The National Pension Scheme （国民年金）
The National Pension Scheme is a scheme run by the government, designed to provide support to the elderly, the disabled, and the families of those who have died. Everyone aged between 20 and 59 living in Japan is obliged to enroll in the scheme.
After Enrolling（加入）
If you are aged between 20 and 59, and you have completed resident registration, you should complete the formalities to enroll in the National Pension Scheme. These formalities can be completed at the National Health Insurance and Pension Division in the City Office, or at the Pension Office.
If you are working at a company, etc. in Japan, and you are enrolled in a welfare pension scheme, you do not need to complete formalities to join the National Pension Scheme.
National Pension Scheme Premiums（国民年金保険料の納付）
National Pension Scheme premiums are the same for everyone, irrespective of age or income.
〈How to pay the premiums〉
◆ By bank account transfer (apply at the National Health Insurance and Pension Division in the City Office, or at a financial institution that can handle these payments)
◆By cash, using the payment slips sent from the Japan Pension Service. You can pay using these slips at a financial institution that deals with these payments, at a Post Office, or at a convenience store.
◆By credit card (apply at the Pension Office)
◆By auPAY, d払い®,PayB or PayPay (you will need to download the app)
>>> For details, see (Paying with a smartphone).
The Special Payment System for Students（学生納付特例制度）
The Special Payment System for Students
If you are 20 or over, and you are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate course at a university, or in a course at a school, etc., and you are having trouble paying the National Pension Scheme premiums, there is a special payment system for students, under which you can apply to postpone the payments while you are enrolled as a student.
★ The period of approval for postponement of payments is from April to March of the following year.
★ While you are enrolled as a student, it is necessary to reapply for postponement each year.
Exemption From and Postponement of Payments（保険料免除・納付猶予）
If for financial reasons you have having difficulty paying the National Pension Scheme premiums, you can apply to be exempted from payments, or to postpone the payment of the premiums. Your eligibility for exemption or postponement is judged based on the pervious year’s income of your household, etc.
★ The period of approval is from July to June of the following year.
★ This scheme cannot be used by students. Students should use the Special Payment System for Students.
Exemptions From Payments Before and After Childbirth
There is a system of exemptions from payment of National Pension Scheme premiums for a certain period of time when a person enrolled in the National Pension Scheme gives birth. The exemptions cover the period before and after childbirth, but the length of this period differs depending on certain conditions.
You can apply from six months before the date on which you are due to give birth, so please apply to the National Health Insurance and Pension Division in the City Office in advance. You can also apply after having given birth. If you apply before giving birth, you will need to take your Mother and Child Health Handbook with you.
Inquiries
National Health Insurance and Pension Division(Kokuho-nenkin-ka, 国保年金課) : 082-420-0933
Location: 1F Main building
hgh200933@city.higashihiroshima.lg.jp
When leaving Japan（出国するときは）
When you leave Japan, you need to complete the formalities for withdrawing from the scheme. Please complete these formalities at the National Health Insurance and Pension Division in the City Office. The formalities regarding the lump-sum withdrawal payment should be completed at the Pension Office.
〈The lump-sum withdrawal payment（脱退一時金）〉
If a person who does not have Japanese nationality loses or gives up their qualification as a person covered by the National Pension or a welfare pension and leaves Japan, they can apply for a lump-sum payment of a portion of the money paid into the National Pension Scheme. This application must be made within two years of the date when the individual ceased to have an address in Japan. There are various conditions related to the receipt of this lump-sum payment, so be sure to check at the Pension Office before you leave Japan.
Inquiries
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更新日：2023年04月28日