Enrolling in the Pension System

The “pension system” is insurance that allows you to receive money to support your life when you get older or when you become ill or injured.
The Japanese pension system, known as Nenkin (年金), consists of the “National Pension” and the “Employees’ Pension.” The “National Pension” is a social insurance program that is mandatory for all people aged 20 to 59 living in Japan. People who work for companies and other organizations are enrolled in both the “National Pension” and the “Employees’ Pension.”Foreigners living in Japan are also required to participate in the pension system.
「If you have any of the following reasons ( ① – ③ ) for being unable to pay your pension premiums, please ask your local municipal office for advice.
①You are a student at a high school, college, vocational school, or similar institution.
②When your salary has decreased, or you’ve quit your job.
③You are expecting a baby, or you gave birth.

 

• 1. National Pension
• 2. Employees’ Pension

 

There are three types of National Pension. The type you enroll in depends on whether you are working or not, and on your working status.

• “Category 1: Insured Persons” includes self-employed individuals, freelancers, and students.
• “Category 2: Insured Persons” refers to people who work for companies or other organizations.
• “Category 3: Insured Persons” refers to people who live off the income of a husband or wife who is enrolled in the Employees’ Pension Insurance program.

The Employees’ Pension is an insurance program for people who work at companies and other organizations.
People who enroll in the Employees’ Pension also enroll in the National Pension.
People who are eligible to enroll in the Employees’ Pension Insurance include those who work at least 20 hours a week and have a monthly salary of 88,000 yen or more.

To learn more, visit the page of Pension | TIPS.