Congratulations on the arrival of your baby here in Japan! It’s a truly special time. As foreign national parents, you’ll find there are a few important administrative steps ahead, involving Japanese authorities (like your local municipal office and the Immigration Bureau) and potentially your home country’s embassy.

This guide is here to walk you through the essential procedures clearly – covering everything from the initial Birth Registration to your baby’s crucial Status of Residence application – so you know exactly what to expect and can navigate the process smoothly.

 

Essential Procedures After Your Baby is Born in Japan

When your baby is born in Japan, there are several important administrative procedures you need to complete. These involve both Japanese authorities and potentially your home country’s embassy or consulate.

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

 

1．Birth Registration (出生届 – Shussei Todoke)

What: This officially registers your baby’s birth with the Japanese government.

Where: Your local municipal office (e.g., City Hall – 市役所, Shiyakusho; Ward Office – 区役所, Kuyakusho) covering the area where the baby was born or where you reside.

When: Within 14 days of the baby’s birth.

Needed: Birth Notification form (usually includes a Birth Certificate section filled out by the hospital/doctor), Mother and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳 – Boshi Kenko Techo), ID of the person submitting the form (parent), Personal seal (印鑑 – Inkan), if you use one.

Outcome: You’ll receive documents like a Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Registration (出生届受理証明書 – Shussei Todoke Juri Shomeisho), which you’ll need for other procedures.

 

 

2. Procedures at Your Local Municipal Office 

These applications are usually handled at your local municipal office, often at the same time or shortly after the Birth Registration.

a) Health Insurance Enrollment (健康保険 – Kenko Hoken):

What: Enrolling your baby in Japan’s health insurance system. This could be National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 – Kokumin Kenko Hoken) or Employee Health Insurance (社会保険 – Shakai Hoken) if you are enrolled through your employer.

Where: Municipal Office (for NHI) or through your employer (for Shakai Hoken). Check with the office/employer for specifics.

When: As soon as possible after birth registration.

Needed: Parent’s health insurance card, ID, Boshi Kenko Techo, possibly the Birth Acceptance Certificate.

 

b) Child Allowance Application (児童手当 – Jido Teate):

What: Applying for a monthly financial allowance provided by the government for raising a child.

Where: Municipal Office.

When: Apply promptly, ideally within 15 days of birth, to receive payment starting from the following month.

Needed: Applicant’s ID, bank book (to receive payments), health insurance card, My Number information, personal seal (if applicable). Requirements can vary slightly by municipality.

 

c) Child Medical Expense Subsidy (子ども医療費助成 – Kodomo Iryohi Josei):

What: Applying for a subsidy that reduces the co-payment for your child’s medical expenses. Procedures and coverage vary by municipality.

Where: Municipal Office.

When: Usually applied for alongside health insurance enrollment and Child Allowance.

Needed: Similar documents as for Child Allowance and Health Insurance.

 

 

3. Application for Status of Residence

What: This is crucial. You must apply for your baby’s legal status to live in Japan. The baby does not automatically get Japanese nationality unless one parent is Japanese.

Where: The Regional Immigration Services Bureau that covers your area of residence.

When: Within 30 days of the baby’s birth. This is a strict deadline. (Note: If the baby leaves Japan within 60 days of birth, this application might not be necessary, but verify this with Immigration).

Needed: The required documents depend on the status of residence your baby is applying for.　For more details, please check with the immigration office or consult your immigration lawyer.

Outcome: Your baby will be granted a status of residence (often “Dependent”).

 

 

4. Procedures at Your Home Country’s Embassy/Consulate

What: You likely need to register your baby’s birth with your home country to establish their citizenship and potentially apply for their passport.

Where: The Embassy or Consulate of your home country in Japan.

When: Check with your specific embassy/consulate as deadlines and procedures vary greatly by country.

Needed: Requirements vary widely. Typically includes Japanese birth registration documents (like the Juri Shomeisho or Kisai Jiko Shomeisho), parents’ passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate (if applicable), and specific application forms. Contact your embassy/consulate directly for details.

 

Important Notes:

• Deadlines are critical, especially for Birth Registration (14 days) and Status of Residence (30 days).
• Keep originals and copies of all documents.
• Requirements can vary slightly between municipalities and depend on your specific situation (e.g., visa status, employment).
• Always verify the latest information and required documents directly with the relevant office (Municipal Office, Immigration Bureau, your Embassy/Consulate) before visiting.

Welcoming your baby in Japan is a wonderful time! Amidst the joy, remember those key deadlines: 14 days for Birth Registration and 30 days for the crucial Status of Residence application at the Immigration Bureau.

While this guide outlines the steps, procedures can vary slightly. Always double-check the latest requirements with your local municipal office, the Immigration Bureau, and your embassy.

The Status of Residence process, in particular, requires careful attention. If you’d like expert support to ensure everything goes smoothly with the immigration procedures for your newborn, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

We wish you all the best and much happiness with your growing family!