Q.4 What to Do About Unpaid Premiums

A.4 How thoroughly is the payment status of health insurance contributions examined?

A.4 The payment status of your health insurance contributions for the most recent one year is primarily reviewed, but examiners may investigate further if any issues arise.

Summary of Examination (A.4)

Generally, the Legal Affairs Bureau requires the submission of Health Insurance-related documents, including copies of your insurance card (for all cohabiting family members) and, for those on National Health Insurance, a National Health Insurance Premium Payment Certificate (usually covering the most recent one year) issued by the municipal office.

While one year is the standard for most Legal Affairs Bureau offices, be aware that the examiner may request confirmation of records spanning two years or more, or require a detailed explanation if there are any unpaid amounts.

1) What is Examined and Why? (Purpose)

The naturalization review comprehensively assesses “good conduct” (素行が善良であること) and “stable livelihood” (生計が安定していること). Specifically for health insurance, the Bureau checks the following:

Enrollment Status: Are you enrolled as an insured person? (Confirmed via insurance card.)
Payment Status: Are recent premiums paid, and is there any delinquency?
Household Status: The enrollment and payment status of the entire household (head of the household and cohabiting family members) is also checked.

2) Required Documents and Period of Review (Practical Examples)

The following documents and periods are typically reviewed (based on standard Legal Affairs Bureau guides):

Copy of Health Insurance Card (Front and Back): Must be submitted for the applicant and all cohabiting family members.
National Health Insurance Premium Payment Certificate (Issued by municipal office): Generally, proof of payment for the most recent one year is requested.
Receipts/Payment Certificates (for company employees/self-employed): For company insurance, receipts or payment certificates issued by the employer or the Pension Office, typically covering the most recent one year.

Note: While “the most recent one year” is the standard in many official guides, examiners may inquire about or request payment history for two years or more.

3) What Happens If There Are Unpaid Contributions (Arrears)?

Negative Assessment: Delinquency in National Health Insurance (NHI) or social insurance premiums is considered a “failure to fulfill public obligations” and negatively impacts the assessment of the Good Conduct and Livelihood requirements, carrying the risk of denial.
Practical Countermeasures: It is safest to resolve (fully pay) all outstanding arrears before submitting your application. If a payment plan has been agreed upon, you must provide proof of the agreement and receipts showing current compliance.
Lump-Sum Payment Just Before Application: While a lump-sum payment often resolves the balance, the Legal Affairs Bureau emphasizes “consistent fulfillment of public duties.” A last-minute payment may result in requests for further explanation or still be viewed as a negative point.

4) How to Obtain the Documents (Specific Steps)

Health Insurance Card Copy: Prepare copies (front and back) of the insurance card or eligibility information for the applicant and all cohabiting family members.
National Health Insurance (NHI) Payment Certificate: Request a “National Health Insurance Premium Payment Certificate” (国民健康保険料納付証明書) from your municipal office window (or by mail; fees may apply). Obtain the document confirming payment for the most recent one year.
Company Employee (Shakai Hoken) / Self-Employed: Request a copy of the insurance card, premium receipts, or a payment certificate from your employer or the Pension Office.
If You Have Arrears: Contact your municipal office to arrange for post-payment or a payment plan. Obtain the final receipt or a “Paid In Full” certificate and prepare a written explanation of the circumstances for the Legal Affairs Bureau.

5) Practical Checklist (Before Submission)

[ ] Copy of Health Insurance Card (front/back) or eligibility proof for the applicant and all cohabiting family members.
[ ] If NHI: Obtain the NHI Premium Payment Certificate (most recent one year) from the municipal office.
[ ] If Company Employee: Obtain a copy of the insurance card and receipts/payment proof (most recent one year).
[ ] If Arrears: Have receipts showing full payment or a proof of an ongoing payment agreement.
[ ] Prioritize Pre-Consultation: Once documents are gathered, schedule a consultation with the Legal Affairs Bureau to confirm their specific local requirements (how many years are needed, what additional documents may be requested).

6) Frequently Asked Questions

Q. “Is it guaranteed to be okay if I pay the most recent one year?” A. While one year is the standard, additional explanation or proof of past years may be requested if there is a history of long-term delinquency or unusual circumstances. Prepare for the one-year minimum, but be ready to resolve and document any past arrears.

Q. “Does it matter if someone else in my family has arrears?” A. Yes. The payment status of the entire household is generally confirmed. Delinquency by a cohabiting family member can affect the assessment of the applicant’s livelihood and conduct. All family documents should be verified and organized.

7) (Ready-to-Use) Request Templates (Examples)

A. To the City Hall (for NHI Payment Certificate) (Subject) Request for Issuance of National Health Insurance Premium Payment Certificate

Dear [City/Ward Name] Insurance and Pension Division,

My name is [Your Name / Residence Card Number]. I am applying for naturalization and kindly request the issuance of the National Health Insurance Premium Payment Certificate for the most recent one year. I have enclosed the necessary fee. Please reply to: [Postal Code] / Phone: [Phone Number]. Thank you for your assistance.

B. To Your Company (for Insurance Card Copy and Payment Proof) (Subject) Request for Copies of Health Insurance Card and Social Insurance Premium Receipts

Dear HR Department,

Thank you for your assistance. My name is [Your Name]. I am applying for naturalization and would like to request copies of the following documents: 1) Health Insurance Card (front and back) and 2) Receipts (or certificate) confirming social insurance premium payments for the most recent 12 months. I would be grateful if these documents could be prepared by [Date]. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please also read the following pages.

Q.1 Can I maintain dual citizenship with my home country after naturalizing?

Q.2 Can I apply for naturalization and a Permanent Resident Visa at the same time?

Q.3 How thoroughly is the payment status of pension contributions examined?

Q.4 How thoroughly is the payment status of health insurance contributions examined?