OWWA Membership in Japan: Fee in Yen and Renewal
Quick answer
OWWA membership costs USD 25, which MWO Tokyo collects in yen: JPY 4,000 at the rate it posted for August 2026. Membership lasts two years, even if your contract is shorter or you change employer. You can renew in person at the OWWA desk of the MWO or online through the OWWA Mobile App (up to 90 days before your membership expires).
What the membership covers is explained in our OWWA membership and benefits guide.
What are the requirements?
- Your passport.
- Your Residence Card.
- Your employment contract or other proof of your job in Japan.
- The OFW Information Sheet, which the MWO uses to record your employer, contract and beneficiaries. MWO Osaka posts it on its OWWA page together with a declaration form for new members.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OWWA membership | USD 25 | Official fee, valid 2 years |
| Paid at MWO Tokyo | JPY 4,000 | Rate posted for August 2026; the yen amount follows the exchange rate |
How do you apply, step by step?
Online
1. Install the OWWA Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play
2. Check your status
If it expires within 90 days, choose renewal and pay in the app.
3. Keep the payment confirmation
Bank or e-wallet payments can take 1 to 3 banking days to show.
Walk-in
1. Find your MWO
Tokyo covers Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Niigata, Nagano, Shizuoka, Yamanashi and Okinawa; Osaka covers the rest of Japan.
2. Call the OWWA line first to confirm the desk is open
3. Bring your passport, Residence Card and contract, and pay in yen
How long does it take?
Payment at the desk is recorded on the spot. App payments by bank or e-wallet take 1 to 3 banking days before your status updates.
Where to go
- OWWA at MWO Tokyo: Philippine Embassy, 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537. OWWA phone 03-6441-0959. Email japan@owwa.gov.ph.
- OWWA at MWO Osaka: 7F FPG Links Midosuji, 4-3-5 Awaji-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka. OWWA hotline +81 70 2447 4016 for membership, benefits and welfare concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the OWWA fee in Japan not always JPY 4,000?
The official fee is USD 25. MWO Tokyo converts it to yen and posts the rate for the month, so the yen amount can move up or down.
Does my OWWA membership end when my Japanese contract ends?
No. MWO Tokyo says membership is valid for two years. It does not stop when you change employer.
What help can OWWA give me in Japan?
The OWWA welfare officers at the MWO handle conciliation with employers or agencies, counseling, hospital and detention visits, and repatriation of distressed workers and remains.
My employer or supervising organization wants to pay OWWA for me. Is that allowed?
MWO Tokyo encourages employers and agencies to remind workers to renew. Whoever pays, make sure the payment is under your name and keep the official receipt.
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