute to your pensions. 

There is some dispute regarding this as even though ALTs are ‘English teachers’ the companies hiring them are private sector rather than public, unlike teachers within schools. Teachers within public local schools in Japan receive a different type of pension, however this is something that doesn’t apply to current ALTs. 

Japanese Pension Payouts for Foreigners

For shorter term stays in Japan, people can contribute to their pensions whilst working here and then get them accredited to their home country. This depends on your home country’s agreements with Japan at the time.

Workers can also take out a lump sum of their pension contributions up to a maximum 36 months. This would be an ideal choice if you’re planing to stay for 3 years max. Anything you contribute after this time cannot be withdrawn, so make sure you plan accordingly. Often foreign workers keep the stubs from their wage slips, showing how much has been contributed into their pensions.

How to Get your Lump Sum Payout

To get this lump sum payout from your Japanese pension, you must complete an application pack from your local insurance office and your bank must stamp this form. 

Tax Representative Payout

A tax representative must be chosen for yourself, this can include your Japanese employer or a Japanese friend who is a resident there. It’s seen as preferable to use a friend who resides in Japan, as it comes across as more trustworthy. 

Your chosen representative must complete a “Declaration Naming a Person to Administer Taxpayer’s Tax Affairs.” which is also found at your local insurance office. Once this is complete, you must return to your home country and post your application from there. 

Bank Transfer Payout

Alternatively, you can apply in person at your local ward office, however you must have a bank account to transfer the money into. Your Japanese pension payout will only arrive after you leave Japan, this process usually takes longer to receive the money but is easier than filling in required forms. 

There are a few things you need to bring when you apply for your lump sum payout this way, these include – 

• Bank account details in your home country
• Your Japanese pension book
• Passport
• Documents of your departure from Japan

If you’ve already travelled home before realising you need to complete these steps to receive your pension lump sum, you can apply from overseas regarding your Japanese pension. You’ll need to start this process within 2 years after leaving Japan, or your money will no longer be available to claim. 

To claim, you’ll need – 

• Photocopies of the pages in your passport that show the date you left Japan, your residence status and your identity.
• Your pension book and a document that shows your pension number.
• A document stamped by your bank that shows the bank’s address and branch contact details, as well as your account name and number.

ALT Pensions

Pensions in Japan for foreigners vary between categories and companies. However, as an ALT with Interac you will provide 50/50 contributions with your employer, for more information on this topic you can contact us, and we will happily answer any questions regarding pensions and payouts.