⚠️ Don't Risk Denial: Why Social Insurance Delinquency Will Now Immediately Jeopardize Your Japan Visa

For foreign residents in Japan, your Status of Residence (visa) renewal is now undergoing the most rigorous scrutiny ever. The Japanese government, led by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), is systematically integrating your compliance with taxes and social insurance into the core of the visa screening process.

The message is clear: Maintaining proper payment of social insurance and taxes is no longer optional—it is essential for a successful visa renewal.

1. The Shifting Landscape: Permanent Residency Standards Applied Broadly

Historically, the highest standard of compliance was reserved for Permanent Resident Permit applications. However, the government is progressively extending this strict assessment to other visa categories.

Status of Change	Details	Timeline
Current Practice	Stricter screening already implemented for Specified Skilled Worker visas. Health insurance card verification in place since 2010.	Ongoing
System Modification	Government plans to complete system changes to integrate National Health Insurance and National Pension payment data.	By Fiscal Year 2026
Systematic Check Begins	Payment records for National Health Insurance and National Pension will be systematically reflected in visa renewal and change of status examinations.	From June 2027

📌 Key Takeaway: The focus is on implementing systematic checks on National Health Insurance and National Pension payments, signaling a foundational shift in how the ISA assesses an applicant's "suitability of conduct" as a member of Japanese society.

2. The Two Critical Checks in Visa Screening

The ISA uses your payment records to assess whether you are properly fulfilling your financial obligations in Japan.

(1) Social Insurance Premiums (Health Insurance & Pension)

Non-enrollment or non-payment suggests a lack of a stable life foundation in Japan.

• For Company Employees: Your employer is responsible for proper enrollment and payment (Employee Health Insurance & Employees' Pension).

• For Self-Employed/Others: You are personally responsible for paying National Health Insurance and National Pension. Delinquency here will be systematically checked starting in June 2027.

(2) Tax Payments (Resident Tax & Income Tax)

Upon renewal, you are required to submit your Certificate of Taxation and Tax Payment Certificate.

• Resident Tax Delinquency: The Tax Payment Certificate is the critical document used to check for any delinquency in your Resident Tax payments. This is the most common pitfall, as Resident Tax is often paid directly by the individual (especially after job changes or for those not under special withholding).

• Income Tax: While Income Tax is generally withheld by your employer, you must ensure your employer is compliant.

3. Stricter Than Ever: Major Update for Business Manager Visas

In a major policy shift, the requirements for the Business Manager status of residence have been substantially tightened, effective October 16, 2025. This reflects the government's broader philosophy of ensuring foreign residents have substantial and stable foundations in Japan.

Requirement	Previous Requirement	NEW Requirement (Effective Oct 16, 2025)
Capital & Staff	¥5 Million OR 2 Full-Time Staff	¥30 Million AND at least 1 Full-Time Staff Member
Staff Eligibility	Not specified	Must be Japanese, Special Permanent Resident, or Table 2 visa holder (cannot be work visa holders)
Manager Qualification	Not required	3+ years management experience OR Master’s degree in related field
Language	Not required	Manager OR Employee must have JLPT N2, BJT 400, or equivalent
Business Plan	Not required	Mandatory professional verification (by CPA, Tax Accountant, etc.)

Note for Current Holders: Even if approved under old standards, you must meet the new requirements by October 16, 2028, for subsequent renewals.

4. Recommended Action Steps: Proactive Compliance is Key

To ensure your application is successful, do not wait until your renewal date approaches.

1. Verify & Pay: Immediately check for any unpaid amounts for Resident Tax, National Health Insurance, or National Pension. Pay outstanding amounts immediately or establish a documented installment plan with your local government office.

2. Document Everything: Keep records of all your tax certificates, payment receipts, and communications with authorities regarding payment plans.

3. Obtain Certificates: Before applying, acquire the Certificate of Taxation and Tax Payment Certificate and verify they show no significant delinquencies.

4. Corrective Action Matters: The ISA recognizes efforts to correct past issues (e.g., full payment of overdue amounts, established installment plans). Documenting these efforts can positively influence your application.

💼 Tokyo Advisory: Your Certified Path to Successful Visa Renewal

Navigating these increasingly complex immigration requirements—especially the strict new standards for tax/social insurance and the highly demanding Business Manager visa revisions—requires strategic expertise.

Tokyo Advisory provides comprehensive immigration support led by Certified Administrative Procedures Specialists (Gyoseishoshi)—qualified legal professionals specializing in Japanese immigration law.

Why Our Certified Experts Are Your Best Choice:

Our Advantage	Description
✅ Certified Legal Expertise	Direct support from licensed Gyoseishoshi (行政書士), ensuring your application is legally sound and strategically prepared based on the latest Ministerial Ordinances.
✅ Up-to-Date Knowledge	We track real-time policy changes, including the October 2025 Business Manager visa revisions and the looming June 2027 social insurance integration.
✅ Compliance Strategy	We don't just file papers. We provide strategic verification of tax and social insurance compliance and guide you on how to present past payment issues favorably.
✅ Business Manager Expertise	Specialized consultation on the new ¥30 Million Capital requirement, mandatory employee eligibility, and securing professional verification for your business plan.
✅ Comprehensive Support	One-stop service covering everything from document translation to complex liaison with the Immigration Services Agency and municipal offices.

Don't let the new strict standards jeopardize your life in Japan.

Contact Tokyo Advisory today for professional guidance and peace of mind.

Contact Tokyo Advisory for an Expert Consultation:plication.