Can Unpaid National Health Insurance Premiums Affect Your Visa Renewal in Japan?
Unpaid National Health Insurance premiums may be considered in visa renewal or change of status applications in Japan. Arrears do not automatically mean refusal, but applicants should check payment status and prepare documents before filing.
Is It True That Art School Graduates Can Get Permanent Residence in Japan After One Year?
Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional points system may shorten the residence-period requirement for permanent residence to one or three years in certain cases. However, permanent residence is not automatic. Income, taxes, pension, health insurance, employer information, job duties and residence history are also reviewed.
Is the Cost of Getting a Japanese Visa High? A Comparison from a Foreign National’s Perspective
Japan’s official visa and residence fees are relatively low compared with many major countries. However, the real cost for foreign nationals includes translations, certificates, professional fees, renewal frequency, and the risk of refusal or reapplication.
Japan’s Proposed Visa and Residence Status Fee Revision｜Permanent Residence Fee of JPY 200,000 and the October 1, 2026 Timing Issue
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency is conducting a public comment procedure on proposed revisions to residence status application fees. The proposal includes a JPY 200,000 fee for permanent residence and new fees for visa renewal and change of status depending on the period of stay. Applications filed before October 1, 2026 may be treated under the current fee rules, but applicants should not rush without checking eligibility and documents.