Japan plans to refuse visa renewals over unpaid pension and health insurance from 2027
Japan plans to deny status renewals or changes to foreign residents with unpaid national pension or health insurance premiums from 2027. What it means for you.
Short answer
In November 2025 Japan's health minister announced that the government will in principle refuse renewals or changes of residence status for foreign residents with unpaid national pension or health insurance premiums. Reports place the start in 2027. The report we checked gives no grace rules.
Reported by Tokyo Weekender, Nov 5, 2025
“Japan To Deny Foreigners Visa Renewal if Pension & Health Insurance Are Unpaid”
What was announced
Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Kenichiro Ueno announced the plan at a press conference, in cooperation with the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁). Tokyo Weekender, citing NHK, reports that the government will “in principle” deny changes or renewals of residence status to foreign residents who do not pay national pension (国民年金) or national health insurance (国民健康保険) premiums. Payment records would be used in visa screening from 2027.
Why
The Welfare Ministry says foreign residents paid 49.7% of pension contributions due in the fiscal year to March 2025. A survey of 150 local governments found an average of 63% of health insurance premiums paid by the end of 2024.
What we do not know yet
The report names no grace period or exception, and says “in principle”. We have not seen the final rules. Permanent residency screening already looks at tax and insurance payments, as our PR guide explains.
What to check
Look at your payment record on your pension and health insurance notices, and ask your ward office (区役所) about overdue amounts or reductions before your next renewal. This is information, not individual advice.
Facts checked against the sources below on Nov 2, 2026. Rules can change: confirm with the Immigration Services Agency or your city office before acting.
Sources
- Japan To Deny Foreigners Visa Renewal if Pension & Health Insurance Are Unpaid, Tokyo Weekender (accessed Nov 2, 2026)