Japan Update: Insurance Requirement for Renewals and Changes of Status Eliminated
Japan Update: Insurance Requirement for Renewals and Changes of Status Eliminated
Proof of enrollment in Japan’s Social Insurance System (SIS), which was to be added to the list of requirements for applications to renew or change to Japanese residency status effective April 1, 2010, now will not be included on the list. However, the Japanese government has prescribed certain measures as part of its efforts to promote awareness of and voluntary membership in the SIS.
In a recent change of policy, foreign nationals applying for changes or renewals of Japanese residency status will not be required to show proof of enrollment in the Japanese Social Insurance System (SIS). However, as part of the Japanese government’s efforts to promote awareness of and voluntary participation in the system, foreign nationals who hold a Japanese social insurance card will be asked to present it during the renewal or change of status process beginning April 1, 2010, and those applicants who do not have a card may be provided with promotional materials about the SIS.
Foreign nationals who do not participate in the SIS will not have their change or renewal applications denied because a card was not presented. However, it may be advantageous for such applicants to present the certificate of enrollment issued by their overseas insurance authority as proof of exemption from Japanese Social Insurance membership, especially if they are nationals of countries that entered into international social security agreements with Japan: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States.
Though enrollment in the Social Insurance System will not be required for immigration applications, it is required under Japanese social insurance laws for foreign national employees who are paid in Japan, and not by an overseas entity.
As reported in November 2009, the Japanese Immigration Bureau was going to begin requiring all renewal and change of residency status applicants to show proof of Social Insurance membership as of April 1, 2010. After consulting with employers, professional associations and interest groups, the Bureau has modified its policy and will continue to allow foreign nationals to apply for renewal or change of residency status without first enrolling in the Social Insurance System.
In preparing this alert, Fragomen worked closely with ILS Shimoda Office, L.P.C in Tokyo, Japan. The content of this alert is provided for informational purposes only.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global Immigration Services or send an email to APCCInitiations@fragomen.com.
Source: Fragomen
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