Working
Can I take maternity leave as a foreign worker in Japan?
Yes, eligible foreign employees are generally covered by Japanese leave protections and social-insurance rules on the same basis as other covered workers.
VerifiedExact primary sourceLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Eligibility depends on employment and insurance conditions.
- Immigration status must remain valid.
Documents
- Government-issued ID or provider-required identity documents
Likely cost
No separate government fee merely for having this employment arrangement. If immigration permission/status change is required, the applicable ISA procedure fee applies; tax/social-insurance contributions are separate.
Where to act
Employer/HR first where appropriate; Labour Standards Inspection Office or Prefectural Labour Bureau for labour-rights consultation and enforcement.
Official sources