National Pension System

The National Pension is a public pension system which provides benefits called the “Basic Pension” due to old age, disability, or death. Regardless of nationality, all registered residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 years must be covered by the National Pension System.
* Information leaflets in various languages

Enrollment Procedures

Step 1-1

*If you are 20 years of age or older when you enter Japan
After completing resident registration, you need to register yourself at the Health Insurance and Pension Division (Hoken Nenkinka) of your local ward office or the Japan Pension Service branch office, by submitting the “Application to Enroll in National Pension as Category I Insured Person”.

Step 1-2

*If you are 19 years of age or younger when you enter Japan
You will receive an Application to Enroll in the National Pension System one month before you become 20 years old by mail.
After filling out the form, please submit it at your ward office’s Health Insurance and Pension Division (Hoken Nenkinka).
*Bring your Student ID, Individual Number “My Number” Card or Notification Card, and Residence Card.

Step 2

* Doctoral, Master’s and Undergraduate Students may be allowed to postpone contribution payment by submitting an Application for the Special Payment System for Students.
* Research students can apply for an exemption or deferment by submitting a National Pension Payment Exemption/Deferment Application.
The Japan Pension Service will screen your application, and send you a notification of approval or rejection about 3 months after submission.

Step 3

Pension Handbook (Nenkin Techo)
Upon completion of the pension enrollment procedures, your Pension Handbook (Nenkin Techo) will be mailed to your registered address. Once a handbook is issued, it is valid throughout the lifetime of the member, so please keep it in a safe place.

Step 4

Resubmit Application Form Every Year
* Doctoral, Master’s and Undergraduate Students
Application for the Special Payment System for Students are accepted every year from April until March of the following year. Please submit the application form to the Life Support Section, Counter #3, 1st floor, Education and Student Support Center with your Pension ID Number indicated on your pension book. (Attach a copy of your Student ID on A4-size paper.)
* Research Students
National Pension Payment Exemption/Deferment Application are accepted every year from July until June of the following year. Please submit the application form to your ward office’s Health Insurance and Pension Division (Hoken Nenkinka) with your Pension ID Number indicated on your pension book. Please bring your Student ID Card, Individual Number “My Number” Card or Notification Card, and Residence Card.

Warning
If your status at the university changes from “research student “ to “degree student,” you must apply separately for the aforementioned Special Payment System for Students.