Childbirth Cost & Benefit Calculator

Eligibility by visa & insurance

• Lump-sum birth allowance (¥500,000): Anyone on Japan's public health insurance (employees' health insurance OR National Health Insurance). Foreign residents qualify regardless of visa, as long as they're enrolled.
• Maternity allowance: Only employees' health insurance (協会けんぽ・健保組合). Self-employed / National Health Insurance members are NOT eligible.
• Childcare leave benefit: Anyone on employment insurance (雇用保険) who has worked ≥11 days/month for 12 of the past 24 months. Most full-time foreign employees qualify.
• Monthly child allowance: Anyone whose child is a resident of Japan (jūmin-tōroku). Updated 2024-10: now ¥10,000–¥30,000/month until high school graduation, no income cap.

Action checklist for foreign parents

1. Confirm "direct payment" at the hospital: Almost all hospitals accept the lump-sum payment directly. You only pay the difference at checkout.
2. Notify your HR 1-2 months before: They handle the maternity allowance + childcare leave benefit paperwork via your employer.
3. Register the birth within 14 days: At your local ward/city office. Required for child allowance, my-number, and adding the child to your health insurance.
4. Apply for child allowance within 15 days of birth: Late applications cannot be retroactively granted for past months. Loss of up to ¥30,000/month possible if delayed.
5. Add the baby to your insurance immediately: Many countries' medical insurance won't cover Japan-born infants — public health insurance is essential.

If you're considering leaving Japan

All three benefits stop when you cease being a Japan resident. If you plan to return home shortly after birth, time your departure carefully: receiving the lump-sum birth allowance requires being on the insurance at birth. Childcare leave benefits stop the day you leave the country. Consult your HR for the exact dates.