Shinjuku CityHealth insurance
Shinjuku: National Health Insurance Enrollment
新宿区：国民健康保険 加入
In short: How Shinjuku City handles national health insurance enrollment.Foreign residents with a resident record must join NHI unless covered by an employer plan etc. Generally excluded: period of stay of 3 months or less (some statuses can join if they prove a stay over 3 months), expired status, Diplomat, and certain medical/tourism Designated Activities.(Source: www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/hoken/index02_01.html
Who qualifies
- Foreign residents with a resident record must join NHI unless covered by an employer plan etc. Generally excluded: period of stay of 3 months or less (some statuses can join if they prove a stay over 3 months), expired status, Diplomat, and certain medical/tourism Designated Activities. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Japan | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Tokyo / municipality | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Work / insurance type | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Disability | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
Residence status
Any status with resident registration (住民登録).
Excluded: Diplomat (外交)
Excluded in general: period of stay 3 months or less (some Entertainer, Technical Intern Training, Dependent, Designated Activities holders can join if they prove a stay over 3 months), expired status, Diplomat, Designated Activities for medical treatment/tourism.
[official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Where to apply
- Ward office NHI counter (Shinjuku: 医療保険年金課) or branch offices. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
- File within 14 days of moving in from abroad / another municipality, leaving an employer plan, or a birth. Coverage starts from the date you should have joined, not the filing date. The head of household must file. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Documents
- When moving from another municipality, bring the moving-out certificate. Someone outside your household needs a letter of authorization. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、国民健康保険の加入の手続きについて伺いたいのですが、何を持っていけばよいですか。
Sumimasen, kokumin kenkō hoken no kanyū no tetsuzuki ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, nani o motte ikeba yoi desu ka.
Hello. I would like to ask about the procedure for joining National Health Insurance. What documents should I bring?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.
Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?
Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.