Documents You May Need for a Lump-sum Withdrawal Claim

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One of the most common reasons for delays in processing a lump-sum withdrawal claim is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Knowing what to prepare in advance makes the process significantly smoother.

The exact requirements can vary depending on your individual circumstances, but the following covers what is commonly needed.

Documents Commonly Required

Passport (copy)

A copy of the photo page of your current passport, confirming your name, nationality, and date of birth. This verifies your identity and non-Japanese nationality.

Basic Pension Number (Kiso Nenkin Bangō)

Your 10-digit pension number issued when you enrolled in the Japanese pension system. It may appear on your pension book (nenkin techō), pay slips, or other pension-related documents. If you cannot locate it, PenPos can help identify ways to proceed.

Overseas Bank Account Details

Details of the overseas account where you would like the refund transferred: bank name, branch, SWIFT/BIC code, account number or IBAN, and the account holder's name exactly as it appears on the account.

Proof of Current Overseas Address

Documentation confirming your current address outside Japan. Commonly accepted: a recent utility bill, bank statement, or official government document showing your name and address.

Confirmation of Departure from Japan

Evidence that you have left Japan and deregistered your residence — such as passport exit stamps, a certificate of residence cancellation, or other documentation showing you no longer have a Japanese address.

Note on the pension number

If you have misplaced your pension number, do not assume your claim cannot proceed. In many cases, PenPos is able to help verify enrollment records through alternative means. Contact us before giving up.

For the Follow-up Tax Refund Step

Once the lump-sum payment is received, 20.42% withholding income tax is deducted. To reclaim this tax — which PenPos handles as part of its service — additional items are needed at that stage:

The approval notice (saikka tsūchi) from the Japan Pension Service — PenPos will retain and use this on your behalf
A valid power of attorney authorising PenPos to act as your tax agent in Japan
Updated overseas bank account details if different from above

PenPos provides all necessary forms and instructions for this step. You do not need to source these independently.

How to Submit Your Documents

All documents are submitted through PenPos's secure online form. You do not need to send physical originals by post for the initial stage. Scanned copies or clear photographs are generally accepted, provided they are legible and unaltered.

Common reasons for delays

The most frequent causes of processing delays are a missing pension number, incomplete bank details, and low-quality document scans where text is not clearly legible. Checking document quality before uploading can save significant time.

What If I'm Missing Something?

It is not unusual to be uncertain about one or more of these items, particularly the pension number. PenPos's process begins with a review of your situation. We will identify what is needed and guide you on how to obtain anything missing before the claim is submitted.

You do not need to have everything perfectly in order before reaching out. Starting early gives you time to locate missing items before the 2-year filing deadline.

Not sure what you have? Start anyway.

Begin your application and we will guide you on exactly what is needed for your specific situation — no upfront cost.

Start your application →