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Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment

If you paid pension premiums and permanently leave Japan, you can claim a partial refund (lump-sum withdrawal) within 2 years of departure.

1 min readChecked against official sources 2026-06-14

Contents

  • Steps
  • What to bring
  • Official sources

If you paid pension premiums and permanently leave Japan, you can claim a partial refund (lump-sum withdrawal) within 2 years of departure.

Where: Japan Pension Service · When: Claim within 2 years of leaving Japan and losing your insured status.

Steps

  1. 1Submit your moving-out notification before leaving Japan.
  2. 2After leaving, mail the claim form and documents to the Japan Pension Service.
  3. 3The payment is sent to your overseas bank account; consider appointing a tax representative for the income-tax refund.

What to bring

  • ▢Lump-sum withdrawal claim form
  • ▢Copy of passport (showing departure and status of residence)
  • ▢Proof you left the resident register (moving-out record)
  • ▢Bank details for the overseas account
  • ▢Document showing your pension number

Official sources

  • Japan Pension Service - Claiming the lump-sum withdrawal payment↗ (opens in a new tab)
Claiming the lump-sum can reduce future pension entitlement and totalization periods. Weigh the trade-off and the related income-tax refund procedure.

Information, not advice

This guide is general information only — not legal, administrative, tax or other professional advice, and not a filing service. Rules and procedures can change; always confirm with the official window or website. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or contact the relevant government office directly.

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