🪪 Unpaid Insurance? Visa Renewal Denied

❓ What's changing

With unpaid public health-insurance and pension premiums rising among foreign residents, the government is pushing a reform coordinated with the Immigration Services Agency. From June 2027, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans that mid-to-long-term residents who chronically default on national health insurance or national pension premiums—and ignore municipal payment guidance—will, in principle, be refused residence status renewal or change. During FY2026, municipal and immigration systems will be linked via the Digital Agency's data infrastructure so arrears are reflected in screening automatically. Note that tax payment (e.g., resident tax) has long been weighed in residence screening and remains important. A single missed payment does not mean automatic denial; it is deliberate, persistent neglect that is judged strictly.

👥 Who is affected

• ●Mid-to-long-term residents living in Japan for more than 3 months (work, study, family stay, etc.)
• ●Those enrolled in national health insurance / national pension rather than an employer's plan
• ●Those who default on premiums long-term and ignore municipal guidance and reminders
• ●Anyone planning to apply to renew or change their residence status

🌏 Impact on foreign nationals

National health insurance and pension premiums are due even when your income is low. Arrears that previously had little direct effect on residence screening will, from June 2027, translate into denied renewals or changes—directly threatening your ability to keep living in Japan. Non-payment is especially likely during unstable periods such as changing jobs, going independent, or preparing to leave the country. Even if paying is hard, don't ignore it: consulting your municipality may qualify you for reductions or installment plans.