Social Insurance Enrollment Certificate

What Is a Social Insurance Enrollment Certificate?

A Social Insurance Enrollment Certificate (社会保険加入証明書, shakai hoken kanyu shomeisho) is an official document that proves a Japanese company is enrolled in the country's mandatory social insurance system. This system covers two primary programs: health insurance (健康保険, kenko hoken) and employees' pension insurance (厚生年金保険, kosei nenkin hoken).

In Japan, all companies with employees are legally required to enroll in social insurance. The enrollment certificate serves as proof that the company is meeting this legal obligation. It is issued by the Japan Pension Service (日本年金機構) through the local pension office (年金事務所).

This certificate has become increasingly important in recent years as the Japanese government has tightened enforcement of social insurance compliance, particularly in the construction industry and for companies bidding on government contracts.

What Information Does It Contain?

• Company name and business registration number
• Social insurance office number (事業所整理記号)
• Date of enrollment in the social insurance system
• Types of insurance the company is enrolled in (health insurance, pension)
• Number of insured employees
• Date of issue and pension office stamp

Who Needs This Document?

• Government contract bidders — social insurance enrollment is a mandatory requirement for public procurement in Japan; without it, a company cannot bid on government contracts
• Construction companies — required for obtaining and renewing construction business licenses (建設業許可)
• Employee verification — employees may request proof that their employer is properly enrolled
• Business license applicants — certain industry licenses require proof of social insurance compliance
• Compliance auditors — as evidence of regulatory compliance during audits

How to Obtain It

In Person

Visit the Japan Pension Service office (年金事務所) that has jurisdiction over the company's location. Bring the company seal and identification. The certificate can usually be issued the same day or within a few business days.

By Mail

A request can be submitted by mail to the relevant pension office. Include the completed application form and a return envelope. Processing takes approximately one week.

Through JapanCompanyDocs

We obtain the social insurance enrollment certificate from the Japan Pension Service on your behalf. Digital scan delivery is provided, with the original available for international shipping.

Processing Time

In-person requests are typically processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests take about one week. Through JapanCompanyDocs, expect 5-7 business days for digital delivery.

Pricing

The government fee is free — the Japan Pension Service does not charge for issuing this certificate. For JapanCompanyDocs service fees, see our packages page.