How much is the child allowance in Japan, and can foreigners get it?
Last checked: 2026-11-06
The child allowance pays 15,000 yen a month for a child under 3 and 10,000 yen from age 3 through high school age, or 30,000 yen for a third or later child. The national guide says it is paid in principle when the child lives in Japan, and it sets no nationality condition on the pages we read. You must apply, usually at your municipality, and missed months are not paid later.
How much
| Child's age | First or second child | Third or later child |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 | 15,000 yen a month | 30,000 yen a month |
| 3 to high school age | 10,000 yen a month | 30,000 yen a month |
Payment ends at the first March 31 after the child turns 18. By our arithmetic, one year is 180,000 yen for a child under 3 and 120,000 yen from age 3, or 360,000 yen for a third child.
Counting a third child
Older children count toward the number until the March 31 of the fiscal year they turn 22, if you bear their costs. You may need to file a form for this. Kyoto City gives these examples.
| Children's ages | How they count | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|
| 19, 16 and 11 | The 19-year-old counts as first but is paid nothing. The 16-year-old gets 10,000 yen and the 11-year-old gets 30,000 yen. | 40,000 yen |
| 23, 17 and 14 | The 23-year-old is not counted. The other two get 10,000 yen each. | 20,000 yen |
When it is paid
Payments go to your bank account six times a year, in even-numbered months. Each covers the two months before. Dates vary, so check your city's schedule.
| Paid in | Covers |
|---|---|
| February | December and January |
| April | February and March |
| June | April and May |
| August | June and July |
| October | August and September |
| December | October and November |
The 15-day rule
Kyoto City says to apply within 15 days, starting the day after a birth or a move into the city. If you are late, you lose the months you missed. Payment starts the month after you apply, or after the event if you apply in time.
This matters when you arrive. If your child is with you, add it to your moving checklist and ask at the same visit as your address registration.
Who receives it
- Where you apply. At the municipality where you have your address. Public servants apply at work.
- Two parents. The one who supports the child more, mainly the higher earner, receives it.
- Child in Japan. In principle, the child must live in Japan. A child studying abroad may qualify if conditions are met.
- Parents abroad. They can name a person in Japan who is raising the child to receive it.
What to bring in Kyoto City
- The application form, with your and your spouse's Individual Number. See our My Number Card guide.
- A bank book or ATM card copy. See Japan Post Bank's requirements.
- A copy of your Individual Number document and one form of ID.
Other documents may be needed for your household.
When it stops
- Moving within Japan. Apply at your new municipality within 15 days of your planned moving date.
- Leaving Japan. If you stop meeting the conditions, tell the office. Money paid after that must be returned, so add it to your moving out of Japan checklist.
- Unclaimed payments. Kyoto says eligibility for an unpaid allowance ends after 2 years.
What we could not confirm
- Nationality. The pages we read do not mention it, for or against. Your municipality decides your case.
- Short stays. We did not find a rule by status of residence or length of stay. Ask your municipality.
- Income limit. The pages we read do not mention one.
- Other cities. The forms and the 15-day details are from Kyoto City's leaflet. Your city's process may differ.
The allowance can help with daycare fees, which are separate. If you are expecting a child, also read about childbirth costs.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Your municipal office decides your application.