Useful Informatmion of Administrative & specialized procedures in Japan

 According to the “Statistics on the Number of Japanese Residents Abroad” published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Japanese residents living overseas (outside Japan), mainly in the United States, was approximately 1.29 million in 2024. Although the number has been gradually decreasing since peaking in 2020, it remains high due to the internationalization of business and the economy.

Until about 10 to 15 years ago, many people living overseas were unaware that they could receive Japanese pension benefits (such as the Employees' Pension Insurance and National Pension) even if they had only been enrolled for a short period of time while living in Japan. However, it seems that many people are now aware of this information. This is likely due to the fact that in 2017, the required period of past enrollment (premium payment period) for pension eligibility was reduced from 25 years to 10 years, increasing the number of eligible recipients, as well as the effectiveness of information dissemination by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Japan Pension Service, and various specialized agencies through media and the internet. On the other hand, for overseas residents, the process of claiming pensions can be more complicated compared to those residing in Japan, with difficulties such as the required documentation, making it challenging to complete the procedures smoothly. Our office has also received consultation requests from individuals who are eligible for pension benefits but are unable to complete the procedures due to difficulties in gathering the necessary documents. This issue is likely caused by the fact that pension procedures are designed for residents within Japan, making them somewhat inconvenient for overseas residents, and that information sharing regarding procedures for overseas residents is insufficient within the Japan Pension Agency.

Here, we will explain the procedures required for overseas residents to apply for and begin receiving Japanese pensions. Pensions are received for life, so some people receive them for 30 to 40 years. What procedures are required during this period? This information is useful for both those who are already receiving pensions and those who are planning to apply for them.

1. Main procedures for overseas pension recipients

The following is a diagram and list of the main procedures that overseas pension recipients (those residing outside Japan) must complete from the time they become eligible to claim their pension until their death. This information is intended for recipients of general pensions, such as old-age pensions and survivor pensions, but there are also other types of pensions, such as disability pensions and various additional benefits, which have different application procedures and timing.

Procedures ① to ④ involve receiving notification letters from pension administration organizations (such as the Japan Pension Service or Mutual Aid Associations) via mail. However, for overseas residents, many have not submitted relocation notifications, so such notifications may not reach them. Additionally, if procedures ② and ③ are not completed, the pension benefits currently being received may be suspended.

※1：Early claims are possible from the age of 60 (advance claim). Claims after the age of 65 are also possible. Delayed payments will be received retroactively as appeal payments.

※2：Only applicable to US residents. If not submitted, any amount exceeding 1.14 million yen per year will be subject to withholding tax in Japan

※3：If the procedure is delayed, the amount of benefits will be adjusted (settlement of survivor's pension claims, unpaid amounts, and overpayments).

※4：Applicant requirements are necessary (both for deceased recipients and their surviving family members).

2. Necessary documents for the procedure

This article does not cover the documents that need to be submitted. The documents required vary depending on the status of the pension contributor/recipient (nationality, place of residence, family, etc.) and their pension contribution history. For details, please refer to previous columns of “USfrontline”. (published in Japanese)

• Column of May 20, 2022
  [Japanese Pension Claim Procedures: What U.S. Residents Need to Know About Gap Periods and Totals with Foreign Pension.]
       https://usfl.com/2022/05/post/132945

 3. About Disability Pensions

Disability pensions are subject to detailed requirements regarding insurance premium payment periods, degree of disability, and documentation, making it quite difficult for non-experts (especially those living overseas) to apply. An overview of this topic has been covered in a previous column in this magazine, so please refer to it if you are interested.

• Column of April 16, 2019
    [About Disability Pensions in Japan (Part 1)]
     https://usfl.com/2019/04/post/123351
• Column of May 16, 2019
    [About Disability Pensions in Japan (Part 2)]
     https://usfl.com/2019/05/post/123692

 What are your thoughts? When procedures or documents need to be submitted, the pension administrator will send a notification by mail, but if it arrives suddenly and the explanation is difficult to understand, you may be unsure of what to do. Please make a note of the information presented here and refer to it when necessary.