Childbirth in Japan - Necessary Procedures and Child-Raising Support

Japan has a variety of support systems in place to facilitate child- raising for all people, including foreign families. There is plenty of support from pregnancy to birth and during child raising.
 
In this article, we will introduce you:

• Procedures for foreigners living in Japan when a child is born
• Supprt of childbirth and childcare in Japan

Three procedures required upon the birth of a baby

There are three important procedures for foreigners living in Japan and their family members to follow when a baby is born.

Submit the birth certificate

Where to apply: The municipality where you live
 
Once a baby is born, a birth certificate must be submitted within 14 days of the birth date.
This allows you to take advantage of public services such as National Health Insurance and Child Allowance.
Without a birth certificate, the baby will not be registered as a resident and will not be able to receive a health insurance card.
Furthermore, you will not be able to apply for status of residence for the baby.

Application for status of residence

Where to apply: Immigration Services Agency
 
If your baby will be in Japan for more than 60 days, you must apply for status of residence within 30 days of birth.
Without applying for status of residence, even if it is a baby, it will be considered an illegal stay in Japan.

Home country registration

Where to apply: Embassy or Consulate
 
To make the baby's arrival known to your home country, you must go through the registration procedures at the embassy or consulate of your country where you are living.
By following these procedures carefully, you will be able to have the necessary documents for life in Japan, such as a passport.
 
Not following the procedures will have a major impact on your baby's future.
Please be sure to follow the procedures properly.
 
For more information:（公財）かながわ国際交流財団　日本に住む外国籍家庭に赤ちゃんが生まれたときの大切な３つの手続き

Assistance from pregnancy to birth

When you find out you are pregnant

When you find out that you are pregnant, you must first submit a "notification of pregnancy" to the municipal office of the city, ward, town, or village where you live.
After submission, you will be eligible for the following assistance.

Maternal and Child Health Handbook

The Maternal and Child Health Handbook, “母子健康手帳” (hereinafter referred to as 母子手帳, " maternity handbook" known also as BOSHI TECHO) is a handbook to record the health condition of the mother and baby during pregnancy, after birth, and through infancy. This handbook is　used to record health checkups and vaccinations at medical institutions.
It is available free of charge.

The handbooks are available in ten languages as well as in Japanese.
(English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Nepali)

Assistance for Maternal Health Examinations

During pregnancy, it is recommended that the mother and baby undergo regular checkups at a clinic to monitor their health.
Most of the costs for this health screening are covered by subsidies.
Some additional tests and other tests requested by the individual are at their own expense.

Consultation with public health nurses

If you have any concerns or worries about pregnancy or childcare, you can consult with a public health nurse free of charge.

Child-raising Classes

You can attend classes free of charge where you can learn about childbirth preparation and child- care methods.
This is particularly helpful for parents who are expecting a child for the first time.

[FAQ] What is the cost of a health checkup to be taken during pregnancy?

Financial assistance is available to cover the cost of health examinations during pregnancy. The amount varies according to the local government.
The amount you must pay by yourself will be lower because of the assistance. However, if you want to take a test that is not covered by municipal assistance, you may have to pay an additional fee.
 
For example, Tokyo supports up to fourteen health examinations during pregnancy at public cost. If you wish to undergo further examinations or special tests, you must pay for them yourself.

出典：東京都福祉局　妊娠が分かったら

You can find out more about this kind of information on the website of the municipality in which you live or by visiting the office directly for consultation.

Post-delivery Support

After the birth of the baby, there is a wide range of support available.

Visits by public health nurses and certified midwives

After the birth, a public health nurse or certified midwife will visit your home to check how the baby is being cared for and how the mother's body is recovering.
At that time, you can also ask for advice on childcare.

Child Care Assistance Classes

Classes to learn about childcare are offered in many cities and towns.
By participating in this program, you can solve your concerns about childcare and deepen your friendship with other parents.

Allowances and Support Received While Raising a Child

Child Allowance

The allowance is paid annually until the child graduates from junior high school.

Source：児童手当制度のご案内｜こども家庭庁 （※2024年5月時点）
 
The highest allowance is set from age 0 to the beginning of elementary school.
From age 3 until the end of elementary school, the usual fee is 10,000 yen, but for the third child the fee is 15,000 yen.

Free daycare and kindergarten

Free nursery school and kindergarten for children aged 3 to 5 years old. (*Kindergarten is capped at 25,700 yen per month)
There are also additional costs such as school lunches that are required separately.

Source：幼児教育・保育の無償化概要｜こども家庭庁

Childcare Leave Benefits

A portion of your income will be paid while you are absent from work due to childcare. You must apply for this service at the company where you work.
Reference:厚生労働省　育児休業制度　特設サイト

Housing Assistance

Some municipalities offer cheaper housing or subsidize housing costs for families who are raising children.

Lastly

In Japan, there are several types of support available not only during pregnancy but also after the birth of a child.
These are designed to minimize concerns and financial burdens during pregnancy and while raising a child.
You may be busy after the birth of your child, but please make sure to submit the birth certificate, apply for status of residence, and register in your home country in Japan.

More infomation：出入国在留管理庁「生活・就労ガイドブック第4章」P39-48