Japan Visa Applications and Health Insurance: Key Points for Self-Payment#
When foreign nationals living in Japan apply for a renewal or change of their status of residence (visa), their fulfillment of public duties becomes a critical factor in the review process. In Japan, which has a universal health insurance system, enrolling in and paying for health insurance is considered an essential element in demonstrating a stable foundation for life.
In many cases, company employees have their health insurance premiums deducted directly from their salary (special collection). However, depending on one’s work arrangement, there are cases where individuals must pay their National Health Insurance premiums themselves (ordinary collection). This article provides an objective explanation of the key points to be aware of when applying for a status of residence if you are paying your health insurance premiums yourself.
Why is Health Insurance Payment Status Scrutinized?#
In the screening process for status of residence, an applicant’s “good conduct” is a fundamental requirement. This “good conduct” includes complying with Japanese laws and fulfilling responsibilities as a member of society. The payment of taxes, public pension contributions, and health insurance premiums are representative of these public duties.
Since around 2019, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has been more strictly scrutinizing the payment status of social insurance premiums (pension and health insurance). This measure is intended to maintain the integrity of the system, ensuring that all residents of Japan contribute fairly and can receive necessary social security benefits. Therefore, proper payment of premiums is a significant indicator of one’s stability in Japanese society and commitment to legal compliance, directly impacting the outcome of the application.
Common Scenarios for Self-Payment#
Paying premiums yourself at a municipal office or financial institution, rather than through payroll deduction, typically applies to those enrolled in the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken). This includes individuals such as:
- Self-employed individuals and freelancers.
- Part-time or temporary workers who do not meet the enrollment criteria for their company’s social insurance plan (Shakai Hoken).
- Employees of companies that are not designated as applicable workplaces for social insurance, such as some small businesses.
In these cases, you are obligated to enroll in the National Health Insurance managed by your local municipality and pay the premiums yourself.
Three Crucial Points to Watch for in Your Visa Application#
If you are paying your insurance premiums yourself, the following three points are especially important for your residence status application.
1. Proper Enrollment Procedures#
In principle, all residents of Japan are required to be enrolled in the National Health Insurance, unless they are covered by an employer’s health insurance plan. When you leave a company or register as a resident in Japan after entering the country, you must promptly complete the enrollment procedures at your local municipal office. Any period of non-enrollment may be viewed as a failure to fulfill public duties, which could negatively affect your application.
2. Adherence to Payment Deadlines#
This is the most critical point. You are strongly expected to pay your premiums by the specified deadlines, either using the payment slips sent to you monthly or through an automatic bank transfer. While a delay of one or two days may not immediately lead to a denial, habitual delays or non-payment (arrears) will make it extremely difficult to renew your status of residence. If you happen to pay late, it is essential to pay the full amount as soon as you realize it.
3. Objective Proof of Payment#
When you apply, you must provide objective documentation to prove that you have been paying your insurance premiums properly. While this can be confirmed with a tax withholding slip (Gensen-Choshu-Hyo) for those with payroll deductions, self-payers will need the following documents:
- Certificate of Payment of National Health Insurance Premiums (Kokumin Kenko Hoken-ryo Nofu Shomeisho): This is an official certificate issued by the municipal office. Typically, the payment status for the most recent two years is required.
- Copies of Receipts: The receipts you receive when paying with a payment slip also serve as proof of payment. Be sure to keep them in a safe place until your application.
Submitting these documents allows you to demonstrate to the immigration officer that you have been fulfilling your duties in good faith.
What to Do in Case of Late Payments or Arrears#
If, for financial or other reasons, you have fallen behind on payments or have a period of non-payment, the absolute first step is to consult with the relevant department at your municipal office and promptly pay the outstanding amount in full. Even if you are in the process of arranging an installment plan, the most desirable status for the review is to have paid everything in full.
In addition, when submitting your application, you may consider voluntarily attaching a letter of explanation (Riyusho) detailing the unavoidable circumstances that led to the delay or non-payment (e.g., a long-term illness or job loss). However, there is no guarantee that providing a reason will result in approval; the principle of on-time payment remains paramount.
Conclusion#
When you are responsible for paying your own health insurance premiums, a higher level of self-management is required compared to when they are deducted from your salary. To maintain your status of residence stably, it is crucial to always be mindful of three key actions: “be properly enrolled in National Health Insurance,” “pay monthly premiums by the deadline,” and “prove these facts with official documents.” Faithfully fulfilling your public duties is a cornerstone of building trust and a stable life in Japan.