CICan I Japan?
Can I Japan?/Tax & pension/Can I receive social welfare benefits as a foreign resident?
Tax & pension

Can I receive social welfare benefits as a foreign resident?

DEPENDS

Some residence-based benefits are available to eligible foreign residents, but program eligibility varies and certain welfare schemes have distinct legal treatment.

VerifiedPrimary topic verifiedLast checked: 18 Aug 2026

What you need to know

Requirements & exceptions
  • Check the specific benefit and municipality.
Documents
  • My Number/tax ID where applicable
  • Income/payment records
  • Supporting tax/insurance records
Likely cost
Tax filing itself has no government filing fee. Actual tax due depends on income and facts; certificates, translations and professional tax assistance may add costs.
Where to act
National Tax Agency / competent tax office; use e-Tax where eligible. Appoint a tax representative before departure when required.
Official sources
National Tax Agency — Income Tax for ForeignersNational Tax Agency · Official sourceNational Tax Agency — Tax on Non-Resident Individual IncomeNational Tax Agency · Official source

Related questions

CIJ-TAX-001 · Tax & pensionCan I become a Japanese tax resident without permanent residency?CIJ-TAX-002 · Tax & pensionCan I be taxed in Japan on overseas income?CIJ-TAX-003 · Tax & pensionCan I be taxed in Japan on foreign salary?CIJ-TAX-004 · Tax & pensionCan I be taxed in Japan on remote-work income?CIJ-TAX-005 · Tax & pensionCan I be taxed in Japan on freelance income from overseas clients?CIJ-TAX-006 · Tax & pensionCan I be taxed in Japan on dividends from overseas?