Latest news with #ResidenceCard
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
LG Uplus unveils new lineup of foreigner-specific mobile plans
LG Uplus has rolled out a set of limited-time promotional mobile plans designed exclusively for foreign residents, offering generous international calling, data, and roaming perks tailored to their everyday needs. The new lineup, unveiled on Wednesday, includes seven monthly plans ranging from 37,000 won to 85,000 won (approximately $27 to $62). All plans come with free international calling of up to 90 minutes per month, as well as enhanced roaming benefits when subscribers travel abroad. Customers who activate LG Uplus's Roaming Pass add-on will receive double the usual data allowance while overseas, according to the company. Those under the age of 34 who sign up for the new plans will receive bonus data ranging from 4GB to 60GB per month, depending on their chosen package, as the company targets younger users, many of whom are in Korea for work or education. This is the largest foreigner-specific mobile package release by a Korean telecom provider. The plans are being offered as a promotional product, and sign-up is only available through Dec. 29 this year. Sign-up is open to any foreign resident holding a valid Residence Card, either online or at physical LG Uplus stores. LG Uplus has designated 67 stores nationwide in areas with high concentrations of foreign residents as specialized service locations. These branches offer mobile service documentation in 17 languages, including English, Vietnamese, Lao, Chinese and Russian. More than 170 multilingual consultants have also been deployed to assist with service sign-ups and customer support. Further plan details are available on LG Uplus's dedicated website for international customers at: According to 2024 year-end data from South Korea's Ministry of Justice, the country is now home to roughly 2.1 million foreign residents, representing over 4 percent of the national population. Among them, more than 2 million are long-term residents. Recognizing this growing demographic, LG Uplus said the new offering is part of its strategy to diversify and expand within a mature domestic telecom sector. The company said the new plans were developed based on internal research that identified specific communication needs among foreign residents. These included a desire for easier, more affordable ways to stay in touch with family and friends abroad, as well as reliable data access both domestically and when traveling to their home countries. Park Jun-su, who oversees foreign customer and device operations at LG Uplus, said, 'With Korea's telecom market reaching maturity, foreign residents represent an important source of future growth. We aim to offer services that create real value and deliver a differentiated experience for this community.'
Japan Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
How to apply for gov't subsidies in Japan for housing, healthcare and childcare
By Elizabeth Sok With prices on the rise, everyone could use a little extra financial help. GaijinPot can help you save cash by showing you birthday freebies or even finding better work on GaijinPot Jobs—but we can't hand you cash. Thankfully, there are a ton of government subsidies in Japan offering real financial support for housing, childcare, healthcare, and more. Luckily, whether you're moving to another prefecture, planning on starting a family or just lost your job, the Japanese government provides subsidies to ease your financial burden. We've compiled a list of government subsidies offered nationwide, but the benefits don't stop there as prefectures and even cities can provide their own additional financial aid. For example, while Fukuoka City now completely subsidizes elementary school lunches, Kitakyushu City, also located in the prefecture, does not. Also, many subsidies vary depending on where you live, so be sure to look around locally. Living and Housing Subsidies Dreaming of moving to the countryside? With housing costs taking up as much as 30% of your monthly salary and moving to Japan being expensive, it helps to have some financial help when you need it. Housing Security Benefit Individuals who have become unemployed or are facing a decrease in their monthly income may be eligible for a Housing Security Benefit (住居確保給付金, jyuukyo kakuho kyufukin) to cover part of their housing costs. Subsidies are paid directly to the landlord and can be renewed every three months for a maximum of nine months. Benefits The amount of financial support you can receive varies across Japan. Also, it depends on how many people are living within a household and your recent household income. For example, here are the highest monthly subsidies available for people living in Tokyo's Minato Ward: Single-person household : ¥69,800 : ¥69,800 Two-person household : ¥75,000 : ¥75,000 Three-person household : ¥81,000 : ¥81,000 Four-person household: ¥86,000 For more information Visit your local municipal office to inquire about rental subsidies. There are many documents you may need to present, including (but not limited to): Official pieces of identification, such as your My Number Card and Residence Card. Proof you have been terminated from your previous job or that your business has closed. Official documents stating a required leave of absence. A copy of your housing contract. Copies of utility bills. Moving to the countryside The government subsidizes relocation to less-populated prefectures in an effort to slow Tokyo's population growth. This is part of a broader strategy to counter Tokyo's overpopulation and support regional revival. If you're considering relocating, check local municipal programs and support services like the Hometown Return Support Center for eligibility specifics and application details. Benefits It depends on how many people are relocating. If you are single, you are eligible to receive ¥600,000, while a household can get up to ¥1,000,000. If you have children under the age of 18, they may also receive ¥1,000,000 each. For more information Running for over 20 years, Hometown Return Support Center (ふるさと回帰支援センター, Furusato Kaiki Shien Sentaa) is the most popular non-profit organization that collaborates with local governments to bring new residents to places outside the big cities. To qualify, you must start an application with Hometown Return Support Center or another government-recognized group offering similar services. Additional requirements may include: Finding a job before moving Working remotely with your current job (if applicable) Starting your own business Family and Childcare Subsidies Japan's government is begging you to have children. Raising a family is expensive, from clothing and food to education and health care. The Japanese government offers several subsidies to parents, partly in hopes of improving the country's falling birthrate. Child allowance The child allowance (児童手当, jido teate) is an allowance available for families with at least one child under the age of 19. Benefits Payments are on every even-numbered month. The subsidy amount depends on the age of your children and how many you have. For more information Visit your local municipal office or apply online via the Benefits section of the My Number Portal (scroll down to 児童手当に関する申請 to apply for the child allowance). Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth Expectant mothers enrolled in the National Health Insurance Plan are eligible to receive the Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth (出産一時金, Shussan ichiji kin), a one-time subsidy to cover all or most of the costs of childbirth. Benefits The subsidy is ¥500,000. According to a 2023 study by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the cost of giving birth in Japan ranges from around ¥350,000 to over ¥600,000. The exact amount depends on the prefecture, the type of birthing facility, and the kind of delivery. The government usually pays the subsidy directly to the facility where you give birth. For more information In most cases, you can apply directly through your birthing facility. Single-parent support The Japanese government provides several support programs for single-parent households that cover everything from housing to education. Benefits The main subsidy is the Child Support Allowance (児童扶養手当, jido fuyo teate), which offers financial assistance for raising children until March 31st after they turn 18. The amount depends on the parents' income. It can be up to nearly ¥50,000 per month for the first child, and around ¥10,000 or less for each additional child. Payments are deposited every even-numbered month. For more information Visit your local municipal office and apply. Healthcare Subsidies Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
