Japan (JP)

All residents aged 20–59 must enroll. Foreign nationals resident in Japan with a valid visa are required to participate. Minimum 120 months contribution for any benefit. Lump-sum withdrawal available for foreign nationals leaving Japan (see pensionLumpSum notes). Students can apply for payment deferral (学生納付特例).

Automatic enrollment is handled by your ward office when you register your address. If you leave an employer without joining a new one, you must re-enroll in Kokumin Nenkin at the ward office within 14 days. Contribution: ¥17,920/month (April 2026–March 2027 rate, flat regardless of income; source: nenkin.go.jp). Pay by bank direct debit, convenience store, or credit card via Nenkin Net. Discounts for advance payment — confirm current discount rates at nenkin.go.jp.

Employees covered by employer-based Shakai Hoken (社会保険). Also covers company directors, part-timers meeting the 20h/week and 51-employee thresholds. Foreign nationals on work visas are covered the same as Japanese employees.

Enrollment is automatic through your employer — your employer registers you. When you change jobs, your employer handles transfer. If you leave employment, you fall back to Kokumin Nenkin and must register at the ward office. Track your pension record at nenkin.go.jp or via the Nenkin Net app.

Employed for 12+ months in the past 2 years (6+ months if involuntarily dismissed). Foreign nationals with valid work visas are fully eligible. Must be actively seeking work and registered at Hello Work. Not available to self-employed (Kojin Jigyonushi) or company directors.

Register at your nearest Hello Work office with: Rishoku Hyō (離職票 / Certificate of Separation) from your employer, MyNumber card or notification letter, Zairyu card, bank account details, photo. First payment typically received 2–3 months after separation. Hello Work provides job placement services and skills training (職業訓練 / Shokugyō Kunren) while receiving benefits.

All residents not covered by employer-based health insurance. Mandatory enrollment. Foreign nationals on medium-to-long-term visas (3 months+) are required to enroll.

Enroll at your ward or city office within 14 days of registering your address or losing employer coverage. Bring Zairyu card, MyNumber card/notification, and any documents showing loss of previous coverage (health insurance withdrawal certificate from previous employer). Premium notices arrive monthly or quarterly — pay at convenience stores, post offices, or via bank direct debit.

All residents from age 40. Foreign nationals on medium-to-long-term visas pay contributions and are eligible for benefits. Must be assessed by the municipality to access care services.

Contributions begin automatically at age 40 through payroll deduction (Shakai Hoken) or NHI premium addition. To access care services: contact your ward's Care Manager (ケアマネジャー) or Community Comprehensive Support Centre (地域包括支援センター) for a needs assessment.

All residents with children aged 0–18 living in Japan. Foreign nationals with valid residence status are fully eligible. Must reside in Japan (not applicable while abroad). Apply within 15 days of childbirth or moving to Japan with children.

Apply at your ward or city office (区役所 / 市役所) with: Zairyu card, bank account details, MyNumber, and the child's birth certificate or residence confirmation. Applications received after 15 days from the triggering event may lose retroactive eligibility for some months.