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2026-11-01
Tax-Free Shopping Overhaul! Store→Airport Refund
From Nov 1, 2026, tax-free shopping changes to refund system. Pay 10% tax at stores, get refund at airport.
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2026-04-01Tax & Pension
🏦 National Pension Premium Up ¥410/Month
¥17,510→¥17,920 — Full Old-Age Basic Pension now ¥70,608/month
¥17,920
Monthly premium
+¥410
Increase
¥70,608
Full pension
20~59
Target age
❓ What's changing?
From April 2026, the National Pension premium increases from ¥17,510 to ¥17,920 per month (+¥410). Premiums are adjusted annually based on prices and wages. The full Old-Age Basic Pension also rises to ¥70,608/month. Foreign residents aged 20-59 living in Japan are required to enroll, making this a direct impact.
👥 Who's most affected
- ●Category 1 insured (self-employed, freelancers, students, unemployed)
- ●Foreign students on student visas (student payment deferral available)
- ●Foreigners between jobs or after resignation (switching from company to Category 1)
- ●Former technical interns waiting for Specified Skilled Worker transition
📝 Can't afford premiums?
Low-income individuals can use the "Exemption System" (full, 3/4, half, or 1/4 exemption). Students can defer payments through the "Student Payment Special System." Exemption periods still count toward pension eligibility — always apply. Continued non-payment without applying risks losing disability and survivor pension eligibility.
✈️ Lump-sum withdrawal upon leaving Japan
Foreign nationals leaving Japan can claim a "Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment" based on their premium payment period (up to 5 years). The claim must be filed within 2 years of departure.
💡 Key points to know
1Premium rises to ¥17,920/month (+¥410)
2Full Old-Age Basic Pension: ¥70,608/month
3Always apply for exemption/deferral if unable to pay
4Ignoring non-payment risks losing disability pension eligibility
🔗 Related Issues
🧾→
2026-10-01
Invoice System Transitional Measure Reduced 80%→70%
From October 2026, input tax credit from tax-exempt businesses reduced from 80% to 70%. Affects foreign freelancers, sole proprietors, and businesses dealing with exempt vendors.
👶→
2026-10-01
Pension Childcare Exemption Starts October 2026
Japan's National Pension childcare premium exemption starts in October 2026. From September 11 the Japan Pension Service chatbot answers questions on who qualifies and how long the exemption runs — useful for foreign residents paying premiums themselves.