Japan Benefits Checker for Foreigners

Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits can foreigners get in Japan?

Foreign residents in Japan are eligible for many of the same benefits as Japanese citizens, including: Child Allowance (児童手当, ¥10,000-30,000/month per child), free preschool education for ages 3-5, National Health Insurance coverage, the High-Cost Medical Care system (caps monthly costs at ~¥80,100), Furusato Nozei tax benefits, maternity allowance (¥500,000 per child), and rural relocation grants (up to ¥3,000,000). Eligibility depends on your visa type, residency registration, and enrollment in health insurance/pension.

What is Furusato Nozei and can foreigners use it?

Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税, Hometown Tax) lets you 'donate' to any municipality and receive local products worth ~30% of your donation. The donation is then deducted from your income and residence taxes the following year, minus a ¥2,000 self-pay. Any foreign resident who pays income/residence tax in Japan is eligible. It's essentially free products in exchange for redirecting taxes you'd pay anyway.

Can I get a pension refund when leaving Japan?

Yes. Non-Japanese who paid into the National Pension or Employee Pension for 6+ months can claim a Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment (脱退一時金) after leaving Japan. You must apply within 2 years of departure. The refund is capped at 60 months of contributions (increasing to 96 months around 2029). A 20.42% tax is withheld but is refundable by filing a tax return through a tax representative in Japan.

What is the rural relocation grant in Japan?

Japan's Regional Revitalization Migration Support Grant (地方創生移住支援金) pays up to ¥600,000 for singles or ¥1,000,000 + ¥1,000,000 per child for families who relocate from Greater Tokyo to participating rural municipalities. Over 1,300 municipalities in 44 prefectures participate. Foreign residents with permanent resident, spouse, or long-term resident visas are eligible.

How much is the Child Allowance in Japan for foreigners?

All registered foreign residents with children under 19 receive Child Allowance (児童手当): ¥15,000/month for children under 3, ¥10,000/month for ages 3-18, and ¥30,000/month for the 3rd child and beyond. As of October 2024, there are no income limits. A family with 2 children (ages 1 and 5) receives ¥25,000/month (¥300,000/year). No citizenship requirement — just residency registration.

Is preschool free in Japan for foreign families?

Yes. Since 2019, Japan provides free early childhood education (幼児教育・保育の無償化) for all children aged 3-5, regardless of nationality. Licensed kindergartens and daycare centers charge ¥0 in base tuition fees. In Tokyo, licensed daycare is also free for ages 0-2 since September 2025. Meals and supplies may still have small charges. Foreign families just need residential registration to qualify.

What happens to my health insurance if I don't pay in Japan?

Starting June 2027, foreign residents who haven't paid National Health Insurance (NHI) or National Pension premiums may be denied visa renewal or change of status. Permanent residents who deliberately avoid payments risk having their PR revoked (April 2027). Currently, only 63% of foreign NHI enrollees are current on premiums. If you're behind, contact your city office immediately — they can arrange payment plans or partial exemptions based on income.

Is childbirth free in Japan starting 2026?

From fiscal year 2026, Japan aims to make standard (normal) childbirth effectively free by covering it under public health insurance with zero co-payment, or by increasing the lump-sum allowance to match typical delivery costs. The current ¥500,000 childbirth lump-sum (出産育児一時金) remains available. Caesarean sections and specialized procedures still require a 30% co-payment. All foreign residents enrolled in health insurance are eligible.

What is Japan's 'Childcare for All Children' program in 2026?

Starting April 2026, the 'Childcare for All Children' program (こども誰でも通園制度) allows children aged 6 months to 2 years to attend daycare for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of their parents' employment status. Previously, daycare required proof of childcare need (usually full-time employment). Foreign residents with valid residence status and residential registration are eligible. A new Child and Child-rearing Support Contribution (¥250–450/month per insured person) is added to health insurance premiums to fund this and other programs.