Introduction

To obtain the status of residence as a “Permanent Resident” in Japan, not only stable income and good conduct but also strict compliance with public obligations such as taxes, pensions, and health insurance is required. In recent years, the payment status of pensions and health insurance has become increasingly important, and even a single delay can significantly affect your application. This article explains in detail how delays in pension or health insurance payments impact permanent residency applications and what countermeasures should be taken, based on the latest information from public authorities.

The Importance of Pension and Health Insurance Payments in Permanent Residency Applications

For permanent residency applications, it is required that pension and health insurance premiums have been paid “without a single day of delay” over the past two years. This is a crucial criterion to determine whether the applicant abides by Japanese social rules and fulfills public obligations faithfully. Even a single delay can result in the rejection of your application.

Why Are the Standards So Strict?

Permanent residents have the right to live in Japan indefinitely and are therefore expected to fulfill their social responsibilities on par with Japanese nationals. Proper payment of taxes and social insurance premiums is an indicator of trustworthiness as a member of society, and failure to do so is judged as “unable to comply with Japanese rules”.

The Impact of Even a Single Delay on Permanent Residency Applications

Actual Screening Criteria

• For pension and health insurance premiums, it is essential that payments have been made on time without a single day of delay over the past two years.
• For resident tax, payment records for the past three to five years are checked.
• Even if unpaid amounts are settled later, the fact that they were not paid on time is heavily weighted and becomes a major negative factor in screening.

Specific Impacts When a Delay Is Discovered

• Even a single delay requires you to build up a new two-year record (for pension and health insurance) of “complete on-time payments” from the date of the delay, meaning your application is postponed by at least two years.
• If delays or non-payments are repeated, it may be judged that you have “no intention to pay taxes or pension,” making approval for permanent residency almost impossible.

Example

Example: Ms. A (30s, company employee) forgot to switch to National Health Insurance when changing jobs and delayed payment for one month. She immediately paid the overdue amount, but her permanent residency application was rejected because “there was one delay in the past two years.” Ms. A then continued to pay on time for two years from the month the delay was resolved, and her application was finally approved.

Future Countermeasures

1. Use of Automatic Withdrawal and Salary Deductions

To prevent missed or delayed payments, proactively use automatic withdrawals for pension and health insurance premiums, and for company employees, the salary deduction system.

2. Regularly Check Payment Records

Regularly check your pension and health insurance payment records via the annual pension statement, municipal offices, or the Japan Pension Service’s online portal to ensure there are no missed or delayed payments.

3. If Non-payment or Delay Occurs

• Pay the overdue amount immediately and continue making on-time payments for at least two years afterward.
• For past non-payment or delays, prepare a statement explaining the reasons and your efforts to improve, which may help improve the impression on the examiner.

4. Consult a Specialist

Permanent residency applications are highly complex and responses vary depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult a specialist such as a Gyoseishoshi Lawyer (Administrative Scrivener) as early as possible to receive proper advice.

Conclusion

Payment of pension and health insurance premiums is a very important screening item for permanent residency applications. Even a single delay greatly increases the risk of rejection. As countermeasures, thoroughly use automatic withdrawals and regularly check your payment status, and if a delay occurs, pay it off immediately and build up a two-year record of on-time payments. If you are aiming for permanent residency, be conscious of fulfilling your daily public obligations, and if you have any concerns, consult a specialist without delay.