Q: What is the maternity leave entitlement in Japan?

In Japan, maternity leave can be taken from 6 weeks before birth (14 weeks in case of multiple babies) and for 8 weeks after giving birth. During this period, a maternity allowance of at least 67% of the average salary over the last 12 months can be received.

Q: How long is maternity leave in Japan?

Maternity Leave in Japan can be up to 14 weeks long . This is the maximum maternity leave entitlement. The time is split into 6 weeks (42 days) before birth and 8 weeks (56 days) after birth . The momma-to-be has to request the start of maternity leave from her employer. This can be done at 6 weeks before the expected due date at the earliest. After birth, momma could return to work, at the earliest, 6 weeks after birth if she wishes to do so and has been cleared to return to work by a doctor. Calculate your individual maternity (and childcare) leave start and end date based on your predicted due date here. (only in Japanese)

Q: How much do you get paid on maternity leave in Japan?

When on Maternity Leave, you will receive at least 67% (2/3) of your average salary over the last 12 months . Depending on your company and your insurance the amount can be higher. Be aware however, that there is a cap on the income To find out exactly how much you will get, plug in your details in this maternity and child care allowance calculator (only in Japanese). Read also ' Don't Miss Out: Complete List of Financial Benefits for Pregnancy, Birth and Child Care '

Question 1

What is the maternity leave entitlement in Japan?

Accepted Answer

In Japan, maternity leave can be taken from 6 weeks before birth (14 weeks in case of multiple babies) and for 8 weeks after giving birth. During this period, a maternity allowance of at least 67% of the average salary over the last 12 months can be received.

Question 2

How long is maternity leave in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Maternity Leave in Japan can be up to 14 weeks long. This is the maximum maternity leave entitlement. The time is split into 6 weeks (42 days) before birth and 8 weeks (56 days) after birth.

The momma-to-be has to request the start of maternity leave from her employer. This can be done at 6 weeks before the expected due date at the earliest. After birth, momma could return to work, at the earliest, 6 weeks after birth if she wishes to do so and has been cleared to return to work by a doctor.

Calculate your individual maternity (and childcare) leave start and end date based on your predicted due date here. (only in Japanese)

Question 3

How much do you get paid on maternity leave in Japan?

Accepted Answer

When on Maternity Leave, you will receive at least 67% (2/3) of your average salary over the last 12 months. Depending on your company and your insurance the amount can be higher. Be aware however, that there is a cap on the income

To find out exactly how much you will get, plug in your details in this maternity and child care allowance calculator (only in Japanese).

Read also 'Don't Miss Out: Complete List of Financial Benefits for Pregnancy, Birth and Child Care'

Question 4

When is the maternity allowance in Japan paid?

Accepted Answer

Your company can apply for the maternity allowance only at the end of your maternity leave. The Health Insurance Union has to be able to confirm the end of your maternity leave. As payslips are often issued later in the months this might delay the application further from the end of your maternity leave.

Upon receiving the application, the Health Insurance Union will confirm your data and information before paying out. In general, they say the payment will be done 1-1.5 months after the application has been filed.

Therefore, the maternity allowance payment is delayed by about 4 months after the birth of your baby. Once you find out you are pregnant, start to sort out your financial situation for the period of your maternity leave and beyond.

My first daughter was born beginning of October 2019 and I received the maternity allowance in January 2020.

My third daughter was born beginning of January 2023 and I received the maternity allowance only at the beginning of June 2023.

Question 5

Do I have to pay taxes while on maternity leave?

Accepted Answer

If your company withheld your Resident Tax they will inform you about the change of payment method. Shortly after you will receive a letter from your ward explaining the change as well. This letter will also contain the pay slips for your resident tax payments. They include amount and payment deadline. Do not miss the deadline to avoid any penalty payments.

You will be exempt from Income Tax but you will have to continue to pay Resident Tax. Click here to find out 'how to pay resident tax on maternity leave' in Japan.

Question 6

How to apply for maternity leave in Japan?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 main stakeholders in filing for maternity leave: your employer, health insurance and pension insurance. To each of them, documents need to be submitted at the time of applying for maternity leave (before the start of maternity leave at max. 6 weeks before birth), shortly after giving birth as well as at the end of maternity leave.

Applications need to be filed for the exemption from paying health insurance premiums and pension insurance contribution payments. An application as has to be filed to receive the maternity allowance/maternity pay which supports women on maternity leave to cover their living expenses.

The filing of the documents can either be done directly to the different institutions or handled by your employer. Talk to your HR to find out which process your employer is following.

Read 'How to apply for maternity leave in Japan' to learn more.

Question 7

How to communicate your pregnancy and maternity leave to your employer?

Accepted Answer

Your communication plan should fit your organization's culture, relationship with your stakeholders and own personal style.

Read 7 Best Tips to Communicate Your Pregnancy and Maternity Leave to Your Employer and start preparing your Maternity Leave Stakeholder Analysis today.

Question 8

How to prepare your maternity leave absence at work?

Accepted Answer

Whether you are on staff, manager or executive level you want to prepare your absence due to maternity leave in a professional way. This means taking into consideration your scope of responsibility and tasks, your team, stakeholders and customers. Moreover, you should consider your overall company's projects over the time span of your absence and how they affect your work while you are absent.

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