Enrollment in the public pension system is "mandatory" not only for Japanese but also for foreigners living in Japan.
If you have not paid your pension, you will be disadvantaged not only in receiving future pension benefits, but also in applying for a permanent residence visa.
In this article, we will explain the relationship between permanent residence visa applications and pensions, and the pension-related documents to be submitted when applying for a permanent residence visa.
About the Japanese Pension System
Japan's public pension system (National Pension System) covers foreigners who stay in Japan on a work visa or status visa. If a foreigner living in Japan is over 20 years old, he/she is required to join the National Pension System and pay pension premiums just like Japanese nationals.
Of course, as long as they pay the pension, they can in principle receive the pension at age 65 or older if they meet the requirements for receiving it. If they are disabled due to an accident or illness before that age, they can receive a disability pension, and if they die (by surviving family members), they can receive a survivor's pension.
Relationship between Permanent Resident Visa Application and Public Pension
Thus, participation in the public pension system (payment of pension insurance) is an "obligation" for foreigners as well. If there is a period of non-payment, there is a possibility that the amount of pension benefits received in the future will be reduced or that you will not be able to receive pension benefits, and in addition, it may be disadvantageous to your permanent residence visa application.
Mandatory requirement since 2019
Until a few years ago, public pension coverage was not a "mandatory requirement" for permanent residence visa applications. However, the "Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permit" revised in May 2019 added "payment of public pension premiums" to the examination items, and from July of the same year, submission of "documents proving the payment status of public pension premiums" has also become mandatory.
Foreign nationals who wish to eventually apply for a permanent residence visa must first check the status of their participation in the National Pension Plan, Employees' Pension Plan, etc. (in the case of company employees) and the payment status of pension premiums. If you have even the slightest doubt, do not leave it unanswered, and be sure to consult with the pension office.
Number of years of participation required to apply for a permanent residence visa
In addition to whether or not you are enrolled in a pension plan, the "enrollment period" is also important. In principle, the most recent two years (24 months) or one year (12 months), depending on the status of residence, must be submitted when applying for a permanent residence visa.
Proof materials to be submitted when applying for a permanent residence visa
When applying for a permanent residence visa, one of the following documents must be submitted as proof of public pension coverage.
(1) "Nenkin Teikibin (Pension)" (showing pension record information for the entire period)
(2) A printout of the "Pension Record for each month" from Pension Net 年金ネット
(3) Receipt of National Pension Insurance (copy)
Of these documents, (1) and (2) are to be submitted by those who are enrolled in the Employees' Pension Plan, etc., and (3) is to be submitted by those who are enrolled in the National Pension Plan. If you have enrolled in both during the last two years (one year), submit ③ in addition to ① or ②. If you have difficulty submitting these documents, you must submit a statement of reasons for the difficulty.
If there are unpaid or exempt periods in the past・・・
There are people, both Japanese and non-Japanese, who are enrolled in the public pension system but have not paid their premiums for some reason. For example, they may ignore the payment slip (simple nonpayment), or they may apply for exemption or deferment of payment, or use the special student payment system.
If you have not paid your insurance premiums, you can make additional payments up to the past two years, so even if the reason for nonpayment is that you used an exemption or special exception system, please make sure to make additional payments before applying for a permanent residence visa.
However, the fact (a record) that there was a period of non-payment will not be erased even if you have made an additional payment. Since we do not know how the past two years of non-payment will affect the screening of your application for a permanent residence visa, it may be better to refrain from applying for a permanent residence visa until you have a track record of making proper payments within the payment period for at least two years, if possible.
How to obtain the pension records necessary to apply for a permanent residence visa？？
The person applying for a permanent residence visa must request the "documents proving the payment of public pension premiums. The procedures for ordering each of these documents are as follows
(1) Pension Periodical Letter
There are two types of "Nenkin Teikibin年金定期便": one is sent by postcard every year, and the other is sent in a sealed envelope at the age of 35, 45, and 59.
If you have not received a sealed letter, you can apply to the Japan Pension Service for issuance of the letter, but it takes about two months from application to issuance.
(2) "Pension Records for Each Month" on Pension Net 年金ネット
Pension Net 年金ネットis a website that allows you to check your estimated pension amount and pension enrollment record 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For permanent residence visa applications, you can print out the "Monthly Pension Record" available on the website and submit it as a proof of your application.
It may take up to 5 business days to complete the registration process.
National Pension Insurance Premium Receipt
The "Receipt of National Pension Insurance Premiums" is issued upon payment of National Pension Insurance premiums. If you have paid by direct debit, it will be issued as a "Notice of Receipt of National Pension Insurance Premiums" in the following month after the debit is made.
The Certificate of Receipt of National Pension Insurance Premiums will not be reissued, so please be careful to keep it in a safe place.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us rather than making decisions on your own.
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