Gaijin Residents

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NationalPension

National Pension Enrollment

国民年金 加入 (kokumin nenkin)

In short: Japan's basic public pension, covering residents aged 20–59.All residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 must enroll, regardless of nationality. Category I: self-employed, students, unemployed etc.; Category II: Employees' Pension Insurance members; Category III: dependent spouses (20–59) of Category II members residing in Japan.(Source: www.nenkin.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)

Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/english/japanese-system/nationalpension/np_enroll.html

Not yet confirmed — check with the office:
  • Enrollment procedure for people arriving in Japan aged 20–59 (vs. turning 20)
  • Current monthly premium (FY2026)
  • Residence-status rule — not stated on source; confirm with office.
  • Basic Pension Number notice details — previous English page moved; confirm on current official page.

Who qualifies

  • All residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 must enroll, regardless of nationality. Category I: self-employed, students, unemployed etc.; Category II: Employees' Pension Insurance members; Category III: dependent spouses (20–59) of Category II members residing in Japan. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Conditions by topic

Age

All residents of Japan aged 20–59. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

IncomeNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
HouseholdNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Child ageNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Residence in JapanNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Residence in Tokyo / municipalityNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Work / insurance typeNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
DisabilityNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.

Residence status

Not stated in the official sources we checked — unknown.

Where to apply

Not yet verified from an official source.

Find addresses in the office finder.

Deadlines

Not yet verified from an official source.

Documents

Not yet verified from an official source.

Key details

  • Japan's social security agreements aim to eliminate dual coverage (paying contributions in two countries) and to totalise coverage periods of both countries for benefits. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
  • People turning 20 are enrolled automatically and receive a notice about 2 weeks later; if it does not arrive, enroll at the city/ward office or pension office. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Phone / counter phrases

すみません、国民年金の加入の手続きについて伺いたいのですが、何を持っていけばよいですか。

Sumimasen, kokumin nenkin no kanyū no tetsuzuki ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, nani o motte ikeba yoi desu ka.

Hello. I would like to ask about the procedure for enrolling in National Pension. What documents should I bring?

すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。

Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.

Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?

Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.