Thinking about giving birth in your home country instead of Japan? You’re not alone.
Many foreign residents in Japan feel nervous about giving birth in a country with a different language, culture, and medical system. Just like some Japanese women choose satogaeri shussan (hometown delivery) to be close to family during their first childbirth, it’s natural for foreigners to want the support of their loved ones back home.

This article explains what you need to check and prepare before going back to your home country for childbirth. If you are planning to return to your country for delivery and come back to Japan afterward, there are some important rules and paperwork you should know in advance.

✅ 1. What You Should Check Before Leaving Japan

🗓️ Check Your Residence Status (Visa Expiry Date)

If you plan to stay in your home country for at least one month or more for childbirth and recovery, make sure your Residence Card won’t expire while you’re away.

• You can usually renew your residence status up to 3 months before the expiry date.
• In special cases (like medical reasons), you may be allowed to renew even earlier.
• Contact your local immigration office (Nyukan) for advice before leaving.

📎 Guide: Extension of Period of Stay – Immigration Services Agency of Japan

🩺 Are You Covered by Health Insurance in Japan?

Even if you give birth outside of Japan, you may still be able to receive the Childbirth Lump-Sum Allowance (Shussan Ichi-ji Kin) – currently ¥500,000 (approx. USD $3,200).
However, only insured persons are eligible:

• People enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI)
• People with Social Insurance, or their spouses

If you’re staying in Japan for more than 3 months, you are required to enroll in National Health Insurance unless covered by your work place.
⚠️ If you are not enrolled in any health insurance, you will need to pay all childbirth costs yourself. Check your insurance status before leaving, and apply for coverage if needed.

🔁 Check the Procedures After Returning to Japan

After giving birth and coming back to Japan with your baby – congratulations!
But no matter how tired or excited you may feel, you will need to complete several official procedures. These include:

• Reporting the birth
• Applying for your baby’s visa/residency
• Adding your child to health insurance and residence records
• Applying for childcare allowance in Japan
• Registering your child’s birth with your home country

It can be overwhelming to visit the city hall and immigration office while caring for a newborn. That’s why it’s best to discuss and prepare these steps with your partner in advance, including who will do what and when.

🚨 Bonus Topic: What If You’re a Technical Intern Trainee?

There have been troubling reports that some Technical Intern Trainees (Gino Jisshu Seido) in Japan were forced to quit their jobs or return to their home countries due to pregnancy.

⚠️ However, under Japanese law, it is illegal to fire or deport someone just because they are pregnant.

If you are working as a trainee and want to give birth (in Japan or in your home country), and then return to continue your training, it is possible.
You can find more detailed information here:

📎 Pregnancy Rights for Foreign Workers in Japan (ninshinjapan.weebly.com)