🍼 Birth Procedures in Japan for Foreigners – Full Updated Guide
If you’re a foreigner living in Japan and expecting a child, this guide will walk you through all essential procedures after childbirth, including birth registration, passport application, residence status, health insurance, and child allowance. Everything is explained clearly, step-by-step, and in compliance with current regulations.
✅ Step 1: Receive Birth Certificate (出生証明書)
Immediately after birth, the hospital will issue a birth certificate (出生証明書). This document is required for both Japanese birth registration and applying for your baby’s passport.
- Hospitals usually issue only one original copy. You must request more if needed.
- Request 2 copies in advance: one for city hall (市役所/区役所), and one for your embassy.
🏛️ Step 2: Register Birth at Japanese City Hall (出生届)
Deadline: Within 14 days from the date of birth
Documents required:
- Original birth certificate
- Birth registration form (出生届)
- Parents’ passports and residence cards
- Mother and Child Handbook (母子手帳), personal seal (inkan)
Recommended extras:
- 2 copies of Birth Registration Acceptance Certificate (出生届受理証明書)
- 2 copies of Resident Record (住民票) including the baby
🌐 Step 3: Report Birth & Apply for Passport at Your Embassy
Purpose: To register your baby’s nationality and apply for a passport from your home country.
Documents generally required:
- Original Japanese birth certificate
- Resident record (住民票)
- Parents’ passports and residence cards
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Baby’s photo (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Application forms for birth registration and passport
Note: Some embassies require originals or notarized translations. Check with your embassy beforehand.
🛂 Step 4: Apply for Baby’s Residence Status (在留資格取得許可申請)
Deadline: Within 30 days from birth
Where: Immigration Bureau (入国管理局)
Documents required:
- Japanese birth certificate + translation if needed
- Resident record of baby and parents
- Parents’ passports and residence cards
- Proof of employment and income (or bank savings)
- Letter of guarantee + application form
Outcome: Baby will receive their own residence card (在留カード)
💳 Step 5: Register for Health Insurance & Child Allowance
Where: City hall
💠 National Health Insurance (健康保険)
- Add the baby to the parent’s insurance plan
💠 Infant Medical Subsidy (乳幼児医療費助成制度)
- Apply for free medical certificate (医療証) for subsidized treatment
💠 Child Allowance (児童手当)
- Apply within 15 days of birth
- Allowance amount:
- 0–3 years old: ¥15,000/month
- 3–12 years old: ¥10,000–15,000/month depending on number of children
📊 Summary Timeline
| Procedure | Deadline | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Receive birth certificate | Immediately after birth | Hospital |
| Register birth (出生届) | Within 14 days | City hall |
| Embassy birth report & passport | As soon as possible | Your embassy |
| Apply for residence status | Within 30 days | Immigration Bureau |
| Insurance & allowance | After receiving resident record | City hall |
❓ FAQs
Does a baby born in Japan automatically get Japanese nationality?
No. Nationality is based on parentage, not place of birth.
Can I apply for a passport before registering the birth?
No. You must first register the birth in Japan.
What if I miss the 14-day birth registration deadline?
You may be fined but can still register the birth with a written explanation.
✅ Conclusion
Giving birth in Japan comes with many support systems, but also legal responsibilities. Follow this checklist carefully and complete each step on time to ensure your child’s legal status and access to benefits both in Japan and your home country.
📌 Website: https://momonihongo.com
📥 Need sample forms or a checklist PDF? Contact us at: https://momonihongo.com/lien-he