Enrol in the national pension scheme — required for residents aged 20 to 59.
Not verified yet
Drafted from general knowledge of national procedure. Not yet checked against the official source — confirm details with your city hall before relying on them.
Why it matters
Enrolment is mandatory by age, not by nationality or intent to stay. Unpaid contributions accumulate as debt. If you are a student or on a low income you can apply for an exemption or deferral — but you have to apply, it is not automatic.
- Deadline
- Within 14 days of moving in
- Cost
- Set by your city
- Time
- 30 minutes
Do these first
What to bring
- Residence Card在留カード·zairyū kādo
How it goes
- 1
Go to the pension desk
Same area as health insurance in most city halls.
- 2
Ask about exemption if you are a student or low income
There are established exemption and deferral systems. Staff will not always offer them unprompted — ask directly.
Say this
保険料の免除を申請できますか。
Hokenryō no menjo o shinsei dekimasu ka.
Could I apply for a contribution exemption?
- 3
Skip this if your employer enrols you
Company employees are enrolled in employees’ pension (厚生年金 / kōsei nenkin) through payroll instead.