Job Discussion Forums

[rich45]

Bit of a hypothetical query about pension refunds. Would appreciate if anybody could advise further:

If someone has 12 months remaining on their work visa, but plans to go back to their home country for the first 6 months of that before returning to Japan for the final six months, is it possible to reclaim your pension contribution during that time at home?

Not sure if I worded that as well as i could.

Basically, I am thinking about a potential break from Japan after my current contract ends, but would like to return down the line before my visa expires as it would be easier to secure a new job that way. A nice juicy pension refund would keep me ticking over during that 6 months of unemployment. Is that feasible? Or would I have to hand in my registration card during the refund process?

Thanks a lot

[rtm]

I would think that if you still have a work visa and residency permit, then your being outside of Japan would be no different from someone who is on vacation (in terms of legal status), and thus not qualify you to get your pension refund. It used to be that you had to turn in your registration card at the airport and have your visa cancelled in order to receive the pension refund.

This document seems to indicate something similar by saying that someone who has left Japan but has a valid re-entry permit does not qualify to receive the pension refund.

[Harp]

rtm is correct.

When you apply for the pension lump sum withdrawal you have to provide a copy of your passport showing your visa has been cancelled and you are therefore no longer resident in Japan. I'm afraid a 6 month break then a return to work in Japan wouldn't cut it with the national pension agency.

[rich45]

Thanks for your replies - thought it was too good to be true! Probably wise to keep it for my pension anyway rather than blow it in the short-term.