Global Major Cities Guide

Access to municipal services, utilities, and guidance on setting up essential services for daily life.

Sections

1. Healthcare Benefits

National Health Insurance (NHI)

Overview: All residents of Japan, including foreign residents staying for more than three months, are required to enroll in health insurance. The National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is available for those not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance.
Coverage: Covers 70% of medical costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and some dental care. The remaining 30% is paid out-of-pocket.
Costs: Premiums are based on your income and household size. For low-income individuals, subsidies may be available.
Application Procedure:
1. Register your residence at the local ward office (区役所, kuyakusho).
2. Apply for NHI at the same office by providing your residence card, passport, and proof of address.
3. You will receive a health insurance card (保険証, hokensho) to use at medical facilities.
Local Considerations: Nagoya has many hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Check with the Nagoya International Center for a list of such facilities.

Medical Expense Subsidies for Children

Overview: Nagoya provides subsidies to reduce the medical costs for children up to high school age.
Coverage: Parents pay a small co-payment, and the city covers the rest.
Application Procedure: Apply at your local ward office with your child’s health insurance card and proof of residence.

2. Childcare and Family Benefits

Child Allowance (児童手当, Jido Teate)

Overview: Financial support for families with children under 15 years old.
Amount: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per child per month, depending on the child’s age and household income.
Application Procedure:
1. Apply at your local ward office after registering your residence.
2. Submit your residence card, proof of income, and bank account details for direct deposit.
Local Considerations: Payments are made quarterly, so plan your finances accordingly.

Daycare Subsidies

Overview: Nagoya offers subsidies for daycare (保育園, hoikuen) fees for working parents or those unable to care for their children during the day.
Costs: Fees are income-based, and subsidies can significantly reduce costs.
Application Procedure:
1. Apply for daycare placement through the ward office.
2. Submit proof of employment or other qualifying documents.
3. Once approved, subsidies are automatically applied to your daycare fees.

3. Housing Benefits

Public Housing (市営住宅, Shiei Jutaku)

Overview: Nagoya provides affordable public housing for low-income residents, including foreign nationals.
Eligibility: Income limits apply, and priority is given to families, elderly residents, and those with disabilities.
Costs: Rent is significantly lower than market rates and is based on household income.
Application Procedure:
1. Applications are accepted during specific periods (usually twice a year).
2. Submit an application form, proof of income, and residence documents to the Nagoya Housing Corporation.
3. Housing is allocated via a lottery system.
Local Considerations: Public housing is in high demand, so consider private rental options as a backup.

Rental Assistance

Overview: For those struggling to pay rent, Nagoya offers temporary rental assistance.
Application Procedure: Contact the welfare division at your local ward office for details.

4. Employment and Financial Assistance

Unemployment Insurance (雇用保険, Koyo Hoken)

Overview: If you lose your job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you have been paying into the system.
Coverage: Provides a percentage of your previous salary for a limited period.
Application Procedure:
1. Register at the Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work).
2. Submit proof of employment history and residence.
3. Attend job-seeking activities as required.
Local Considerations: Hello Work Nagoya has English-speaking staff to assist foreign residents.

Livelihood Protection (生活保護, Seikatsu Hogo)

Overview: For residents facing severe financial hardship, the city offers livelihood protection to cover basic living expenses.
Eligibility: Strict income and asset limits apply.
Application Procedure:
1. Visit the welfare division at your local ward office.
2. Submit detailed financial information and undergo an assessment.
Local Considerations: This is a last-resort benefit and may require you to actively seek employment or other forms of support.

5. Education Benefits

School Expense Subsidies

Overview: Financial assistance for families with children in public elementary and junior high schools.
Coverage: Covers school supplies, lunches, and other educational expenses.
Application Procedure:
1. Apply through your child’s school or the local ward office.
2. Submit proof of income and residence.
Local Considerations: Public schools in Nagoya are free, but additional costs (e.g., uniforms, trips) can add up, making this subsidy valuable.

Japanese Language Education

Overview: Free or low-cost Japanese language classes are available for foreign residents to help them integrate.
Application Procedure: Contact the Nagoya International Center or your local ward office for class schedules and registration.

6. Senior and Disability Benefits

Elderly Care Services

Overview: Nagoya provides subsidized home care, nursing services, and day services for elderly residents.
Application Procedure: Apply through the welfare division at your local ward office.

Disability Support

Overview: Financial and practical support for residents with disabilities, including medical subsidies, transportation discounts, and employment assistance.
Application Procedure: Register as a person with a disability at your local ward office and provide medical certification.

7. Cultural and Community Support

Nagoya International Center (NIC)

Overview: The NIC offers free consultations, multilingual support, and information on public benefits for foreign residents.
Services: Legal advice, housing assistance, and cultural orientation programs.
Costs: Free.
Local Considerations: The NIC is a valuable resource for navigating life in Nagoya as a foreigner.

General Application Tips

Documents Needed: Always bring your residence card, passport, proof of income, and bank account details when applying for benefits.
Language Support: Many ward offices have multilingual staff or translation services. The Nagoya International Center can also assist with language barriers.
Cultural Considerations: Punctuality and thoroughness are important when dealing with Japanese bureaucracy. Ensure all forms are completed accurately and on time.

By taking advantage of these public benefits, you can ease your transition to life in Nagoya and enjoy the city’s excellent public services. If you need further assistance, the Nagoya International Center is an excellent starting point for personalized guidance.

Nagoya

Public Services