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Pension question, Japan

How many years do I need for a Japanese pension?

A pension is payable only with ten years of coverage, though periods in an agreement country can be added to reach it. Where Japanese insured periods alone do not meet the qualifying requirement, periods in a social security agreement partner country can be counted toward the Japanese qualifying period; the page's worked example shows this against the 10-year requirement (被保険者期間が10年以上).

What to do next

  1. Count the months you were insured in Japan and in any other country.
  2. Look for your Basic Pension Number on your pension handbook or old letters.
  3. Run our free check to see which countries may hold a pension in your name.

Check your own working life for free

Tell us where you worked. The free check shows which countries may hold a pension for you, and which can be ruled out and why. No sign in, no charge.

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Questions people also ask

Is there a payment for shorter periods?

Separately, a departing foreign worker with six months or more can apply for a Lump sum Withdrawal Payment.

  • Source: nenkin.go.jp, read 4 October 2026

Do you give advice on what to do?

No. We identify where a pension is likely held and the official route to it, and we name each source with the date we read it. We do not give financial, tax or legal advice.