Visaの種類

Detailed explanation of Visaの種類 based on official information from 厚生労働省・日本年金機構. Income Tax & Tax Filing

Published: January 12, 2026

Title: Understanding Labor Insurance (Workers' Accident Compensation & Employment Insurance) for Foreign Nationals with Japanese Visas

1. Overview

Labor Insurance (労働保険, Rōdō Hoken) in Japan is a mandatory public insurance system that combines two key components: Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance (労災保険, Rōsai Hoken) and Employment Insurance (雇用保険, Koyō Hoken). For foreign nationals working in Japan under a valid visa, enrollment in this system is a critical legal requirement and a fundamental aspect of their social security protection.

  • Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance provides benefits for work-related injuries, illnesses, commuting accidents, and even death. It covers medical expenses, disability pensions, and survivor benefits.
  • Employment Insurance provides a safety net in case of unemployment, offering benefits like the Basic Allowance for job seekers. It also supports continuous employment through programs for the elderly and child-rearing, and promotes skill development.

The importance for visa holders cannot be overstated. Proper enrollment and premium payment are directly linked to compliance with the conditions of your status of residence (visa). Failure to enroll can lead to legal penalties for the employer and jeopardize the employee's visa status. Furthermore, it ensures access to essential benefits that protect against risks inherent in employment and unemployment.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

  • Who it Applies To: Virtually all employees working in Japan, regardless of nationality, visa type (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, Intra-company Transferee, etc.), or contract type (full-time, part-time, fixed-term), are covered by Labor Insurance if they meet certain criteria. The primary responsibility for enrollment and premium payment lies with the employer.
    • Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance: Applies to all employees.
    • Employment Insurance: Generally applies to employees who are hired for a period expected to be 31 days or longer and work for 20 hours or more per week. There are specific rules for certain industries and part-time workers.
  • When It's Needed:
    • Starting a New Job: The employer must enroll the employee from their first day of work.
    • Annual Renewal Process: Labor Insurance premiums are calculated and finalized annually in a process called the "Rōdō Hoken no Shūshi (年度更新)."
    • When Leaving a Job: The employer processes the separation, which affects Employment Insurance eligibility.
    • In Case of a Work Accident or Unemployment: The employee files a claim to receive benefits.

3. Core Conclusions

  • Labor Insurance is mandatory, not optional. Employers are legally obligated to enroll their employees.
  • Premiums are shared between the employer and employee (for Employment Insurance; Workers' Accident Compensation is typically employer-paid). The exact calculation is based on total annual wages and industry-specific rates.
  • Proper management of Labor Insurance is a key factor in immigration compliance. Discrepancies can arise during visa renewal applications if insurance records do not match employment history.
  • Foreign nationals have the same rights and obligations as Japanese nationals under this system.
  • The employee's insurance history, particularly for Employment Insurance, directly impacts eligibility and the amount of unemployment benefits (Basic Allowance).

4. Procedures & Steps

The employer is primarily responsible for these procedures. However, employees should understand the process and ensure their employer is compliant.

Step 1: Preparation (by Employer)

  • When hiring a new employee, the employer must determine the applicable insurance coverage based on contract duration and weekly working hours.
  • The employer gathers necessary information from the employee, including their name, address, date of birth, and start date.
  • The employer prepares the "Notification of Eligibility Acquisition" (資格取得届, Shikaku Shutoku Todoke).

Step 2: Application & Submission (by Employer)

  • The employer submits the "Notification of Eligibility Acquisition" to the nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office (for Workers' Accident Compensation) and Hello Work (Public Employment Service Office) (for Employment Insurance).
  • This submission must be made within 10 days of the employee's start date.
  • For the annual premium calculation and finalization, the employer submits the "Labor Insurance Annual Return" (労働保険概算・確定保険料申告書) to the relevant agency.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • The government agencies review the submissions.
  • The employer receives a Labor Insurance Number (労働保険番号) for the establishment.
  • Employees can confirm their Employment Insurance enrollment by checking their "Employment Insurance Certificate" (雇用保険被保険者証, Koyō Hoken Hihokensha-shō), which the employer is required to provide. For Workers' Compensation, confirmation is typically through pay slips showing premium deductions or direct communication with the employer.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: As a foreign worker, am I eligible for unemployment benefits in Japan? A: Yes, if you are enrolled in Employment Insurance, lose your job through no serious fault of your own (e.g., not due to gross misconduct), and meet certain conditions such as having been insured and paid premiums for at least 6 months in the 12 months prior to unemployment, you are eligible to apply for the Basic Allowance at Hello Work.

Q2: What should I do if my employer is not enrolling me in Labor Insurance? A: This is a serious violation. You should first consult with your employer. If unresolved, you can seek advice or file a report with the nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office. Non-enrollment risks your legal protection and visa status.

Q3: Does Labor Insurance cover me if I have a side job (副業, fukugyō)? A: Each employment relationship is assessed separately. If your side job meets the criteria (duration, hours), that employer is also obligated to enroll you. Premiums are calculated separately for each job.

Q4: I am on a "Technical Intern Training" or "Specified Skilled Worker" visa. Am I covered? A: Yes. Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers are explicitly covered under Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance. They are also generally covered by Employment Insurance if they meet the standard criteria.

Q5: How are the insurance premiums calculated? A: Premium rates vary by industry and are applied to the employee's total annual wages. For Employment Insurance, the premium is shared between employer and employee (the employee's portion is deducted from salary). For Workers' Accident Compensation, the premium is generally 100% borne by the employer. Please verify specific rates with official sources as they are subject to change.

Q6: What happens to my Labor Insurance when I change jobs? A: Your previous employer will file a "Notification of Loss of Eligibility" (資格喪失届). Your new employer must enroll you from your first day. Your Employment Insurance eligibility period is cumulative across employers.

Q7: Where can I get forms or more information in English? A: The Japan Pension Service (which handles annual premium collection) and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) provide some guidance in multiple languages. However, the primary administrative language is Japanese, and employers are responsible for handling procedures.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • For Employees: Working without proper Labor Insurance enrollment leaves you financially vulnerable in case of injury or job loss. It is a red flag for immigration authorities and may lead to visa non-renewal or revocation.
  • For Employers: Failure to enroll employees can result in significant penalties, including back payment of premiums with interest, fines, and even criminal charges in severe cases. It also damages the company's reputation and ability to hire foreign talent.
  • Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on publicly available official information. Immigration and labor laws are complex and subject to change. Individuals and employers should always consult with the relevant government agencies, a licensed social labor consultant (社会保険労務士, Shakai Hoken Rōmushi), or an immigration lawyer for advice on specific cases.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Japan's National Pension & Health Insurance: Information on the broader social insurance system.
  • Visa Renewal Process in Japan: How employment and insurance records impact renewal.
  • Withholding Tax (Income Tax & Resident Tax) in Japan: Understanding other mandatory salary deductions.
  • Changing Jobs in Japan (Job Separation Procedures): Proper steps to ensure insurance continuity.
← Back to Knowledge Base
Get StartedGet Quote