Basic Guide to Japan’s Social Insurance System for Foreign Residents

For foreign nationals living in Japan for the medium to long term, understanding the social insurance system is very important. Systems such as health insurance and the pension plan are essential to living securely in Japan and are also relevant when renewing a residence status or applying for permanent residency or naturalization.

This page explains the basics of Japan’s social insurance system in an easy-to-understand way for foreign residents.

What is Social Insurance?

Social insurance is a public system designed to provide support in various life situations such as illness, injury, childbirth, unemployment, or old age. In Japan, the following five types of insurance are classified as “social insurance”:

• Health Insurance (covers medical expenses for illness or injury)
• Employees’ Pension Insurance / National Pension (provides benefits for old age, disability, or death)
• Employment Insurance (income support during unemployment or childcare leave)
• Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance (coverage for work-related injuries or illness)
• Long-term Care Insurance (benefits for elderly care services)

Are Foreign Nationals Also Required to Join Social Insurance?

Yes. Regardless of your residence status or period of stay, foreign nationals working in Japan are, in principle, required to enroll in the social insurance system.

For example:

• Full-time or regular employees → Enroll in Employees’ Pension Insurance and Health Insurance
• Part-time or temporary workers who meet certain conditions → Also subject to enrollment
• Self-employed or freelance workers → Enroll in National Health Insurance and National Pension through the local municipality

Social Insurance for Company Employees

If you work for a company in Japan, you are generally enrolled in Health Insurance and Employees’ Pension Insurance at the time of employment.

The insurance premiums are deducted from your monthly salary, and half of the amount is paid by your employer.

Main Benefits After Enrollment:

• Only 30% of your medical costs are paid out-of-pocket
• You can receive allowances for illness or childbirth
• You can receive a pension after retirement

For Self-Employed and Freelancers

Foreign nationals working as self-employed, freelancers, or business owners in Japan are required to enroll in National Health Insurance and National Pension.

You must apply for both at the municipal office of your place of residence. Monthly premiums are based on your income from the previous year.

Failure to enroll or pay premiums may affect your visa renewal or application for permanent residence or naturalization. Be sure to complete the necessary procedures.

Benefits of Joining Social Insurance

• Reduces your out-of-pocket medical expenses in case of illness or injury
• Provides lump-sum childbirth and childcare benefits, as well as sickness allowances
• Ensures future benefits such as old-age pension and survivor’s pension
• Offers unemployment benefits through Employment Insurance

Risks of Not Enrolling in Social Insurance

• If you don’t have insurance, your medical costs must be paid in full (100%).
• If you don’t pay pension premiums, you won’t be eligible for pension benefits in old age or in the event of disability.
• If your non-enrollment is discovered by immigration, it may become a negative factor in visa renewals or permanent residency applications.

There are cases where the company does not properly enroll employees even though it is legally required to do so. In such cases, it’s possible to report to the labor standards office or consult with a lawyer.

Support from Our Immigration Lawyer Office

If you’re unsure whether you need to enroll in social insurance, or you’re worried about how unpaid premiums may affect your visa status, please feel free to consult us. We offer support such as reviewing your current situation, preparing explanation letters, and advising on applications for permanent residency or naturalization.

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