Nagoya

1. Financial Support Programs in Nagoya

The Nagoya City Government offers various financial support programs to assist residents, including low-income households, families with children, and individuals facing financial difficulties. Here are the key programs:

a. Welfare Assistance (Seikatsu Hogo)

• What it is: A program to support low-income individuals and families who cannot meet basic living expenses.
• Eligibility: Residents of Nagoya with low or no income, limited savings, and no other means of support.
• Types of Assistance:
  • Living expenses
  • Housing assistance
  • Medical expenses
  • Educational support for children
• How to Apply:
  • Visit your local Ward Office (区役所, Kuyakusho).
  • Bring identification (Residence Card for expatriates), proof of income, and any relevant documents.
  • An interview and assessment will be conducted to determine eligibility.
• Cost: Free to apply.
• Considerations: The process can take time, and you may need to provide detailed financial information.

b. Child Allowance (Jidō Teate)

• What it is: Financial support for families raising children under 15 years old.
• Eligibility: Parents or guardians residing in Nagoya with children under 15.
• Amount:
  • ¥10,000–¥15,000 per child per month, depending on the child’s age and household income.
• How to Apply:
  • Submit an application at your local Ward Office.
  • Required documents: Residence Card, proof of income, and bank account details for payments.
• Cost: Free to apply.
• Considerations: Payments are made quarterly, so plan accordingly.

c. Housing Assistance

• What it is: Subsidized housing programs for low-income residents.
• Eligibility: Residents with limited income who meet specific criteria.
• How to Apply:
  • Applications are handled by the Nagoya City Housing Corporation (名古屋市住宅供給公社).
  • Visit their office or website for details on available housing and application deadlines.
• Cost: Application fees may apply, depending on the program.
• Location: Nagoya City Housing Corporation Office, located in Naka Ward.

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2. Local Taxes in Nagoya

Residents of Nagoya are required to pay local taxes, which fund public services such as education, infrastructure, and welfare programs. Here’s what you need to know:

a. Types of Local Taxes

1. Resident Tax (住民税, Jūminzei):

   • Paid by all residents, including expatriates who have lived in Japan for more than one year.
   • Calculated based on your income from the previous year.
   • Divided into two parts: a flat-rate portion and an income-based portion.
   • Payment is typically made in four installments (June, August, October, and January).

2. Fixed Asset Tax (固定資産税, Kotei Shisanzei):

   • Applicable to property owners in Nagoya.
   • Paid annually, based on the value of the property.

3. Light Vehicle Tax (軽自動車税, Kei Jidōsha Zei):

   • Paid by owners of small vehicles or motorcycles.

b. How to Pay Local Taxes

• Payment Methods:
  • At convenience stores (for smaller amounts).
  • At banks or post offices.
  • Online via credit card or bank transfer.
• Where to Get Tax Information:
  • Visit the Tax Division (税務課, Zeimu-ka) at your local Ward Office.
  • For expatriates, English-speaking staff may be available at larger Ward Offices or the Nagoya International Center.
• Considerations:
  • Ensure you register your address at the Ward Office to receive tax notices.
  • Late payments may incur penalties.

c. Tax Consultation Services

• What it is: Free or low-cost tax consultation services for residents, including expatriates.
• Where to Access:
  • Nagoya International Center (provides multilingual support).
  • Local Ward Offices.
• Cost: Free for basic consultations.

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3. Budgeting and Financial Planning Assistance

Nagoya City provides resources to help residents manage their finances effectively.

a. Consumer Affairs Center (消費生活センター, Shōhi Seikatsu Sentā)

• What it is: A government-run center offering advice on financial planning, consumer rights, and avoiding scams.
• Services:
  • Budgeting advice.
  • Assistance with financial disputes (e.g., contracts, loans).
• Location: Nagoya City Consumer Affairs Center, located in Naka Ward.
• Cost: Free.
• How to Access:
  • Walk-in consultations or appointments.
  • Multilingual support may be available.

b. Nagoya International Center (NIC)

• What it is: A hub for expatriates offering various services, including financial advice and workshops.
• Services:
  • Seminars on managing finances in Japan.
  • Guidance on local taxes and banking.
• Location: Near Nagoya Station.
• Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on the service.
• Considerations: Check their website for event schedules and language availability.

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4. Specific Local Programs for Residents and Expatriates

Nagoya City has tailored programs to support its diverse population, including expatriates.

a. Multilingual Support for Financial Services

• What it is: Assistance for non-Japanese speakers in accessing financial services and understanding local systems.
• Where to Access:
  • Nagoya International Center.
  • Larger Ward Offices (e.g., Naka Ward Office).
• Cost: Free.

b. Emergency Financial Assistance

• What it is: Short-term loans or grants for residents facing sudden financial crises (e.g., job loss, medical emergencies).
• How to Apply:
  • Contact the Welfare Division (福祉課, Fukushi-ka) at your Ward Office.
  • Provide documentation of your financial situation.
• Cost: Free to apply.

c. Support for Entrepreneurs

• What it is: Financial and advisory support for starting a business in Nagoya.
• Services:
  • Low-interest loans.
  • Business planning workshops.
• Where to Access:
  • Nagoya City Industrial Promotion Corporation (名古屋市産業振興公社).
• Cost: Varies depending on the program.

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5. Locations and Contact Information

Here are some key locations for accessing financial and local government services in Nagoya:

Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho)

• Each ward in Nagoya has its own office where residents can access services.
• Example: Naka Ward Office (中区役所)
  • Address: 1-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 AM–5:15 PM.
  • Closed on weekends and public holidays.

Nagoya International Center (NIC)

• Address: 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya.
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Website: www.nic-nagoya.or.jp

Nagoya City Consumer Affairs Center

• Address: 1-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya.
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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Final Considerations

• Language Barrier: While many services are available in Japanese, the Nagoya International Center and some Ward Offices provide multilingual support.
• Documentation: Always bring your Residence Card, My Number Card (if applicable), and proof of income or residence when accessing services.
• Cultural Nuances: Be polite and patient during consultations, as processes may take time.

By utilizing these resources, you can effectively manage your finances and access the support you need while living in Nagoya.