Japan National Pension: Guidelines for students and parental tax deductions

In Japan, individuals turning 20 receive six important documents regarding the National Pension System within approximately two weeks, including the Basic Pension Number Notice, which must be kept for life.

For families with university students, parents who pay their children's National Pension premiums may be eligible for a social insurance deduction on their own taxes. To qualify, the parent and child must be considered to be ‘living on the same livelihood,’ a condition that can apply even if the student lives away from home for school, provided the parent continues to support their living and educational expenses. It is important that the parent pays the premiums directly from their own account to clearly demonstrate the financial burden.

Students who are unable to pay premiums can utilize the Student Payment Exception System. It is noted that students should specifically use this exception rather than standard exemption or deferment systems. For the 2026 fiscal year, the full monthly premium is projected to be 70,608 yen.