Permanent Residency in Japan with Unpaid or Exempted Pension Periods｜How to Explain Back Payments & Deferments

Introduction: Can You Still Get PR with Unpaid Pension Periods?

“I have some months when I didn’t pay my pension—can I still apply for Permanent Residency in Japan?”

This is one of the most common concerns among PR applicants.

Indeed, unpaid pension periods can be a negative factor during the examination.
However, “unpaid” does not automatically mean “rejected.”
If you properly explain your history—such as exemption, deferment, or back payments—your application can still be approved.

In this article, we will explain—based on real administrative-practice experience—how to:

• ✅ Understand the risks
• ✅ Show how Immigration views your pension record
• ✅ Prepare explanation letters and supporting documents

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How Unpaid Pensions Affect a PR Application

Pension Is Proof of “Social Credibility”

Among the legal requirements for Permanent Residency are:

• Good behavior
• Stable and independent livelihood
• Fulfillment of public obligations

Within those obligations, taxes and social insurance (pension and health insurance) are particularly important.

Pension payment is not just a formality—it is evidence that you are socially integrated in Japan.
If unpaid periods continue without reason, Immigration may see it as a lack of social responsibility.

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The Difference between Unpaid, Exempted, and Deferred Periods

Type	Meaning	Immigration’s Evaluation
Unpaid	Pension not paid even though payment was required	Negative
Exempted / Deferred	Officially approved exemption or deferment	Acceptable (with explanation)
Back-Paid	Previously unpaid contributions later paid in full	Positive – shows sincerity

In short, the key is whether you ignored the issue or took proper action under the system.

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How to Recover from Unpaid Pension Periods

1. Check Your Pension Record First

Before applying, obtain one of the following:

• “Insured Person’s Record Response Form (被保険者記録照会回答票)” from the Japan Pension Office
• Printout from the Nenkin Net online system

These records show which months were paid, unpaid, exempted, or deferred.
If any period is unclear, visit the Pension Office and confirm your full payment history.

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2. Make Back Payments If Possible

Unpaid contributions from the past two years can usually be paid retroactively (“back payment”).
If you do this, include:

• The National Pension Back Payment Certificate (国民年金保険料追納証明書)
• A short explanation for why the payment was delayed

This demonstrates that you have honestly resolved the unpaid period.

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3. Attach an Explanation Letter

If unpaid months remain unclarified, the application may be rejected for lack of explanation.
Even when back payment is impossible, a written explanation is essential.

Sample: Explanation for Unpaid Periods

At that time, my income was unstable right after changing jobs, and I was temporarily unable to pay the pension.
My income is now stable, and I am continuing to pay all contributions properly.
I fully understand the importance of Japan’s social insurance system and will continue fulfilling my obligations sincerely.

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If You Have Exempted or Deferred Periods

Exemption or Deferment Is a “Legitimate Procedure”

Exemption or deferment is not a negative record—it is a legal procedure.
Therefore, periods under approved exemption or deferment do not harm your PR application.
In fact, it often shows that you understood and followed the proper system.

Sample: Explanation for Exemption or Deferment

At that time, my income was below the statutory threshold, and I applied for an official pension exemption.
My current income is stable, and I have been paying contributions continuously since then.
I will continue to comply with Japan’s social insurance obligations.

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Required and Supporting Documents

Document	Description	Notes
Insured Person’s Record Response Form	Official record of pension payments	Issued by Japan Pension Office
Pension Back Payment Certificate	For those who made back payments	Original required
Exemption / Deferment Approval Notice	For approved exemptions	Copy acceptable
Explanation or Supplementary Letter	Explains unpaid or exempted periods	Strongly recommended
Income / Tax Certificate	Supports financial stability or exemption reason	Useful supplement

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Tips to Differentiate Your Application

• Combine back payment + written explanation for stronger credibility
• Keep your explanation concise and factual
• Include your spouse’s or employer’s pension enrollment proof if applicable
• Be transparent about unpaid periods—explain the reason honestly

In practice, the attitude of responsibility and correction matters more than the existence of unpaid months.
Applications that are clearly and sincerely explained are often approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Will one or two months of unpaid pension cause rejection?

Usually not, but a brief written explanation is still necessary.

Q2. I was under a student exemption—do I need to mention it?

Attach a copy of the exemption notice and state that it was an official exemption period.

Q3. I switched between National Pension and Employee Pension—will that be a problem?

No. You can supplement with your employer’s social insurance enrollment proof.

Q4. Can I use a printout from the Nenkin Net website instead?

Preferably use the official Pension Office record, but a printout can serve as reference material.

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Conclusion: Honest Explanation Can Overcome Unpaid Periods

In Japan’s PR review, sincerity and compliance matter more than a perfectly clean record.
Even with unpaid or exempted months, if you clearly explain what happened and how you corrected it, approval is still achievable.

Use the templates in this article to prepare your own explanation and apply with confidence.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

“I want to obtain permanent residency quickly and securely.” “I’m worried about preparing all the documents.”
If this sounds like you, please feel free to contact our office in Osaka (Yodogawa-ku). We support clients from all over Japan, providing the most effective assistance based on our extensive experience with immigration procedures.

If you want to secure your permanent residency smoothly and confidently, contact our office today.

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