社会保障に関する日本国とドイツ連邦共和国との間の協定
日本国及びドイツ連邦共和国は、
Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany,
社会保障の分野における両国間の関係を規律することを希望して、
Being desirous of regulating the relationship between them in the area of social security,
次のとおり協定した。
Have agreed as follows:
第一条
Article 1
(1) この協定の適用上、
(1) For the purposes of this Agreement,
(a) 「領域」とは、日本国については、日本国の領域をいい、ドイツ連邦共和国については、ドイツ連邦共和国の領域をいう。
a) "Territory" means, as regards Japan, the territory of Japan; as regards the Federal Republic of Germany, the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany;
(b) 「国民」とは、日本国については、日本国の国籍に関する法律にいう日本国民をいい、ドイツ連邦共和国については、ドイツ連邦共和国基本法にいうドイツ人をいう。
b) "National" means, as regards Japan, a Japanese national within the meaning of the law on nationality of Japan; as regards the Federal Republic of Germany, a German within the meaning of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany;
(c) 「法令」とは、次条(1)に掲げる年金保険制度に関する一方の締約国の法律及び規則をいう。
c) "Legislation" means the laws and regulations of a Contracting State concerning the pension insurance systems specified in paragraph (1) of Article 2;
(d) 「権限のある当局」とは、日本国については、次条(1)(a)に掲げる年金保険制度を管轄する政府機関をいい、ドイツ連邦共和国については、連邦労働社会省をいう。
d) "Competent authority" means, as regards Japan, the Governmental organization competent for the pension insurance systems specified in paragraph (1) a) of Article 2; as regards the Federal Republic of Germany, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs;
(e) 「行政当局」とは、権限のある当局及びこの協定の実施に関係するその他の行政当局をいう。
e) "Administrative authority" means a competent authority or any other administrative authority relating to the implementation of this Agreement;
(f) 「保険者」とは、次条(1)に掲げる年金保険制度の実施に責任を有する保険機関をいう。
f) "Institution" means the insurance institution responsible for the implementation of the pension insurance systems specified in paragraph (1) of Article 2;
(g) 「保険期間」とは、一方の締約国の法令による保険料納付期間及び当該法令において給付を受ける権利の確立又は給付の額の計算に際して考慮されるその他の期間をいう。
g) "Period of coverage" means a period of contributions under the legislation of a Contracting State, and any other period taken into account under that legislation for establishing an entitlement to benefits or for calculating the amount of benefits;
(h) 「給付」とは、一方の締約国の法令による年金給付その他の現金給付をいう。
h) "Benefit" means a pension or any other cash benefit under the legislation of a Contracting State.
(2) この協定の適用上、この協定において定義されていない用語は、各々の締約国の法令において与えられている意味を有するものとする。
(2) For the purposes of this Agreement, any term not defined in this Agreement has the meaning assigned to it under the respective legislation of either Contracting State.
第二条
Article 2
(1) この協定は、次の年金保険制度について適用する。
(1) This Agreement shall apply to the following pension insurance systems:
(a) 日本国については、
a) as regards Japan,
１ 国民年金
1. the National Pension,
２ 厚生年金保険
2. the Employees' Pension Insurance,
３ 国家公務員共済年金
3. the Mutual Aid Pension for National Public Officials,
４ 地方公務員等共済年金
4. the Mutual Aid Pension for Local Public Officials and Personnel of Similar Status,
５ 私立学校教職員共済年金
5. the Mutual Aid Pension for Private School Personnel,
６ 農林漁業団体職員共済年金
6. the Mutual Aid Pension for Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Organization Personnel
（２から６までに掲げる年金保険制度を以下「日本国の被用者年金制度」という。）
(the pension insurance systems specified in 2 to 6, hereinafter referred to as "Japanese pension systems for employees");
(b) ドイツ連邦共和国については、
b) as regards the Federal Republic of Germany,
１ 法定年金保険
1. the Statutory Pension Insurance,
２ 製鉄従業者付加保険
2. the Steelworkers' Supplementary Insurance,
３ 農業者老齢保障
3. the Farmers' Old-Age Security.
(2) 一方の締約国の法令の規定するところによりこの協定を適用するための要件及びこの協定と同種の社会保障に関する他の協定又は欧州連合の取極を適用するための要件の双方が満たされる場合、この協定の適用に際して当該他の協定又は欧州連合の取極を考慮しない。
(2) Where, in accordance with the legislation of a Contracting State, both the conditions for the application of this Agreement and the conditions for the application of another agreement on social security or of an arrangement of the European Union on social security, comparable with this Agreement, are satisfied, that other agreement or that arrangement of the European Union shall not be taken into account in the application of this Agreement.
第三条
Article 3
この協定は、次の個人について適用する。
This Agreement shall apply to the following individuals:
(a) いずれかの締約国の国民
a) nationals of either Contracting State;
(b) 千九百五十一年七月二十八日の難民の地位に関する条約第一条又は千九百六十七年一月三十一日の難民の地位に関する議定書第一条にいう難民
b) refugees within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention of July 28, 1951 and of the Protocol of January 31, 1967 Relating to the Status of Refugees;
(c) その他の者
c) other persons.
第四条
Article 4
(1) 前条(a)又は(b)に掲げる者であっていずれかの締約国の領域内に通常居住するものは、一方の締約国の法令の適用に際して当該一方の締約国の国民に対して与えられる待遇と同等の待遇を受ける。この(1)の規定は、同条(a)又は(b)に掲げる者に由来する権利に関し、同条(c)に掲げる者であっていずれかの締約国の領域内に通常居住するものについても適用する。
(1) The persons specified in Article 3 a) and b) who ordinarily reside in the territory of either Contracting State shall, in the application of the legislation of a Contracting State, receive treatment equal to that accorded to the nationals of that Contracting State. The foregoing shall also apply to the persons specified in Article 3 c) who ordinarily reside in the territory of either Contracting State with respect to their rights derived from a person specified in Article 3 a) or b).
(2) 一方の締約国の法令による給付は、両締約国の領域外の地域に通常居住する他方の締約国の国民に対しては、当該地域に通常居住する当該一方の締約国の国民に対して支給する場合と同一の条件で支給する。
(2) Benefits under the legislation of one Contracting State shall be granted to nationals of the other Contracting State who ordinarily reside in an area outside the territories of both Contracting States under the same conditions as they are granted to the nationals of the first Contracting State who ordinarily reside in that area.
第五条
Article 5
一方の締約国の領域内に通常居住することを給付を受ける権利の取得又は給付の支払のための要件として定めた当該一方の締約国の法令の規定は、第三条(a)又は(b)に掲げる者であって他方の締約国の領域内に通常居住するものについては適用せず、同条(a)又は(b)に掲げる者に由来する権利に関し、同条(c)に掲げる者であって当該他方の締約国の領域内に通常居住するものについても適用しない。
The provisions of the legislation of one Contracting State which require ordinary residence in the territory of that Contracting State for acquiring an entitlement to benefits or for a payment of benefits shall apply neither to the persons specified in Article 3 a) and b) who ordinarily reside in the territory of the other Contracting State, nor to the persons specified in Article 3 c) who ordinarily reside in the territory of that other Contracting State with respect to their rights derived from a person specified in Article 3 a) or b).
第六条
Article 6
第二条(1)に掲げる年金保険制度への強制加入に関しては、この協定に別段の定めがある場合を除くほか、一方の締約国の領域内において被用者又は自営業者として就労する者については、当該一方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令のみを適用する。
As regards compulsory coverage under the pension insurance systems specified in paragraph (1) of Article 2, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, a person who works as an employee or self-employed person in the territory of a Contracting State shall be subject only to the legislation on compulsory coverage of that Contracting State.
第七条
Article 7
(1) 強制加入に関しては、一方の締約国の領域内で雇用されている者が雇用者によりその雇用関係に基づいて他方の締約国の領域に派遣され、当該雇用者のために役務を提供する場合には、当該他方の締約国への派遣の開始から六十暦月目の月の末日までの期間は、その被用者がなお当該一方の締約国の領域内において就労しているものとみなして、当該一方締約国の強制加入に関する法令のみを適用する。当該派遣が前記の期間を超えて継続される場合には、当該他方の締約国の権限のある当局又はその指定する機関は、当該被用者及びその雇用者の共同の申請に基づき、当該被用者に対して引き続き当該一方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用されることを条件として、引き続き当該他方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令の適用を免除することができる。免除に関する決定に先立ち、当該一方の締約国の権限のある当局又はその指定する機関は、当該被用者に対して引き続き当該一方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用されるか否かを明らかにする機会を与えられるものとする。
(1) As regards compulsory coverage, when a person who is employed in the territory of one Contracting State is sent by the employer to the territory of the other Contracting State within the context of that employment and performs services there for that employer, only the legislation on compulsory coverage of the first Contracting State shall apply to the employee until the end of the sixtieth calendar month from the commencement of such detachment to that other Contracting State as though that employee still worked in the territory of the first Contracting State. If the detachment continues beyond the period specified above, the competent authority of the other Contracting State or the agency designated by it may grant further exemption of that employee from the legislation on compulsory coverage of that other Contracting State upon the joint request of that employee and the employer, provided that the employee will continue to be subject to the legislation on compulsory coverage of the first Contracting State. Before the decision on further exemption is taken, the competent authority of the first Contracting State or the agency designated by it shall be given the opportunity to state whether that employee will continue to be subject to the legislation on compulsory coverage of the first Contracting State.
(2)(a) 通常ドイツ連邦共和国の領域内において就労する自営業者が一時的に日本国の領域内において就労する場合には、(1)の規定は、当該自営業者について準用する。
(2) a) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to a self-employed person who ordinarily works in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany when that person works temporarily in the territory of Japan.
(b) 通常日本国の領域内において就労する自営業者がその自営活動の枠内で一時的にドイツ連邦共和国の領域内において就労する場合には、ドイツ連邦共和国の領域内における就労の開始から六十暦月目の月の末日までの期間は、当該自営業者に対して日本国の国民年金に関する法令が適用され得ることを条件として、強制加入に関するドイツの法令を適用しない。当該就労が前記の期間を超えて継続される場合には、ドイツ連邦共和国の権限ある当局又はその指定する機関は、当該自営業者の申請に基づき、当該自営業者に対して日本国の国民年金に関する法令が適用され得ることを条件として、引き続き強制加入に関するドイツの法令の適用を免除することができる。免除に関する決定に先立ち、日本国の権限のある当局又はその指定する機関は、当該自営業者に対して日本国の国民年金に関する法令が適用され得るか否かを明らかにする機会を与えられるものとする。
b) When a self-employed person who ordinarily works in the territory of Japan works temporarily in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany within the context of the self-employment, German legislation on compulsory coverage shall not apply to that self-employed person until the end of the sixtieth calendar month from the beginning of the work in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, provided that Japanese legislation on the National Pension is applicable to that self-employed person. If the work continues beyond the period specified above, the competent authority of the Federal Republic of Germany or the agency designated by it may grant further exemption of that self-employed person from German legislation on compulsory coverage upon the request of that self-employed person, provided that Japanese legislation on the National Pension will be applicable to that self-employed person. Before the decision on further exemption is taken, the competent authority of Japan or the agency designated by it shall be given the opportunity to state whether Japanese legislation on the National Pension will be applicable to that self-employed person.
第八条
Article 8
(1) 一方の締約国を旗国とする海上航行船舶において被用者として就労する者の強制加入に関しては、
(1) As regards compulsory coverage of a person who works as an employee on board a sea-going vessel entitled to fly the flag of one Contracting State:
(a) 当該者に対していずれか一方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令のみが適用される場合には、当該法令のみの適用が維持される。
a) If the person is subject only to the legislation on compulsory coverage of either Contracting State, that person shall remain subject only to that legislation.
(b) 当該者に対して両締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用される場合には、雇用者がその領域内に所在するか又は通常居住する締約国の強制加入に関する法令のみを適用する。
b) If the person is subject to the legislation on compulsory coverage of both Contracting States, that person shall be subject only to the legislation on compulsory coverage of the Contracting State in whose territory the employer has its seat or ordinarily resides.
(2) 一方の締約国を旗国とする海上航行船舶において就労する自営業者の強制加入に関しては、当該自営業者がその領域内に通常居住する締約国の強制加入に関する法令のみを適用する。
(2) As regards compulsory coverage of a self-employed person who works on board a sea-going vessel entitled to fly the flag of one Contracting State, that person shall be subject only to the legislation on compulsory coverage of the Contracting State in whose territory that person ordinarily resides.
第九条
Article 9
この協定のいかなる規定も、千九百六十一年四月十八日の外交関係に関するウィーン条約又は千九百六十三年四月二十四日の領事関係に関するウィーン条約の規定に影響を及ぼすものではない。
Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, or of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of April 24, 1963.
第十条
Article 10
強制加入に関しては、一方の締約国の権限のある当局又はその指定する機関は、第六条から前条までの規定によれば被用者又は自営業者に対して当該一方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用されることとなる場合であっても、当該被用者及び雇用者の共同の申請又は当該自営業者の申請に基づき、当該一方の締約国の法令の適用を免除することができる。ただし、当該被用者又は自営業者に対して他方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用されることを条件とする。免除に関する決定に先立ち、当該他方の締約国の権限のある当局又はその指定する機関は、当該被用者又は自営業者に対して当該他方の締約国の強制加入に関する法令が適用されるか否かを明らかにする機会を与えられるものとする。当該決定を行うに当たっては、雇用又は自営活動の性質及び状況を考慮する。
As regards compulsory coverage, where, by virtue of the provisions of Articles 6 to 9, the legislation on compulsory coverage of one Contracting State is applicable to an employee or a self-employed person, the competent authority of that Contracting State or the agency designated by it may exempt that employee or that self-employed person from that legislation upon the joint request of that employee and the employer or the request of that self-employed person, provided that the employee or the self-employed person will be subject to the legislation on compulsory coverage of the other Contracting State. Before the decision on the exemption is taken, the competent authority of that other Contracting State or the agency designated by it shall be given the opportunity to state whether that employee or that self-employed person will be subject to the legislation on compulsory coverage of that other Contracting State. In making such a decision, the nature and circumstances of the employment or the self-employment shall be taken into consideration.
第十一条
Article 11
(1) 一方の締約国の法令による個々の給付を受ける権利の確立に当たっては、(2)の規定に従うことを条件として、当該給付を受ける権利の確立のために算入される当該一方の締約国の法令による保険期間と重複しない限りにおいて、他方の締約国の法令において給付を受ける権利の確立のために算入される保険期間は、当該一方の締約国の法令による当該保険期間と通算する。
(1) For the purpose of establishing an entitlement to each of the benefits under the legislation of one Contracting State, subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this Article, periods of coverage creditable for establishing an entitlement to benefits under the legislation of the other Contracting State shall be totalized with the periods of coverage creditable for establishing an entitlement to that benefit under the legislation of the first Contracting State insofar as they do not coincide with those periods of coverage under the legislation of the first Contracting State.
(2) 一方の締約国の法令による特定の給付を受ける権利が特定の保険期間を満たすことを要件とする場合には、(1)の規定の適用に当たっては、他方の締約国の法令による同種の保険期間のみを考慮する。
(2) In applying paragraph (1) of this Article, where an entitlement to a certain benefit under the legislation of one Contracting State requires the completion of certain periods of coverage, only comparable periods of coverage under the legislation of the other Contracting State shall be taken into account.
(3) (1)の規定の適用に当たっては、一方の締約国の法令による保険期間と通算される他方の締約国の法令による保険期間は、当該他方の締約国の法令に従って計算する。ただし、実際に経過していない期間であって加算されたものは、考慮しない。
(3) In applying paragraph (1) of this Article, the periods of coverage under the legislation of one Contracting State to be totalized with the periods of coverage under the legislation of the other Contracting State shall be counted in accordance with the legislation of the first Contracting State. However, periods counted additionally but not actually completed shall not be taken into account.
(4) この協定に別段の定めがある場合を除くほか、給付の額は、各々の締約国の適用すべき法令に従って計算する。
(4) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the amount of a benefit shall be calculated in accordance with the applicable legislation of the respective Contracting State.
第十二条
Article 12
ドイツ連邦共和国については、次の規定を適用する。
As regards the Federal Republic of Germany, the following provisions shall apply:
(1) 個人報酬点数は、ドイツの法令の下で取得される報酬点数に基づいて決定する。
(1) Personal earning points shall be determined on the basis of the earning points acquired under German legislation.
(2) 前条(1)から(3)までの規定は、ドイツの法令の下で保険者の裁量により支給される給付について準用する。
(2) The provisions of paragraphs (1) to (3) of Article 11 shall apply mutatis mutandis to benefits which are granted under German legislation at the discretion of an institution.
(3) 日本国の法令による保険期間は、鉱山事業所の坑内作業によるものである場合には、前条の規定により鉱山労働者年金保険において考慮する。ドイツの法令において、常時の坑内作業又はこれと同等の作業に従事したことが給付を受ける権利のための要件とされる場合、日本国の法令による保険期間は、当該期間中に同種の活動が行われた限りにおいてのみ、ドイツの保険者によって考慮される。
(3) Periods of coverage completed under Japanese legislation shall be taken into account for the Miners' Pension Insurance under Article 11 if they were completed in a mining enterprise in underground operations. If, under German legislation, it is prerequisite for an entitlement to benefits that permanent work underground or equivalent work was performed, the periods of coverage completed under Japanese legislation shall be taken into account by the German institution only insofar as activities of the same kind were performed during these periods.
(4) ドイツの法令が、定められた期間内に一定の強制保険料納付期間を満たすことを給付を受ける権利のための要件とする旨を規定し、かつ、当該定められた期間を特定の保険期間その他の期間がある場合において当該期間分延長する旨を規定している場合には、日本国の法令による同種の保険期間及び日本国における期間で次に掲げるものも、その延長のために考慮する。
(4) If German legislation provides that an entitlement to benefits requires the completion of certain periods of compulsory contributions within a specified time, and that this specified time shall be extended by certain periods of coverage and other periods, comparable periods of coverage under Japanese legislation and the following periods in Japan shall also be taken into account as grounds for such an extension:
(a) 疾病、妊娠、失業又は労働に係る災害を理由とするドイツの法律及び規則に基づく手当金（年金給付を除く。）に相当する手当金が日本国の法律及び規則に基づいて支払われている期間
a) periods during which payments corresponding to those under German laws and regulations on account of sickness, pregnancy, unemployment or industrial accidents (with the exception of pensions) were made under Japanese laws and regulations;
(b) 日本国において育児を行っている期間
b) periods of child-raising in Japan.
(5) ドイツの法令上一定の期間の保険料が納付されていることを要件として強制加入が免除される場合においては、日本国の法令による保険料納付期間も考慮する。
(5) If, under German legislation, compulsory coverage is exempted on condition that contributions have been paid for a certain period, periods of contribution under Japanese legislation shall also be taken into account.
第十三条
Article 13
日本国については、次の規定を適用する。
As regards Japan, the following provisions shall apply:
(1) 第十一条(1)及び(2)の規定の適用に当たっては、ドイツの法令による保険期間は、日本国の被用者年金制度の保険期間及びこれに対応する国民年金の保険期間として考慮する。
(1) In applying paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 11, periods of coverage under German legislation shall be taken into account as periods of coverage under Japanese pension systems for employees and as corresponding periods of coverage under the National Pension.
(2) 第十一条(1)及び(2)の規定の適用に当たっては、ドイツ連邦共和国の鉱山労働者年金保険において鉱山での常時の坑内作業に従事した期間として認められた保険期間は、日本国の厚生年金保険において同種の作業に従事した期間として考慮する。
(2) In applying paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 11, a period of coverage recognized under the Miners' Pension Insurance of the Federal Republic of Germany as a period completed by permanent work underground in a mine shall be taken into account as a period of equivalent work under the Employees' Pension Insurance of Japan.
(3) 日本国の法令が、障害年金又は遺族年金を受ける権利の確立のために初診日又は死亡日が特定の保険期間中にあることを要件として定めている場合において、初診日又は死亡日がドイツの法令による同種の保険期間中にあるときは、これらの年金を受ける権利の確立に当たり当該要件は満たされたものとみなす。ただし、国民年金の下でこれらの年金のうちのいずれかのものを受ける権利がこの(3)の規定を適用せずとも確立される場合には、この(3)の規定は、日本国の被用者年金制度の下での同一の事由によるこれらの年金を受ける権利の確立に当たっては、適用しない。
(3) Where Japanese legislation requires for an entitlement to disability pensions or survivors' pensions that the date of first medical examination or of death lie within specified periods of coverage, this requirement shall be deemed to be fulfilled for the purpose of establishing an entitlement to those pensions if such a date lies within comparable periods of coverage under German legislation. However, if an entitlement to any of those pensions under the National Pension on account of a certain cause is established without applying this provision, this shall not apply for the purpose of establishing an entitlement to any of those pensions under Japanese pension systems for employees on account of that same cause.
(4) 日本国の法令による次に掲げる給付に関しては、当該給付を受けるための要件がこの協定により満たされる場合には、支給される当該給付の額は、日本国の法令による保険期間及びドイツの法令による同種の保険期間を合算した期間に対する当該日本国の法令による保険期間の比率に基づき計算する。
(4) With regard to the following benefits under Japanese legislation, if the requirements for receiving such benefits are fulfilled by virtue of this Agreement, the amount to be granted shall be calculated according to the proportion of the periods of coverage under Japanese legislation to the sum of those periods of coverage under Japanese legislation and comparable periods of coverage under German legislation:
(a) 障害基礎年金その他の記録された保険期間にかかわらず一定額が支給される給付
a) the Disability Basic Pension and other benefits under which a fixed sum is granted regardless of the period of coverage recorded;
(b) 日本国の被用者年金制度の下での障害年金及び遺族年金（日本国の法令による実際の保険期間が日本国の法令上定められた期間に満たない場合に支給されるものであってその額が当該定められた期間に基づき計算されるものに限る。）
b) disability pensions and survivors' pensions under Japanese pension systems for employees insofar as the amount of those pensions is calculated on the basis of a certain period determined by Japanese legislation when the actual period of coverage under Japanese legislation does not fulfill that certain period.
(5) 日本国の法令による次に掲げる給付に関しては、当該給付を受けるための要件が第十一条(1)及び(2)の規定に従ってドイツの法令による保険期間を通算することによって満たされる場合には、支給される当該給付の額は、当該給付を受ける権利の確立のために必要とされる期間に対する日本国の法令による保険期間の比率に基づき計算する。
(5) With regard to the following benefits under Japanese legislation, if the requirements for receiving such benefits are fulfilled by adding the periods of coverage under German legislation in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 11, the amount to be granted shall be calculated according to the proportion of the periods of coverage under Japanese legislation to the period required for establishing an entitlement to such benefits:
(a) 老齢厚生年金の配偶者加給その他の保険期間が日本国の法令上定められた期間を満たした場合に一定額が支給される給付
a) the Additional Pension for Spouses under the Old-age Employees' Pension and any other benefits under which a fixed sum is granted in cases where the period of coverage fulfills a certain period determined by Japanese legislation;
(b) 日本国の被用者年金制度の下での日本国民以外の者に対する脱退一時金その他の一時金
b) lump-sum payments upon withdrawal for persons other than Japanese nationals and any other lump-sum payments under Japanese pension systems for employees.
(6) (4)及び(5)の規定の適用上、日本国の法令による保険期間は、保険料納付期間及び保険料免除期間をいい、当該給付が支給される年金制度における保険期間に限るものとする。
(6) In applying paragraphs (4) and (5) of this Article, the periods of coverage under Japanese legislation shall mean periods of contribution and premium-exempted periods; they shall be limited to periods of coverage under the pension system from which such benefit will be paid.
第十四条
Article 14
この協定及び両締約国の法令の実施に際して、両締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、自国内のこれらの機関の間で行われる援助と同様の方法で相互に援助を行う。この援助は、無償で行う。ただし、当該援助を行うために必要とされる追加的な経費については、通信のための経費を除き、当該援助を要請した機関が負担する。
In implementing this Agreement and the legislation of the Contracting States, the institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of the Contracting States shall provide assistance to each other in the same manner as assistance among those of their own States. This assistance shall be provided free of charge. However, additional expenses required for the provision of this assistance, with the exception of expenses for communication, shall be borne by the body which has requested the assistance.
第十五条
Article 15
(1) 一方の締約国の法令その他関連する法律及び規則が当該一方の締約国の法令の適用上提出すべき文書に係る行政上又は領事事務上の手数料の免除又は軽減についての規定を含む場合、当該規定は、この協定及び他方の締約国の法令の適用上提出すべき文書についても適用する。
(1) Insofar as the legislation and other relevant laws and regulations of one Contracting State contain provisions on an exemption or reduction of administrative charges or consular fees for documents to be submitted under the legislation of that Contracting State, those provisions shall also apply to documents to be submitted in application of this Agreement and the legislation of the other Contracting State.
(2) この協定及び一方の締約国の法令の適用上提出すべき文書については、認証その他これに類する手続を要しない。
(2) Documents to be submitted in application of this Agreement and the legislation of a Contracting State shall not require legalisation or any other similar formality.
第十六条
Article 16
(1) この協定及び両締約国の法令の実施に際して、両締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、各々の言語により相互に連絡することができる。
(1) In implementing this Agreement and the legislation of the Contracting States, the institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of the Contracting States may communicate with each other in their respective languages.
(2) この協定及び両締約国の法令の実施に際して、一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、関係者又はその代理人に対して書面により又は適当な場合には口頭により、当該一方の締約国の言語で直接連絡することができる。ただし、一方の締約国による強制執行に直接結び付き得る文書を他方の締約国の領域内に通常居住する関係者又はその代理人に対して送付する場合には、当該他方の締約国の言語による翻訳を添付する。
(2) In implementing this Agreement and the legislation of the Contracting States, the institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of a Contracting State may directly communicate in writing or, where appropriate, orally, in the language of that Contracting State with the persons concerned or their representatives. However, when documents which may lead directly to execution by one Contracting State are to be sent to the persons concerned or their representatives who ordinarily reside in the territory of the other Contracting State, translations in the language of that other Contracting State shall be attached.
(3) この協定及び両締約国の法令の実施に際して、一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、他方の締約国の言語で作成されていることを理由として申請書その他の文書の受理を拒否してはならない。
(3) In implementing this Agreement and the legislation of the Contracting States, the institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of one Contracting State may not reject applications or any other documents for the reason that they are written in the language of the other Contracting State.
第十七条
Article 17
(1) 一方の締約国の法令による給付の申請、不服申立て又はその他の申告が他方の締約国の法令による類似の申請、不服申立て又は申告を受理する権限を有する当該他方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織又は行政当局に対して提出された場合、当該給付の申請、不服申立て又はその他の申告は、その提出の日にこれを受理する権限を有する当該一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織又は行政当局に対して提出されたものとみなす。
(1) When an application for benefits, an appeal or any other declaration under the legislation of one Contracting State is submitted to an institution, association of institutions or administrative authority of the other Contracting State which is competent to receive similar applications, appeals or declarations under the legislation of that other Contracting State, that application, appeal or declaration shall be deemed to be submitted on the same date to the institution, association of institutions or administrative authority of the first Contracting State which is competent to receive it.
(2) 一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織又は行政当局は、(1)の規定に従って提出された申請、不服申立て又は申告を遅滞なく他方の締約国の関係する保険者、保険者の連合組織又は行政当局に送付する。
(2) The institution, association of institutions or administrative authority of one Contracting State shall send the application, appeal or declaration submitted in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Article to the relevant institution, association of institutions or administrative authority of the other Contracting State without delay.
第十八条
Article 18
(1) 一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、当該一方の締約国の法令の下で収集された個人に関する情報（この協定の実施のために必要なものに限る。）を当該一方の締約国の法令その他関連する法律及び規則に従って他方の締約国のこれらの機関に伝達する。
(1) The institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of each Contracting State shall transmit, in accordance with its legislation and other relevant laws and regulations, personal data collected under its legislation to those bodies of the other Contracting State insofar as they are necessary for the implementation of this Agreement.
(2) 一方の締約国の保険者、保険者の連合組織及び行政当局は、他方の締約国のこれらの機関の要請に基づき、当該一方の締約国の法令の下で収集された個人に関する情報（当該他方の締約国の法令の実施のために必要なものに限る。）を当該一方の締約国の法令その他関連する法律及び規則に従って当該他方の締約国のこれらの機関に伝達することができる。
(2) The institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of each Contracting State may, upon the request of those bodies of the other Contracting State, transmit, in accordance with its legislation and other relevant laws and regulations, personal data collected under its legislation to those bodies of the other Contracting State insofar as they are necessary for the implementation of the legislation of that other Contracting State.
(3) (1)及び(2)の規定に従って行われる情報の伝達に関し、個人に関する情報は、両締約国の法令その他関連する法律及び規則並びに次の規定により保護される。
(3) With regard to transmission in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Article, personal data shall be protected in accordance with the legislation and other relevant laws and regulations of the Contracting States and the following provisions:
(a) 受領機関は、伝達される個人に関する情報をこの協定及び両締約国の法令を実施する目的並びに受領国の他の社会保障の目的（関連する司法手続を含む。）のためにのみ使用することができる。また、これらの情報は、前記の目的のためにのみ他の関係機関に対して提供することができる。ただし、この(a)の規定は、刑事法上の法益の保護のため又は課税の目的のために受領国の法律及び規則により提供が義務付けられている場合には、これらの情報の提供を妨げるものではない。
a) The transmitted personal data may be used by the receiving body and passed on to other relevant bodies only for the purpose of the implementation of this Agreement or of the legislation of the Contracting States as well as for other social security purposes of the receiving State including related judicial proceedings. However, the foregoing shall not prevent the passing on of that data in case that is mandatory under the laws and regulations of the receiving State for the interests protected by criminal law or for the purposes of taxation.
(b) 個々の事案において、受領機関は、伝達機関の要請に基づき、伝達された個人に関する情報の使用及びそれにより得られた結果について伝達機関に対し通報する。
b) In individual cases the receiving body shall, upon the request of the transmitting body, inform that body of the use of the transmitted personal data and the results obtained thereof.
(c) 伝達機関は、伝達される情報が正確であること及び伝達の目的に照らして必要な範囲に限定されていることを確保する。誤った情報又は伝達を行うことが伝達国の法律及び規則に合致しない情報が伝達されたことが明らかになった場合には、伝達機関は、受領機関に対し直ちにこの事実を通報する。この場合には、受領機関は、直ちに当該情報を訂正又は廃棄する。
c) The transmitting body shall ensure that the data to be transmitted are correct and limited to the extent necessary for the purpose of the transmission. If it becomes evident that incorrect data or data whose transmission is incompatible with the laws and regulations of the transmitting State were transmitted, the transmitting body shall immediately notify the receiving body of this fact. In this case the receiving body shall correct or delete this data immediately.
(d) 伝達機関及び受領機関は、関係者の申出に基づき、伝達された個人に関する情報の内容及びその伝達の目的を当該関係者に対し通報する。
d) The transmitting body and the receiving body shall, upon the request of the person concerned, inform that person of any personal data transmitted and of the purpose of their transmission.
(e) 伝達された個人に関する情報は、伝達された目的のために必要とされなくなった場合には、受領機関により、受領国の法律及び規則に従って廃棄される。
e) Transmitted personal data shall be deleted by the receiving body in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of the receiving State if they are no longer required for the purpose for which they were transmitted.
(f) 伝達機関及び受領機関は、個人に関する情報の伝達及び受領について記録する。
f) The transmitting body and the receiving body shall record the transmission and the receipt of personal data.
(g) 伝達機関及び受領機関は、個人に関する情報が許可なく使用され、修正され及び開示されることのないよう効果的に保護する。
g) The transmitting body and the receiving body shall protect personal data effectively from unauthorized access, unauthorized modification and unauthorized disclosure.
第十九条
Article 19
(1) 両締約国の政府は、この協定の実施のために必要な取極を締結する。
(1) The Governments of the Contracting States will conclude arrangements necessary for the implementation of this Agreement.
(2) 両締約国の権限のある当局は、この協定の実施のために必要な行政上の措置について合意することができる。
(2) The competent authorities of the Contracting States may agree on the administrative measures necessary for the implementation of this Agreement.
(3) 両締約国の政府は、(1)の規定に基づく取極において、この協定の実施のための連絡機関を指定する。
(3) The Governments of the Contracting States shall, in an arrangement under paragraph (1) of this Article, designate liaison agencies for the implementation of this Agreement.
(4) 両締約国の権限のある当局は、各々の法令の改正又は補足について相互に通報する。
(4) The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall inform each other of any amendments or additions to their respective legislation.
第二十条
Article 20
一方の締約国の保険者は、他方の締約国の領域内にいる者に対して現金給付をいずれの締約国の通貨によっても有効なものとして支払うことができる。当該現金給付が当該他方の締約国の通貨で支払われる場合、換算率は、送金が行われる日の為替相場によるものとする。
Cash benefits may be validly paid by an institution of one Contracting State to a person in the territory of the other Contracting State in the currency of either Contracting State. If the cash benefits are paid in the currency of that other Contracting State, the conversion rate shall be the exchange rate in effect on the day when the remittance is made.
第二十一条
Article 21
(1) この協定の解釈又は適用に関して両締約国の間に紛争が生ずる場合には、両締約国は、交渉により友好的に当該紛争を解決するよう努める。
(1) If a dispute arises between the two Contracting States regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement, both Contracting States shall endeavour to settle such dispute in an amicable way through negotiation.
(2) 両締約国が交渉により紛争を解決することができない場合には、当該紛争は、いずれか一方の締約国の要請により、仲裁裁判所に決定のため付託する。仲裁裁判所は、個々の事案ごとに設置され、各締約国が任命した各一人の仲裁人と、このように選定された二人の仲裁人が議長とすることで合意し、かつ、両締約国によって任命される一人の第三国の国民の三人の仲裁人により構成される。最初の二人の仲裁人については、一方の締約国が他方の締約国に対し紛争を仲裁裁判所に付託する旨を外交上の経路を通じて通告した日から六十日の期間内に、議長については、その後の三十日の期間内に任命される。
(2) If the Contracting States cannot resolve the dispute through negotiation, the dispute shall, at the request of either Contracting State, be submitted for decision to an arbitral tribunal. The arbitral tribunal shall be constituted for each individual case and be composed of three arbitrators with each Contracting State appointing one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators so chosen agreeing on a national from a third state as chairman who shall be appointed by the two Contracting States. The first two arbitrators shall be appointed within sixty days, and the chairman within the further period of thirty days, after one Contracting State has notified the other Contracting State through diplomatic channels that it will refer the dispute to an arbitral tribunal.
(3) (2)に規定する各々の期間内に、いずれかの締約国が仲裁人を任命できない場合又は議長について両締約国の任命した仲裁人による合意が得られない場合には、いずれの締約国も、国際司法裁判所長に対し、必要な任命を行うことを要請することができる。同所長が一方の締約国の国民である場合又はその他の理由により任命を行えない場合には、国際司法裁判所次長（同次長も任命を行えない場合には、国際司法裁判所における先任の裁判官で任命を行うことができるもの）に対して任命を行うよう要請することができる。
(3) If either of the Contracting States fails to designate its own arbitrator or if the chairman is not agreed upon by the arbitrators designated by the Contracting States within the respective periods referred to in paragraph (2) of this Article, either Contracting State may request the President of the International Court of Justice to make the necessary appointments. If the President of the International Court of Justice is a national of one Contracting State or is prevented from making the appointments for any other reason, the Vice-President of the International Court of Justice or, if the Vice-President is also prevented from acting, the senior judge of the International Court of Justice who is not prevented may be requested to make the appointments.
(4) 仲裁裁判所は、投票の過半数による議決で決定を行う。決定は、最終的なものとし、拘束力を有する。
(4) The arbitral tribunal shall make its decision by majority vote. Its decisions shall be binding and final.
(5) 各締約国は、自国が任命した仲裁人に係る費用及び自国が仲裁に参加する費用を負担する。議長に係る費用その他の経費は、両締約国の間で折半して負担する。ただし、仲裁裁判所は、費用の分担に関し、異なる定めを行うことができる。
(5) Each Contracting State shall bear the cost for its arbitrator, as well as for its representation in the proceedings before the arbitral tribunal. The cost for the chairman as well as other expenses shall be shared equally between the Contracting States. However, the arbitral tribunal may make a different decision concerning the allocation of the cost.
(6) 仲裁裁判所は、自らの手続に関する規則を定める。
(6) The arbitral tribunal shall establish its own rules of procedure.
第二十二条
Article 22
(1) この協定は、その効力発生前には給付を受ける権利を確立させるものではない。
(1) This Agreement shall not establish any entitlement to benefits for any period prior to its entry into force.
(2) この協定の実施に当たっては、この協定の効力発生前の保険期間その他法的に関連する事実も考慮する。
(2) In the implementation of this Agreement, periods of coverage completed and other legally relevant events occurring before its entry into force shall also be taken into account.
(3) この協定の効力発生前に行われた決定は、この協定により確立されるいかなる権利にも影響を及ぼすものではない。
(3) Decisions made before the entry into force of this Agreement shall not affect any rights to be established by virtue of this Agreement.
(4) この協定の効力発生前に決定が行われた年金給付についてこの協定の規定によってその給付の額に変更がある場合には、申請に基づいて新たに決定が行われる。
(4) Pensions determined before the entry into force of this Agreement shall be newly determined upon application if a change in the amount of the pensions results from the provisions of this Agreement.
第二十三条
Article 23
この協定に附属する議定書は、この協定の不可分の一部を成す。
The Protocol attached to this Agreement shall form an integral part thereof.
第二十四条
Article 24
(1) この協定は、批准されるものとする。批准書は、できる限り速やかにボンにおいて交換される。
(1) This Agreement shall be ratified. The instruments of ratification shall be exchanged as soon as possible in Bonn.
(2) この協定は、批准書の交換が行われた月の翌々月の初日に効力を生ずる。
(2) This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the month in which the instruments of ratification have been exchanged.
第二十五条
Article 25
(1) この協定は、無期限に効力を有する。ただし、いずれの締約国も、外交上の経路を通じて他方の締約国に対し書面によりこの協定の終了の通告を行うことができる。この場合には、この協定は、終了の通告が行われた月の後十二箇月目の月の末日まで効力を有する。
(1) This Agreement shall remain in force indefinitely. However, either Contracting State may give to the other Contracting State, through diplomatic channels, written notice of termination of this Agreement. In such event, the Agreement shall remain in force until the last day of the twelfth month following the month in which the termination was notified.
(2) この協定が(1)の規定に従って終了する場合においても、この協定の下で取得された給付を受ける権利及び給付の支払に関する権利は維持される。
(2) If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) of this Article, rights regarding entitlement to and payment of benefits acquired under it shall be retained.
以上の証拠として、下名は、正当に委任を受け、この協定に署名した。
In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Agreement.
千九百九十八年四月二十日に東京で、ひとしく正文である日本語、ドイツ語及び英語により、本書二通を作成した。日本語及びドイツ語の本文の解釈に相違がある場合には、英語の本文による。
Done at Tokyo on April 20, 1998, in duplicate in the Japanese, German and English languages, all three texts being authentic. In case of divergent interpretations of the Japanese and the German texts, the English text shall prevail.
日本国のために 小渕恵三
For Japan: Keizo Obuchi
ドイツ連邦共和国のために フランク・エルベ
For the Federal Republic of Germany: Frank Elbe
Protocol
At the signing of the Agreement between Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany on Social Security (hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement"), the undersigned have agreed upon the following provisions which shall form an integral part of the Agreement:
(1) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 1 of the Agreement:
a) As regards the Federal Republic of Germany, "legislation" shall also include the by-laws of the institutions and of the associations of institutions.
b) As regards German legislation, "benefit" shall also include a benefit in kind.
(2) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 1 and paragraph (2) of Article 2 of the Agreement:
As regards Japan, "legislation" shall not include laws and regulations promulgated for the implementation of other agreements on social security comparable with the Agreement.
(3) With reference to Article 2 of the Agreement:
a) As regards Japan, it is understood that:
1. the National Pension does not include the National Pension Fund;
2. the Employees' Pension Insurance does not include the Employees' Pension Fund;
3. the Mutual Aid Pension for Local Public Officials and Personnel of Similar Status does not include the pension system for members of local assemblies.
b) As regards Japan, the National Pension shall not include the Old Age Welfare Pension or any other pensions which are granted transitionally or complementarily for the purpose of welfare and which are payable wholly or mainly out of national budgetary resources.
c) As regards the Federal Republic of Germany, the provisions of Articles 11 to 13 of the Agreement shall not apply to the Steelworkers' Supplementary Insurance or to the Farmers' Old-age Security.
(4) With reference to paragraph (2) of Article 2 of the Agreement:
If agreements on social security concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany with a third State or arrangements of the European Union on social security contain provisions relating to the apportionment of insurance burdens, those provisions shall be taken into account in the application of the Agreement.
(5) With reference to Article 3 of the Agreement:
In the application of German legislation, stateless persons within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons of September 28, 1954 shall be also included in Article 3 b).
(6) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 4 of the Agreement:
a) The provisions of the said paragraph shall not affect provisions relating to the apportionment of insurance burdens contained in agreements on social security concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany with a third State or in arrangements of the European Union on social security.
b) The provisions of the said paragraph shall not affect the legislation of either Contracting State which guarantees participation of the insured and of employers in the organs of self-government of institutions and of associations of institutions as well as in the adjudication of social security matters.
c) Japanese nationals who ordinarily reside in the territory of Japan shall be entitled to voluntary coverage under the German Statutory Pension Insurance if they have made valid contributions to the said insurance for at least sixty months; however, more favourable provisions on the right to voluntary coverage under German legislation shall not be affected. This shall also apply to refugees within the meaning of Article 3 of the Agreement and to stateless persons within the meaning of paragraph (5) of this Protocol, who ordinarily reside in the territory of Japan.
d) German nationals who ordinarily reside in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany shall be entitled to voluntary coverage under the Japanese National Pension if they have made valid contributions to the pension insurance systems specified in paragraph (1) a) of Article 2 of the Agreement for at least sixty months. This shall also apply to refugees within the meaning of Article 3 of the Agreement who ordinarily reside in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.
e) The provisions of the said paragraph shall not affect the provisions on complementary periods for Japanese nationals on the basis of ordinary residence outside the territory of Japan under Japanese legislation or the provisions on lump-sum payments upon withdrawal for persons other than Japanese nationals under Japanese legislation.
(7) With reference to Article 5 of the Agreement:
a) As regards Japan, the provisions of the said Article shall not affect the provisions of Japanese legislation which require a person who is aged 60 or over but under 65 on the date of the first medical examination or of death to reside ordinarily in the territory of Japan for the acquisition of an entitlement to the Disability Basic Pension or the Survivors' Basic Pension.
b) As regards the Federal Republic of Germany,
1. With regard to a pension under German legislation on account of reduced earning capacity, the provisions of the said Article shall apply to a person who ordinarily resides in the territory of Japan only if the entitlement to the pension exists irrespective of the labour market situation.
2. The provisions of the said Article shall not affect:
aa) German legislation on benefits based on periods of coverage completed outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany;
bb) German legislation on rehabilitation benefits;
cc) German legislation providing for the suspension of claims for benefits for persons who go abroad to evade criminal proceedings against them.
(8) With reference to Articles 6 to 8 and 10 of the Agreement:
a) Persons being subject to German legislation on compulsory coverage also include persons who are not actually liable to compulsory coverage in accordance with German legislation.
b) The provisions of the said Articles on compulsory coverage with regard to employees shall also apply to a person other than an employee but who is treated as such under German legislation on compulsory coverage.
(9) With reference to Articles 4, 7 and 10 of the Agreement:
As regards the accompanying spouse or children of a person who works in the territory of Japan and who is subject to German legislation on compulsory coverage in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 or Article 10 of the Agreement,
a) In cases in which the accompanying spouse or children are persons other than Japanese nationals, Japanese legislation on compulsory coverage shall not apply to them. However, when the accompanying spouse or children so request, the foregoing shall not apply.
b) In cases in which the accompanying spouse or children are Japanese nationals, the exemption from Japanese legislation on compulsory coverage shall be determined in accordance with Japanese legislation.
(10) With reference to Articles 7, 8 and 10 of the Agreement:
a) If, by virtue of the provisions of the said Articles, German legislation on compulsory coverage applies to a person in the territory of Japan, the German laws and regulations on compulsory coverage for unemployment insurance shall also apply to the person and the person's employer in the same way.
b) If, by virtue of the provisions of the said Articles, Japanese legislation on compulsory coverage applies to a person who works in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany or on board a sea-going vessel entitled to fly the flag of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German laws and regulations on compulsory coverage for unemployment insurance shall not apply to the person or to the person's employer.
(11) With reference to Article 7 of the Agreement:
If the detachment had commenced before the date of entry into force of the Agreement, the period of detachment shall run from that date.
(12) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 7 and Article 10 of the Agreement:
As regards a person who is not covered under Japanese pension systems for employees, exemption from German legislation on compulsory coverage under the said Articles shall be conditional upon Japanese legislation on the National Pension being applicable to that person.
(13) With reference to Article 10 of the Agreement:
Where, by virtue of the provisions of the said Article, a person is subject to German legislation on compulsory coverage in the territory of Japan, that person shall be deemed to work in the place where that person worked last in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. If that person did not work previously in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, that person shall be deemed to work at the place where the German competent authority has its seat.
(14) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 11 and Article 13 of the Agreement:
The above provisions shall not apply to the following benefits under Japanese legislation:
a) the Disability Allowance under the Employees' Pension Insurance;
b) the disability lump-sum payments under the mutual aid pensions;
c) the additional pension for specified occupations under the mutual aid pensions;
d) any other benefits to be introduced after the entry into force of the Agreement, as may be agreed upon in an arrangement under paragraph (1) of Article 19 of the Agreement.
(15) With reference to Article 13 of the Agreement:
a) In applying paragraph (3) of the said Article, as regards a person who possesses periods of coverage under two or more Japanese pension systems for employees, the requirement referred to in the said paragraph shall be deemed to be fulfilled for one of those pension systems in accordance with Japanese legislation.
b) In calculating the amount of benefits under Japanese pension systems for employees in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (4) of the said Article, if the person entitled to the benefits possesses periods of coverage under two or more of such pension systems, the periods of coverage under Japanese legislation referred to in paragraph (4) of the said Article shall be the sum of the periods of coverage under all of those pension systems. However, when that sum of the periods of coverage exceeds the period determined by Japanese legislation referred to in paragraph (4) b) of the said Article, this provision and the method of calculation stipulated in paragraph (4) of the said Article shall not apply.
(16) With reference to paragraph (1) of Article 15 of the Agreement:
As regards Japan, it is understood that the provisions of the said paragraph do not affect the municipal ordinances which provide for an exemption or reduction of the fees for certificates of family registers.
(17) With reference to paragraph (2) of Article 16 of the Agreement:
In applying German legislation, notifications and other documents may be delivered directly to the persons concerned or their representatives who ordinarily reside in the territory of Japan by registered mail with return receipt. This provision shall also apply to notifications and other documents which are delivered in the course of implementing German laws and regulations governing assistance to war victims.
(18) With reference to Article 17 of the Agreement:
a) When a person claims a benefit under Japanese legislation and in case that person declares that periods of coverage have been completed under German legislation, the claim for that benefit shall be deemed to be a claim for a corresponding benefit under German legislation filed on the same date. However, the foregoing shall not apply if the person declares that the determination of entitlement to old-age benefits under German legislation is to be deferred.
b) As regards Japan, for the purpose of the said Article, an application for benefits, an appeal or any other declaration under German legislation shall be submitted to an institution, association of institutions or administrative authority which is competent to receive similar applications, appeals or declarations under Japanese pension systems for employees.
(19) With reference to Article 19 of the Agreement:
Communications and transmissions from the institutions, associations of institutions and administrative authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany to those of Japan under the Agreement shall be made through the Japanese liaison agencies unless they are made to the competent authorities of Japan.
(20) With reference to Article 22 of the Agreement:
a) If, in applying German legislation, the new determination under paragraph (4) of the said Article results in no entitlement or in an entitlement to a lesser amount of pension than that paid for the last period prior to the entry into force of the Agreement, the same amount of pension as paid for that last period shall continue to be paid.
b) If, under German legislation, an application for the determination of a pension to which an entitlement exists by virtue of the Agreement is filed within twelve months after its entry into force, the pension shall be paid from the calendar month at the beginning of which the eligibility criteria were first met, at the earliest from the entry into force of the Agreement.
In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Protocol.
Done at Tokyo on April 20, 1998, in duplicate in the Japanese, German and English languages, all three texts being authentic. In case of divergent interpretations of the Japanese and the German texts, the English text shall prevail.
For Japan: Keizo Obuchi
For the Federal Republic of Germany: Frank Elbe