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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
💴 Pension Lump-sum Withdrawal Changes! Can't Claim During Re-entry Permit
Effective April 1, 2026 — Foreign workers take note
60
Max Months
20.42%
Tax Withheld
2Y
Deadline
20+
Treaty Countries
❓ What is the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment?
A system that allows foreigners who were enrolled in Japan's pension system to receive a partial refund of their insurance premiums when leaving Japan. Both National Pension and Employees' Pension are eligible.
⚠️ What changed?
From April 2026, you can no longer claim the lump-sum withdrawal payment while your re-entry permit (including deemed re-entry) is valid. The intention is to maintain your pension enrollment period while you might return to Japan.
- ✖Cannot claim while re-entry permit is valid
- ✖Must claim after completely leaving Japan
- ✖Can claim after re-entry permit expires
👥 Who's affected?
- ●Foreigners who paid pension premiums for 6+ months in Japan
- ●Those planning to return to Japan after temporarily leaving
- ●Those departing with a re-entry permit
📝 How to claim properly
- 1Leave Japan without using re-entry permit (submit moving-out notification)
- 2Mail the claim form to Japan Pension Service within 2 years of departure
- 3Required documents: passport copy, pension handbook, bank account info
- 4Processing time: approximately 3-4 months
💰 Estimated payment amounts
| Period | National | Employee's |
|---|---|---|
| 6-12 months | ~¥50,000 | Varies by salary |
| 1-3 years | ~¥100,000-300,000 | Varies by salary |
| 3-5 years | ~¥300,000-500,000 | Varies by salary |
| 5+ years (max 60 months) | ~¥500,000 | Varies by salary |
💡 Key points to know
1Countries with social security agreements (20+) can combine pension periods
2If enrolled 10+ years, you may qualify for old-age pension — could be better than lump-sum
3Claim deadline is strictly 2 years after departure
420.42% tax is withheld at source (may be recoverable via tax return)
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