Application手続き

Detailed explanation of Application手続き based on official information from 厚生労働省・日本年金機構. Income Tax & Tax Filing

Published: January 12, 2026

Application Procedures for Labor Insurance in Japan

1. Overview

Labor Insurance (労働保険, Rōdo Hoken) in Japan is a mandatory, government-administered insurance system that combines two primary components: Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance (労働者災害補償保険, Rōdōsha Saigai Hoshō Hoken) and Employment Insurance (雇用保険, Koyō Hoken). Its primary purpose is to protect workers by providing benefits for work-related injuries, illnesses, unemployment, and support for childcare/family care leave. For employers, it is a legal obligation to enroll in this system when hiring even one employee. Proper application and management are crucial for legal compliance and ensuring a safety net for the workforce.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

  • Applicable Employers: All businesses and organizations in Japan that hire one or more employees, regardless of industry, scale (full-time, part-time), or nationality of the worker. This includes corporations, individual proprietorships, and specific legal entities.
  • Applicable Employees: Generally, all workers receiving wages are covered. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and dispatched workers. There are specific criteria for different insurance types (e.g., Employment Insurance typically applies to those working 20 hours or more per week and expected to be employed for 31 days or more).
  • Key Scenarios Requiring Application:
    • Starting a new business that hires employees.
    • Hiring the first employee in an existing business that previously had none.
    • Expanding operations that change the business's insurance circumstances.
    • Corporate restructuring (e.g., mergers, splits) that creates a new employing entity.

3. Core Conclusions

  • Enrollment in Labor Insurance is a legal requirement, not optional.
  • The responsibility for application and premium payment lies solely with the employer.
  • The application process is managed through the Labor Standards Inspection Office and the Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office).
  • Timely application is critical; delays can result in penalties and back payments.
  • Insurance premiums are calculated based on total annual wages and the industry's hazard rate; both employer and employee share the cost for Employment Insurance, while the employer bears the full cost for Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

Gather the necessary documents and information before visiting the relevant office.

  • Company Information: Company seal (inkan), certificate of incorporation (Tōki Shōmeisho), and basic company details (address, name, etc.).
  • Representative Information: Personal seal and identification (e.g., My Number Card, driver's license) of the company representative.
  • Employee Information: A list of hired employees, including their names, dates of birth, dates of employment, and expected annual wages.
  • Business Details: Information about the nature of your business operations.

Step 2: Application & Submission

Submit the required forms at the appropriate government office.

  1. Locate the Jurisdictional Office: Identify the Labor Standards Inspection Office (労働基準監督署) that has jurisdiction over your business location.
  2. Submit the "Labor Insurance Coverage Establishment Application": Complete and submit the "Labor Insurance Coverage Establishment Notification" (労働保険関係成立届, Rōdo Hoken Kankei Seiritsu Todoke). This single form establishes both Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance and Employment Insurance relationships.
  3. Submit the "Labor Insurance Premium Payment Application": Complete and submit the "Labor Insurance Insurance Rate Application" (労働保険保険料申告書, Rōdo Hoken Hokenryō Shinkokusho) for the first year. This declares your estimated annual wages, which are used to calculate the initial insurance premiums.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • After processing, you will receive an "Insurance Relation Establishment Notice" (保険関係成立届の受理通知) and a "Labor Insurance Number" (労働保険番号). Safeguard this number, as it is essential for all future procedures.
  • You will later receive a "Labor Insurance Premium Payment Notice" (労働保険料納付告知書) specifying the amount and due date for your premiums. Premiums are generally paid in two installments (annual estimate and final adjustment).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: I only hired one part-time employee. Do I still need to apply? A: Yes. The obligation begins from the moment you hire your first employee, regardless of their employment status (full-time or part-time).

Q2: What is the difference between Labor Insurance and Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken)? A: Labor Insurance (handled by the Labor Standards Inspection Office) covers work accidents and unemployment. Social Insurance (handled by the Japan Pension Service) covers health insurance and pensions. They are separate systems, and employers may have obligations under both.

Q3: When is the deadline for applying after hiring an employee? A: You must apply immediately. The legal requirement is to file the "Labor Insurance Coverage Establishment Notification" without delay upon the relationship being established (i.e., hiring). Delays can lead to penalties.

Q4: How are the insurance premiums calculated? A: Premiums are calculated as a percentage of your total annual wages paid to all employees. The percentage varies by industry for Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance. For Employment Insurance, the rate is determined by the type of business (e.g., general, agriculture, forestry). Please verify the current specific rates with official sources.

Q5: Can I handle the application online? A: For initial establishment, an in-person or mailed submission to the Labor Standards Inspection Office is typically required. Subsequent procedures, like the annual premium adjustment, can often be done online via the e-Gov portal if you have a digital certificate.

Q6: What happens if I don't apply for Labor Insurance? A: Failure to apply is a violation of the law. You may be subject to administrative guidance, orders to apply, payment of back premiums with overdue charges, and potentially fines.

Q7: Are company directors covered by Labor Insurance? A: Directors who do not have an employment contract with the company are generally not considered "workers" under the law and are not covered. However, directors who also serve as employees under a separate contract may be covered.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance. Labor insurance regulations are complex and subject to change. Always consult with the relevant authorities or a qualified social labor consultant (社会保険労務士, Shakai Hoken Rōmushi) for advice specific to your situation.
  • Primary Risk: Non-compliance can lead to significant financial liabilities (back payments plus interest), penalties, and legal action.
  • Key Compliance Points:
    • Apply immediately upon hiring your first employee.
    • Accurately report total annual wages. Underreporting is illegal.
    • Pay insurance premiums by the stipulated due dates.
    • Promptly report any changes in business status (e.g., closure, address change).

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Labor Insurance Premium Calculation (Japan)
  • Employment Insurance Benefits (Japan)
  • Workers' Accident Compensation Benefits (Japan)
  • Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken) Enrollment in Japan
  • Annual Labor Insurance Renewal & Adjustment (Japan)
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