From April 1, 2026. Reporting threshold cut from ¥200,000 to ¥10,000. Applies to short-term visitors.
On January 23, 2026, a ministerial council adopted the 'Comprehensive Measures for the Acceptance and Orderly Coexistence of Foreign Nationals.' Based on this, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is lowering the registration threshold of its Unpaid Medical Fee Reporting System for foreign visitors from 'unpaid ¥200,000 or more' to 'unpaid ¥10,000 or more.' It takes effect on April 1, 2026, covering bills incurred on or after that date. Hospitals register the unpaid information, which is shared with the Immigration Services Agency; a registered person may be refused landing (re-entry) the next time they try to enter Japan. For now, this targets short-term visitors only.
Until now, only large unpaid amounts of ¥200,000 or more triggered action, so small bills were effectively overlooked. From now on, even a relatively small ¥10,000 leaves a record that affects your next entry screening. You could be refused re-entry even if the bill went unpaid without your knowledge or arrived later, so settling every account before leaving Japan matters more than ever—especially for people who visit repeatedly for travel or business.
From June 2027, mid-to-long-term foreign residents who chronically default on national health insurance or pension premiums and ignore payment guidance will, in principle, be denied residence status renewal or change. Municipal and immigration systems link in FY2026 to reflect arrears automatically.
From April 2027, "Technical Intern Training" abolished, replaced by "Training Employment". 2026 is preparation period. N5 Japanese required, voluntary transfers allowed, can transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after 3 years.
eVisa expansion and upcoming JESTA (Japan's version of ESTA) launching in 2027. Online pre-screening required before travel.