Japan’s Social Security Agreement and Permanent Residency
Navigating Japan’s Social Security Agreement
and Permanent Residency
Social Security Agreements: Avoiding Dual Contribution The Social Security Agreement (called 社会保障協定, SHAKAIHOSHO KYOTEI) is a bilateral treaty between countries designed to prevent the problems of dual social security contributions and to facilitate the consolidation of pension periods. When working abroad, individuals often face the challenge of contributing to both their home country’s social security system and the host country’s system, leading to potential financial loss.
Objectives of Social Security Agreements These agreements aim to:
- Harmonize which system an individual should contribute to, preventing dual contributions.
- Ensure that contributions are not wasted. They allow periods of pension contributions in one country to be recognized in the other, enabling individuals to receive pensions from countries they have worked in.
Countries with Social Security Agreements with Japan Japan has signed such agreements with 23 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Belgium, France, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, Switzerland, Hungary, India, Luxembourg, the Philippines, Slovakia, and China, with 22 of these agreements currently in effect. It should be noted that agreements with the United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy (not yet in effect), and China are limited to preventing dual social security contributions.
Implications for Permanent Residency Applicants For permanent residency applicants originating from these countries and utilizing the social security agreement (paying pension only in their home country), special proof is required for submission to the Immigration Bureau. The nature of this proof varies depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
If the Immigration Bureau recognizes that the appropriate procedures under the social security agreement have been followed, the applicant is considered to have fulfilled their pension contribution obligations in Japan. This acknowledgment can significantly facilitate the process of obtaining permanent residency.
Seeking Professional Assistance For those facing uncertainties or complexities in navigating Japan’s social security agreements and permanent residency applications, seeking assistance from a prestigious East Coast firm like Continental can provide swift and effective solutions to your concerns.
This summary aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between Japan’s social security agreements and the process of applying for permanent residency. Understanding these agreements is crucial for foreign nationals working in Japan, especially those from countries with which Japan has established social security treaties.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley(JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
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