Unemployment Benefit (Basic Allowance): Eligibility & How to Apply [2026]

Unemployment benefit (the employment-insurance basic allowance) is paid to people who were enrolled in employment insurance, have left a job, and are able and willing to work but cannot find a job. Foreign residents who were enrolled are eligible too, provided they have a work-eligible residence status and seek work.

① Eligibility

• At least 12 months of insured coverage within the 2 years before leaving (6 months within 1 year for company-side reasons such as bankruptcy/dismissal)
• Able and willing to work and seeking work (a work-eligible status is required)

② Waiting period (voluntary resignation)

If you resigned voluntarily, the waiting period before payment used to be 2 months, but from April 2025 it was shortened to 1 month in principle. Also, if you took training yourself within the year before leaving or while unemployed, the waiting period can be waived.

③ Days & amount

The number of benefit days depends on age, insured period and reason for leaving (90–150 days for voluntary resignation; more generous for company-side reasons). The daily amount is roughly 50–80% of your pre-resignation wage (45–80% for ages 60–64).

④ Application steps

1. Receive your separation slip (rishokuhyo) from the employer
2. Register and have eligibility determined at Hello Work
3. Attend the employment-insurance briefing
4. Unemployment recognition roughly every 4 weeks (report your job-seeking activity)
5. The allowance is paid after recognition

Documents: separation slip, Residence Card, ID, photo, a bankbook in your name, My Number verification, etc.

The unemployment benefit (basic allowance) is paid into the bank account you specify. If you become unable to pay rent after leaving your job, Housing Security Benefit (Rent Support) may also be available.

You apply for the unemployment benefit and carry out job-seeking at Hello Work. The unemployment benefit is part of employment insurance, so understanding Social Insurance for Foreigners as a whole will help you plan your finances after leaving a job.

In the year you leave or change jobs, you may need to settle your income tax through year-end adjustment or a tax return. Our sister site Zainichi Money Navi explains the tax steps in Year-end tax adjustment when you leave or change jobs.

While job-hunting and receiving the unemployment benefit, some people also look into fields with active hiring. Nursing-care (kaigo) work is one such field.

This site (Zainichi Life Navi) does not provide job placement or recruitment matching. The link below takes you to the staffing service "Kaigobatake," where registration, consultation, and job introductions are provided.

Working in nursing care in Japan generally requires a specific status of residence — "Nursing Care", "Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care)", EPA, or Technical Intern Training — unless you hold a status-based residence such as Permanent Resident or Spouse of a Japanese National. A status such as "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" does not generally cover caregiving work. See our guide to nursing care jobs for foreigners before you apply.

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You can register for free and get job-matching support for nursing-care (kaigo) positions, including placement and staffing services. Search for jobs that fit your qualifications, experience and preferred way of working, and check whether your status of residence permits this type of work before applying. Available jobs vary by qualification, area and timing.

Search nursing-care jobs (Kaigobatake) →

FAQ

Can foreigners receive unemployment benefit?Yes, if enrolled in employment insurance, provided you have a work-eligible status and seek work.

Do I have to wait long after a voluntary resignation?From April 2025 the waiting period is 1 month in principle, and it can be waived if you take training.

My residence period is ending soon, what then?Your status and remaining period can affect both benefits and job searching. Check with Hello Work and the Immigration Services Agency first.