Introduction

In June 2026, Asahi Shimbun Digital reported a significant development affecting foreign residents in Japan: 115 local governments nationwide (as of May 25) are now providing information on foreign nationals deemed to have “malicious” National Health Insurance (NHI) payment arrears to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).

This information sharing can result in denial of visa status renewal or change applications. In fact, 27 individuals were denied residency status through last spring based on such information.

This development has serious implications for foreign residents holding residence status and companies employing foreign workers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation, key issues, and how to respond.

What is NHI Arrears Information Sharing with Immigration?

Background: Government Policy on Foreign Nationals

This initiative stems from the “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Human Resources,” announced by the Japanese government in 2018. This policy emphasizes “optimization” of residence status screening.

According to the ISA, when reviewing applications for change or renewal of residence status, authorities consider fulfillment of tax obligations. National Health Insurance premiums fall within this scope.

How Information Sharing Works

Since late 2020, the ISA has been entering into voluntary memoranda of understanding with local governments to receive information on delinquent payers’ names, residence card numbers, and other details based on the Local Tax Act.

Information provided includes:

  • Name
  • Residence card number
  • Amount in arrears
  • Period of delinquency
  • Response to payment reminders

Actual Impact

Through last spring, 27 individuals who had arrears information shared with immigration were denied residence status. This demonstrates that NHI premium arrears are not merely an administrative matter but directly impact foreign nationals’ residence status—the foundation of their lives in Japan.

Local Government Circumstances and Responses

Current State of NHI Premium Collection from Foreign Residents

According to data compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare from approximately 150 local governments that track NHI premium collection rates for foreign residents, the collection rate for foreign nationals is approximately 63%. This is significantly lower than the overall collection rate of 93%, which includes Japanese nationals.

For local governments with large foreign populations, resolving arrears—which requires significant time and budget—is a common challenge.

Specific Local Government Initiatives

Toshima Ward, Tokyo:
In Toshima Ward, where foreign nationals comprise over 32% of NHI enrollees, officials had tried various approaches, including adding the immigration bureau logo to reminder notices to encourage recipients to read them. However, arrears resolution remained difficult. When they began providing information to immigration in fiscal year 2023, they report “the effect has been tremendous—foreign residents now come to city hall on their own initiative.”

Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture:
Hashima City, which began information sharing in March 2026, states “no budgetary measures are needed—we’re grateful.”

Kasai Town, Gifu Prefecture:
Neighboring Kasai Town notes “it would be helpful if this could be applied to other taxes like municipal/prefectural taxes and property taxes.”

For local governments, information sharing with immigration has become an effective means of resolving arrears.

The Problem of Lack of Transparency

Unclear Criteria

The most significant problem is that the criteria for judging arrears as “malicious” vary by local government, and many municipalities do not disclose their criteria.

Yokohama City:
Yokohama does not publish its criteria. Officials explain that individual staff judgment is also factored in, stating “we don’t share everyone who exceeds the threshold [with immigration].” The city reports having shared information on thousands of individuals to date.

Nagoya City:
Nagoya City, which began information sharing with immigration in August 2021, considers cases where NHI premiums from more than one year ago remain unpaid and the individual has not responded to reminders as malicious.

Some local governments refuse to disclose criteria, citing “risk of abuse.”

Non-Disclosure of Local Government Names

The ISA does not disclose the names of local governments with which it has signed memoranda, citing “requests from the local governments.”

For foreign residents, not only are the criteria for malicious behavior unclear, but it is also unknown whether their own municipality is providing information to immigration.

Differential Treatment from Japanese Nationals

Standard Arrears Response

When NHI premiums are in arrears, local governments typically:

  1. Send payment reminders
  2. Contact by phone or visit to encourage payment
  3. Investigate assets
  4. Execute seizure

This is the standard response for all residents, including Japanese nationals.

Additional Penalties for Foreign Nationals

However, for foreign nationals, these measures are supplemented by the severe sanction of residence status denial.

An attorney familiar with issues affecting foreign residents in Japan notes, “Having one’s information shared without knowledge and used as grounds for determining whether one can continue living in Japan is frightening for foreign nationals and breeds distrust of Japan.”

The attorney further points out, “While it goes without saying that non-payment is unacceptable, having one’s residence status renewal denied and being expelled from the country for arrears seems an excessively heavy penalty compared to [what Japanese nationals face].”

Future Outlook: Further Tightening Through Digitalization

The government plans to enable the ISA to access NHI arrears information held by local governments on foreign residents from fiscal year 2027 onward, using a Digital Agency system that links My Number Cards with information from administrative agencies.

This is expected to make information sharing even more rapid and comprehensive.

For Foreign Residents: Immediate Steps You Can Take

1. Verify Your Current Status

First, check the status of your NHI premium payments. If you have any unpaid amounts, you need to take action immediately.

2. Consult Your Local Government

If payment is difficult, consult your local government office first. The following programs may be available:

  • Installment payment plans: If lump-sum payment is difficult, installment payments may be approved
  • Premium reduction/exemption systems: If income is below certain thresholds, premium reductions or exemptions may be available
  • Payment deferral systems: If payment is temporarily difficult, deferral may be granted

The key is not to ignore reminder notices and to consult early.

3. Consult a Specialist

If you are concerned about the impact on your residence status, we recommend consulting a specialist such as an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi). Specialists can provide the following support:

  • Assessment of potential impact on residence status
  • Support in negotiations with local government
  • Advice on residence status renewal procedures

For Corporate HR Personnel: How You Can Support

1. Provide Information

Inform foreign employees that NHI premium arrears may affect residence status. This can be done through in-house training or individual meetings.

2. Introduce Consultation Services

For employees having difficulty with payments, introduce local government consultation services or specialist contact information.

3. Provide Life Support

Understand the life challenges foreign employees face—language barriers, lack of understanding of systems, financial difficulties—and provide interpreter arrangements or life consultation opportunities as needed.

4. Take Preventive Measures

Loss of residence status is also a significant loss for companies. Preventive measures are important to avoid losing excellent human resources.

From an Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective

As administrative scriveners, we handle visa application and residence status consultations daily. This policy change significantly impacts the lives of foreign residents holding residence status.

Considerations in Residence Status Screening

When reviewing residence status applications, the following points are comprehensively considered:

  1. Good conduct: Compliance with laws and regulations, fulfillment of tax obligations, etc.
  2. Ability to maintain independent livelihood: Whether the individual has resources to maintain stable life in Japan
  3. Compatibility with national interests: Whether the foreign national’s residence is compatible with Japan’s national interests

NHI premium arrears are evaluated as issues related to “good conduct” and “ability to maintain independent livelihood.”

Practical Advice

For those with residence status renewal approaching who have NHI premium arrears, we recommend paying as much as possible before submitting the renewal application. If this is truly difficult, consult with your local government to establish an installment payment plan and prepare documentation showing that you are adhering to that plan.

Conclusion

We have entered an era where NHI premium arrears affect residence status. With 115 local governments nationwide providing information to immigration, this number is likely to increase.

For Foreign Residents:

  • Check your NHI premium payment status
  • If payment is difficult, consult your local government early
  • If you are concerned about impact on residence status, consult a specialist

For Corporate HR Personnel:

  • Provide information to foreign employees
  • Introduce consultation services and specialist contacts
  • Understand life challenges and provide support as needed

Improving Transparency:
The most significant problem with the current system is the lack of transparency in criteria and non-disclosure of participating municipalities. More transparent and fair system operation is needed to enable foreign residents to live in Japan with peace of mind.

Residence status is the foundation of life and work. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to consult a specialist.

Source Article:
https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASV6511H5V65OIPE00DM.html

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