Social Security in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners

This article describes the social security system in Japan.

The social insurance system is complex, so only the minimum necessary information is presented.

This information will be useful for both those who want to work in Japan and those who are already working in Japan.

*Based on information as of March 2024.

About Japan's Social Security System

A social security system is a system to support people's lives.
All residents of Japan, including foreigners as well as Japanese, are eligible for the system.

Japan's social security system consists of four systems.

Social Insurance

 This is a system that provides necessary money and services when life becomes unstable due to injury, illness, unemployment, childbirth, etc.

Social Welfare

 Social welfare is a system to ensure that the elderly, people with disabilities, and people living in single-parent households can live with peace of mind.
 Welfare services include the establishment of daycare centers and nursing homes, and the provision of child allowances.

Public Assistance

 Public assistance is a system to protect people who are unable to make ends meet due to various reasons.
 There is a public assistance system.

Health Care and Public Health (Health Care and Public Health)

 These systems are designed to prevent disease, ensure food safety, and maintain people's health.
 Services include health checkups and vaccinations.

(Source: 厚生労働省「厚生労働省　社会保障とは何か」)

Learn more about Social Insurance

Among social security systems, "Social Insurance" is one that foreigners often see when living in Japan.
All residents in Japan are required to join the social insurance system and pay premiums.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is insurance against illness and injury.

People who work for a company are enrolled in a " Health Insurance" plan. Premiums are deducted from monthly wages.

The company pays half of your premium.

Those who do not work for a company are enrolled in the government's "National Health Insurance" program and pay all insurance premiums.

International students living in Japan are enrolled in the National Health Insurance system.

Labor insurance

"Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance" and "Employment Insurance".

Labor insurance provides coverage for work-related illness, injury, and unemployment.

This is an important system for people working in Japan and will be explained in detail later.

Annuity Insurance

Annuities are insurance policies that provide for the eventuality of old age or disability.

Most people who work for a company are enrolled in the "Employees' Pension Plan" and the premiums are deducted from your salary.

The company pays half of your employee pension.

Those who do not work for a company are enrolled in the government's "National Pension Plan" and pay all insurance premiums.

Nursing Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is insurance that covers you in case you grow old and need long-term care.

At age 40, everyone must purchase long-term care insurance.

Services are available to those 65 years of age or older when long-term care becomes necessary.

(Source：厚生労働省「厚生労働省　社会保障とは何か」）

Workers' Compensation Insurance and Unemployment Insurance

Among social insurances, "labor insurance" (workers' accident compensation insurance and unemployment insurance) is important for those who work.

Foreign nationals working in Japan should familiarize themselves with this system.

There are two types of labor insurance: workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Worker's Accident Compensation Insurance

This system pays medical expenses and salary during absence from work in the event that a company employee is injured or becomes ill on the job or while commuting to work.

All full-time, part-time, and part-time employees are eligible, regardless of their employment status.

Insurance premiums are paid by the company.

Employment Insurance

This insurance is designed to stabilize the lives of those who have lost their jobs or whose circumstances make it difficult for them to continue working and to enable them to find employment again.

You will receive a certain amount of money.

Premiums are paid by the company and the employee.

The employee's portion will be deducted from his/her salary and paid on his/her behalf by the company.

(Source:厚生労働省「労働保険とは」）

Support services available to foreigners

If you need help or have any questions, use the following services.

And lastly

Do you understand Japan's social security system?

You may feel that Japan has a variety of systems and structures that are complicated.

However, with a good understanding and correct use, you will be able to lead a stable life.

If you have any questions or problems, take advantage of support services for foreigners.