Employment insurance & unemployment benefits
Alongside health and pension, most employees in Japan pay into employment insurance (koyou hoken). Its headline benefit is the one that matters if a job ends: the basic allowance, an unemployment benefit you claim at Hello Work. Here’s who’s covered and how it works, from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Hello Work.
Who must be enrolled
“Insured worker for employment insurance should fulfill all the requirements below: 1. Work for more than 20 hours a week 2. Expected to be employed for more than 31 days” (MHLW)
This applies regardless of nationality:
“…a worker will be, regardless of his/her nationality (including those with no nationality) insurance beneficiary, and will receive a certificate of insurance through his/her employer.” (MHLW / Hello Work)
If you meet the test and your employer hasn’t enrolled you, Hello Work’s own advice is to check with the company.
Who pays
“For the employment insurance, the premium is shared by both the business operator and the worker.” (MHLW)
Your share is a statutory deduction from your salary, alongside tax and health insurance. (Workers’ accident insurance, by contrast, is fully employer-paid.) We don’t quote a specific rate here — it changes; confirm the current figure with your employer.
The basic allowance: who qualifies
“Unemployment benefits (basic allowance)… are provided to the insured when they become unemployed so that they can concentrate on finding new jobs… unemployment benefits are not paid to those who are reemployed immediately… or who are unable to work in immediate future because of an illness, injury, pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, etc.” (MHLW)
So the benefit is for people who are able and willing to work and actively job-hunting — not a payout on leaving as such. Eligibility also depends on your insured period:
“In principle, the period covered… is more than 12 months in total, within two years before his/her resignation. (However, when resignation is due to bankruptcy or dismissal, etc., the period may be more than six months in total within a year prior to resignation.)” (MHLW)
How to claim: Hello Work
“After the resignation, bring the following items to the PESO of your district and apply for a job. Separation notice (provided by the employer after resignation…)” (MHLW)
“Generally, go to Hello Work once every four weeks, fill in your ‘unemployment certification report,’ and report the status on your job search… Once your unemployment is verified, money will be deposited into your bank account within about one week.” (MHLW / Hello Work)
For foreign residents
“Your valid employment in Japan depends on your status of residence. Please check your status of residence on your residence card.” (MHLW / Hello Work)
You’re covered like anyone else, but your residence status governs whether — and in what field — you can take the next job. See our work status & changing jobs guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is employment insurance compulsory for foreign workers?
Yes, in principle. Any worker — Japanese or foreign — who works more than 20 hours a week and is expected to be employed for more than 31 days must be enrolled by their employer (MHLW). Narrow exceptions exist, e.g. some under-20-hour part-timers and those covered by an equivalent foreign scheme.
Who pays the premium?
Unlike workers’ accident insurance (fully employer-paid), employment insurance premiums are shared between employer and employee, with your share deducted from wages alongside tax and health insurance (MHLW). Exact rates change — check the current figure with your employer.
How long must I have been insured to get the basic allowance?
As a rule, at least 12 months of coverage within the 2 years before losing your job. If you left because of bankruptcy or dismissal, the requirement drops to 6 months within the previous year (MHLW).
Where do I claim?
At the Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work / PESO) covering your address, bringing your separation notice and ID/residence documents. You then generally report back about every 4 weeks to have your unemployment certified before each payment.
Does my residence status matter?
Yes. Foreign workers are enrolled and covered like anyone else, but Hello Work notes your valid employment in Japan depends on your status of residence — which also governs what jobs you can search for and accept.
Thresholds and rules above are from MHLW / Hello Work official materials (2026-07-13); figures can change. We omit specific premium and benefit amounts, which vary and are updated. This is general information, not individual advice — confirm your own eligibility with Hello Work.
Sources
- MHLW — Enrolling in Labour Insurance (eligibility, premium sharing) (retrieved 2026-07-13)
- MHLW / Hello Work — For Foreign Nationals Wishing to Work in Japan (Unemployment Insurance) (retrieved 2026-07-13)
- MHLW / Hello Work — Checklist for Foreign Nationals Using Hello Work (retrieved 2026-07-13)