Administrative Procedures When a Child is Born to a Foreign Family Living in Japan

The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been increasing for some time now, and except for a brief period during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of foreign residents in Japan has also continued to rise. According to the Immigration Services Agency’s website, as of the end of June 2023, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of approximately 3.22 million.

When a baby is born to parents who are both foreign nationals, the following procedures (①-③) must be completed:
①Submit a birth notification to the municipal office within 14 days of the birth.
②Apply for permission to acquire STATUS OF RESIDENCE at the Immigration Services Agency within 30 days of the birth.
③Report the birth and, if desired, apply for a passport at the embassy or consulate (foreign mission in Japan) of your home country. (The deadline for birth registration varies by country.)

Regarding point ②, the “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (出入国管理及び難民認定法) “ stipulates that a foreign baby born in Japan who stays in Japan for more than 60 days after birth must apply for permission to acquire STATUS OF RESIDENCE within 30 days of birth. This is not necessary if the baby will leave Japan within 60 days of birth.

Failure to complete these procedures may result in the baby not being able to obtain health insurance, being overstayed, or the home country being unaware of the child’s birth. It is essential to plan properly before and complete the necessary procedures sooner after the birth.

At Uribou Administrative Legal Services, we assist with the application for permission to acquire STATUS OF RESIDENCE, as well as the collection and translation of documents required for submission to administrative agencies, such as CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE, CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF BIRTH REPORT and CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH REPORT. We also support APOSTILLE, AUTHENTICATION OF OFFICIAL SEAL, and CONSULAR LEGALIZATION procedures. Our main service areas include Nakatsu City, Usa City, Bungotakada City in Oita Prefecture, and Yoshitomi Town, Buzen City, Chikujo Town, and Yukuhashi City in Fukuoka Prefecture, but we are also available to assist in other regions. Please feel free to contact us.