Social Insurance for Foreigners: Enrollment & Premiums Guide
- Foreigners employed by a company enroll in social insurance (health insurance, employees' pension, etc.).
- It offers broader coverage than National Health Insurance.
- Premiums are split evenly with your employer and deducted from your salary (see the article for the estimated employee's share).
- When you leave your job, you need to switch to National Health Insurance and National Pension.
Foreigners employed by a company enroll in social insurance (health insurance and employees' pension), which offers broader coverage than National Health Insurance.
① The Four Types of Social Insurance
- Health Insurance: You pay only 30% of medical costs
- Employees' Pension: Old-age, disability, and survivor benefits
- Employment Insurance: Income support when unemployed
- Workers' Accident Insurance: Compensation for work-related injury or illness
② Enrollment Requirements
If you meet the conditions below, foreigners are required to enroll just like Japanese nationals.
- Working 20+ hours per week
- Monthly income of ¥88,000 or more (from 2024)
- Expected to work 2 months or longer
③ Premium Estimates (monthly, employee's share)
| Monthly salary | Health Ins. | Pension | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¥200,000 | ~¥9,900 | ~¥18,300 | ~¥28,200 |
| ¥300,000 | ~¥14,800 | ~¥27,450 | ~¥42,250 |
| ¥400,000 | ~¥19,700 | ~¥36,600 | ~¥56,300 |
④ Procedures When Leaving a Job
You lose social insurance coverage the day after you leave. Within 14 days, choose one of the following.
- Enroll in National Health Insurance: Apply at your city office
- Voluntary continuation: Keep your former health insurance for up to 20 months (apply within 20 days of leaving)
After leaving a job, you may be able to receive unemployment benefit (basic allowance) from employment insurance.
Health-insurance members can receive the Childbirth Lump-sum Grant when they have a baby.
If you paid into the Employees' Pension and leave Japan, you may be able to claim the lump-sum withdrawal payment.
You can see how your monthly social insurance premiums are deducted on your payslip. Our sister site Zainichi Money Navi breaks down social insurance, taxes and take-home pay in How to read your Japanese payslip (social insurance & taxes).
FAQ
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