City Hall Guide
	National Pension

The National Pension System is operated by the national government, and is funded by insurance premiums and by government subsidies.

"Please tell me how to enroll in the National Pension plan." Kokumin nenkin no kanyu tetsuzuki o oshiete kudasai.

Qualification for Enrollment

Any person, including foreign residents in Japan, between the ages of 20 and 59, not enrolled in any other public pension plan (such as a welfare pension plan) must enroll in the National Pension Program. A pension passbook will be issued upon enrollment.

Insurance Premium and Payment of Benefits

As a rule, in order to meet the benefit requirements, you need to pay the monthly premium for at least 25 years durinig the enrollment period. After age 65, a pension will be paid to those satisfying the above requirements. Under certain circumstances, the pension may be disbursed if you become disabled or a bereaved family member.

Withdrawal Allowance

There are cases of foreign residents whose terms of stay in Japan do not fulfill the benefit requirements, who return to their home countries without receiving any pension benefits. In these cases, if certain requirements are fulfilled, such as paying the monthly premium for a period of more than six months, a withdrawal allowance is paid if application is made within two years of returning to one's home country.

Pensions may be transferred to the address of residence, even if it is out of Japan

For further information, contact:
National Pension Division, 1st Floor, City Hall
Tel: 048-258-1110, ext. 2771 to 2774