Unpaid Health Insurance Could Threaten Your Visa in Japan (2027 Rule)

From 2027, failing to keep up with your health insurance or pension could complicate your visa renewal in Japan. Here is what you need to know to stay compliant.

Quick answer: Japan plans, from 2027, to check payment of national health insurance (kokumin kenko hoken) and pension during visa renewal or status-change applications. In practice, a foreigner who has not paid their contributions risks a refusal or stricter review. Staying up to date becomes essential to secure your visa.

What changes in 2027

Until now, payment of health insurance and pension was not systematically checked at visa renewal. From 2027, immigration plans to cross-reference this data. A history of non-payment could weigh on the decision.

Who is affected?

Any foreign resident enrolled in the national system (kokumin kenko hoken + kokumin nenkin), mainly the self-employed, students and people without company insurance. Employees covered by shakai hoken (deducted from salary) are compliant by default.

How to stay compliant

• Enrol in insurance as soon as you arrive at city hall (see our health insurance guide).
• Pay your contributions on time and keep the receipts.
• On low income, apply for an exemption (減免 genmen) rather than not paying.
• Keep your proof of payment for your renewal file.

What to do if you are behind

Catch up as soon as possible and ask for an instalment plan if needed. An official exemption is always better than simple non-payment, which leaves a negative mark on your record.

Anticipating this rule protects both your health and your right to stay. Get compliant on arrival: it is the best insurance for your visa.

See also: [health insurance in Japan](/blog/japan-health-insurance-expat-guide) and [income tax for foreigners in Japan](/blog/japan-income-tax-foreigners-guide).