Survey: Freelancer Realities Post-Law Enforcement and the Social Insurance Gap – 'Freelance White Paper 2026' Released

The Professional & Parallel Carers' Association (Freelance Association) has published the 'Freelance White Paper 2026.'

This year's survey included annual tracking of income, job satisfaction, and work acquisition channels, alongside new themes such as current working challenges, relationships with clients after the Freelance Law enforcement, and the status of the invoice system. Results from the 2025 study on social insurance awareness are also included.

Key Findings Summary:

Working Hours and Income: 48.5% of respondents work 140+ hours per month (full-time equivalent). 49.5% earn over 4 million JPY annually, with 27.7% earning between 2-4 million JPY. For 51.0%, freelance income accounts for 80% or more of household income.

Job Acquisition: Top sources are: 1) Personal network, 2) Previous/current clients, 3) Agent services.

Challenges and Improvements: Demands for improved social security coverage for life risks (health, childcare, nursing care) and higher social credibility are prominent. Top requests for government intervention include the invoice system (62.7%) and inadequate social insurance (43.2%).

Freelance Protection Law: 21.7% have discussed the law with clients. 28.5% have felt violations occurred since its enforcement. 63.5% expect the government to publish examples of illegal activities and crackdowns.

Invoice System: 47.3% have registered. 28.2% do not intend to register despite being in eligible occupations.

Social Insurance System: 68.2% feel anxious about the current system, while only 6.7% feel secure. 96.6% believe that social security for medical care and old age should be provided regardless of working style. 60% desire inclusion in health insurance unions and welfare pension systems, even if they have to pay the full employer/employee contributions.