When changing jobs in Japan, pension and insurance are typically managed through a process involving your previous employer, new employer, and local government offices. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Pension (KĹŤsei Nenkin / Employees' Pension Insurance)
Previous Company Responsibilities
- Your previous employer will notify the Japan Pension Service about your resignation and stop contributing to your Employees' Pension Insurance (KĹŤsei Nenkin).
New Company Responsibilities
- Your new employer will enroll you in their Employees' Pension Insurance scheme, which automatically continues your pension contributions.
- You’ll receive a Pension Handbook (Nenkin Techō) with your unique pension number. Ensure you provide this to your new employer so your contributions are consolidated under the same account.
If You Have a Gap Between Jobs
- You need to enroll in the National Pension Scheme (Kokumin Nenkin) and pay contributions yourself during the unemployment period. Visit your local city or ward office to handle this.
Important Notes
- Pension contributions are cumulative across jobs and count toward your eventual pension benefits.
- Your pension record is unified, so switching jobs does not result in a loss of contributions.
2. Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken)
Previous Company Responsibilities
- Your previous employer will remove you from their Employees' Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) plan.
- You must return your health insurance card to your previous employer upon resignation.
New Company Responsibilities
- Your new employer will enroll you in their Employees' Health Insurance plan and issue you a new health insurance card.
- This ensures there is no disruption in your health insurance coverage.
If You Have a Gap Between Jobs
- You can:
- Enroll in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken):
- Visit your local city or ward office to register and pay premiums.
- Continue the Previous Employer’s Health Insurance (COBRA-like option):
- Apply for voluntary continuation (Nini Hoken) within 20 days of leaving your job to stay on the previous employer’s plan for up to 2 years (you’ll pay both employee and employer portions of premiums).
3. Unemployment Insurance (KoyĹŤ Hoken)
- Notify Hello Work (Japan’s unemployment office) if you’re unemployed for any period between jobs to apply for unemployment benefits.
- Your new employer will register you in their unemployment insurance program.
4. Things to Do When Changing Jobs
Pension Handbook (Nenkin TechĹŤ):
- Keep it updated and provide it to your new employer.
Health Insurance Card:
- Return your old card to the previous employer and use the new card provided by your new employer.
Resident Registration (if Moving):
- Update your address at your local city or ward office if you move for your new job.
Tax Records:
- Your new employer will request your Gensen Chōshūhyō (tax withholding slip) from your previous employer for tax calculation.
5. Impact on Long-Term Benefits
- Your pension contributions and health insurance history remain intact, as they are tracked by your My Number (personal ID number).
- Ensure your My Number details are updated if necessary.
By following these processes, your pension and insurance will transition smoothly when changing jobs in Japan. Let me know if you'd like detailed guidance on any step!