Mie Prefecture has a support center for foreign residents called MieCo. Below are some of the most common questions received by the center, along with their answers.
Question 1
I would like to know about the procedure for applying for a refund of social security contributions when leaving Japan.
Answer 1
People who leave Japan and meet the requirements can apply for a refund of social security contributions (Dattai Ichijikin).
To do so, you must make an appointment with the Japanese social security office and complete the procedure in person.
The social security office counters offer interpretation services in 11 languages. For more details on the translation service, please see the link below.
For more information on social security contribution refunds:
https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/japanese-system/withdrawalpayment/payment.html
About Japan’s Pension System
In principle, all people who live in Japan and are between the ages of 20 and 60 must be enrolled in the public social security system (Kokumin Nenkin – National Pension). In addition, workers who meet certain requirements must be enrolled in the Kosei Nenkin – Workers’ Pension, which is an additional pension plan for employees of companies.
For more information on pensions and social assistance, please also refer to the following material:
Excerpt from the Japan Immigration Services Agency’s Guide to Living and Working
- Social Security and Assistance (Portuguese)
- Social Security and Assistance (Spanish)
- Social Security and Assistance (Vietnamese)
- Social Security and Assistance (Tagalog)
- Social Security and Assistance (English)
- Social Security and Assistance (Chinese)
- Social Security and Assistance (Simple Japanese)
