Common mistakes that cost you the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment

These are the mistakes that most often delay or block a claim, based on the official notes from the Japan Pension Service.

1. Missing the 2-year deadline

You must claim within 2 years after you no longer have an address in Japan. After that, the right is lost.

2. Leaving without a moving-out notice

If you leave on a re-entry permit (including a special re-entry permit) without filing the moving-out notice, you are treated as still enrolled until the permit expires, and you cannot claim until then.

3. Sending the claim too early

If JPS receives the form while you still have an address in Japan, it cannot be accepted. Post it so that it arrives on or after your moving-out date.

4. An account that cannot receive the money

Japan Post Bank and some internet-only banks cannot be used. The account must be in your own name, and for Japanese banks the name must be registered in katakana. If you close your Japanese account when you leave, use an account in your home country.

5. Expecting the two pensions to be added together

National Pension months and Employees' Pension months are calculated separately. The calculator on this site shows each part on its own.

6. Forgetting the 60-month cap

Only up to 60 months (5 years) are counted, but all your periods are cancelled when you receive the payment. If you have stayed much longer, consider whether a future pension is worth more.

7. Claiming when you already qualify for a pension

If you have 10 years or more of coverage, you can receive a Japanese old-age pension later, so you cannot get the lump sum. If your country has a pension agreement with Japan, periods may be added together, so check before you claim.

8. Not appointing a tax agent

Without a tax agent in Japan, the 20.42% tax on the Employees' Pension part usually stays with the tax office. See the tax refund guide.

9. Multiple stays

If you come to Japan more than once, you may need to claim after each departure.

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Official sources

Last checked: 2026-11-04