Benefits & Allowances for Foreigners in Japan [2026]
- Foreign residents who are registered residents and enrolled in health insurance and pension can be eligible for many of the same benefits and allowances as Japanese citizens.
- Most require an application to receive, so check which programs you may be eligible for first.
- The programs are grouped into areas such as childcare and childbirth, medical care, and work and housing.
- The application process and points to note are explained in the article.
Foreign residents who are registered residents in Japan and enrolled in health insurance and pension are eligible for many of the same benefits and allowances as Japanese citizens. Most require an application, so check the main programs below.
① Basic requirements
- You have an address in Japan (a resident record — mid/long-term residents, special permanent residents, etc.)
- You are enrolled in the relevant system (National Health Insurance, Social Insurance, pension)
- Most benefits require you to apply (they are not paid automatically)
② Childcare & childbirth
- Child Allowance (¥10,000–30,000/month) … read the Child Allowance article
- Childbirth Lump-sum Grant (¥500,000 per child) … read the article
- Maternity Allowance (about 2/3 of wage during maternity leave) … read the guide
- Childcare Leave Benefit (67-80% of wage) … read the guide
- Child Rearing Allowance (single parents, up to 48,050 yen/month) … read the guide
- Free early childhood education (ages 3–5) … Nursery & Kindergarten / Child Medical Subsidy
③ Medical
- High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit: refunds monthly out-of-pocket costs above a ceiling … High-Cost Medical Benefit
- Injury & sickness allowance: income support when you cannot work (employee insurance) … Injury & Sickness Allowance
④ Work & housing
- Unemployment benefit (basic allowance): for those in employment insurance who leave a job … Unemployment Benefit
- Housing Security Benefit: rent support when you lose income … Housing Security Benefit
- Education & training benefit: covers part of approved course fees … Education & Training Benefit
Most benefits and allowances are paid into the bank account you specify when applying.
⑤ How to apply
- Where: city/ward office (child allowance, NHI), pension office, Hello Work (employment insurance), or your employer health insurance
- Watch deadlines (some have a 2-year limit)
- Documents: Residence Card, insurance card, bank account, ID
FAQ
Can foreigners receive child allowance?Yes, if both the child and the guardian are registered residents in Japan. Children living abroad are generally not eligible, with some exceptions such as study abroad.
Do I get benefits without applying?Most benefits require an application, and some cannot be claimed retroactively, so apply early.
Is this the same as welfare (seikatsu hogo)?No. These benefits are paid based on enrollment in a system or on childbirth and childcare, and are separate from public assistance.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
💴 お金まわりは専門サイトもあわせて💴 Money topics on our specialty site💴 金融专题站💴 Tài chính tại trang chuyên
給付金・手当の受取りに使う銀行口座・送金・税金まわりは、姉妹サイト「在日マネーナビ」で深掘り解説しています。Bank accounts, remittance and taxes that work alongside benefits and allowances are explained in depth on our sister site Zainichi Money Navi.用于领取手当·补贴的银行账户·汇款·税金等内容，姊妹站「在日マネーナビ」有深度解说。Tài khoản ngân hàng, chuyển tiền, thuế đi kèm với trợ cấp — được giải thích chi tiết tại trang đồng hành Zainichi Money Navi.
在日マネーナビを見る →Visit Zainichi Money Navi →访问在日マネーナビ →Đến Zainichi Money Navi →Ask our AI Concierge
Chat with our AI about this topic.
More helpful info for life in Japan
Browse all guides →