What is a Spouse Visa for Japanese Nationals? Application Requirements, Examples, and Required Documents Explained

Updated: July 2025, 12

A must-read for those who want to marry a foreigner! Experts explain spouse visas

What is a Spouse Visa??

A spouse visa is sometimes called a "marriage visa," but its official name is "spouse or child of a Japanese national." It is one of the residence statuses that can be obtained by foreign spouses who have married a Japanese national, people with foreign nationality who have been born as children of Japanese nationals, or foreigners who have become family members through special adoption, in order to live in Japan after an international marriage.

The main benefit of this status of residence is that there are no restrictions on your activities within Japan if you obtain it.
This allows you to freely engage in activities and choose occupations other than those that normally require a work visa.
Spouse visa holders are also not required to be dependents.

The permitted period of stay is usually 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months.
Before your period of stay expires, you will need to apply for an extension of your period of stay or a change of status of residence.
Furthermore, if you meet certain conditions, you may be able to apply for permanent residency.

Many documents are required at the time of application, so careful preparation is important.
For example, documents required for application include a marriage certificate, residence certificate, proof of income, and a letter of guarantee.
In addition, an important point in the review is whether the actual details of the marriage are true.
In some cases, you may be required to submit a questionnaire, a spouse visa, and snapshots.

A spouse visa is an important residence status that allows you to live in Japan with your family, but there are many cases where applications are denied.
For example, this applies if the submitted documents are incomplete, if the income requirements are not met, or if there is suspicion of a sham marriage.
Therefore, it is essential to carefully check the expiration date and to be fully prepared and provide accurate information when applying, renewing, or making changes.

Spouse Visa Application Requirements

Spouse visa is a common name, and the official residence status is ``Spouse of Japanese national.''WaitIs called.
In cases 2 and 3, this “Wait”, so you can apply for a spouse visa.

① Being the spouse of a Japanese national

In the context of a spouse visa application, the term "spouse" refers only to a person who is married to a Japanese national.
Targets are people who are actually married, and do not include people whose Japanese spouse has died, divorced, or common-law relationships.
You will need to prove that you are not only legally married, but also actually married.

② Those born to Japanese nationals

This applies if one of the parents had Japanese nationality at the time of the child's birth, or if the father, who had Japanese nationality, died before the child's birth.
Additionally, the child must be a biological or recognized child, and proof of birth as a Japanese child is required.

3) Special adoption by Japanese nationals

General adoptions are called normal adoptions and are not applicable.
In order to live in Japan, the adopted child must have a separate visa.
In addition, the child's status relationship with the birth parents must be separated by a judgment in the family court, and the same relationship as a biological child must be established with the adoptive parents.

The age of children eligible for special adoption is 6 years old (with exceptions, 8 years old).
However, you may be able to apply for naturalization after adoption.
(If you have lived in Japan for one year and are a minor under the laws of your home country at the time of adoption)

Important points for spouse visa application

① Is there a marriage or family situation?

When applying for a spouse visa, it is important to verify the authenticity of the couple's marriage registration overseas, details of their relationships and interactions prior to marriage, travel history, and that both families are aware of the marriage.

Specifically, detailed information is required, such as the length of the relationship leading up to marriage, how they met, the words used in the proposal, and even the status of introducing the couple to their parents and friends. Social media interactions, call records, email history, photos from dates, and photos showing interactions with family members are all important evidence supporting the authenticity of the marriage.

In cases where the authenticity of the marriage is likely to be questioned, such as when the relationship has been extremely short, when there is a large age difference between the couple, or when the couple met through a dating app, it is necessary to submit these pieces of evidence in more detail.

Additionally, if you have been divorced in the past, you may be required to provide a convincing explanation for the reason for your divorce and the circumstances that led to your current marriage. In particular, if you are applying for a spouse visa after a short-term relationship, marriage, divorce, and remarriage, you will need to explain the genuineness of your marriage, the reason for your previous divorce, and how you handled it afterward.
The "Questionnaire" included in the spouse visa application documents must be filled out correctly with the facts.

The "questionnaire" to be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency is an important document that accurately describes these facts, and care must be taken to ensure that its contents do not contradict the documents submitted.
　
If it turns out that the answers in the "Questionnaire" are different from the facts, your spouse visa application may be rejected.
You can further prove that your marriage relationship is official by attaching documents proving the answers you provided in the "Questionnaire" along with your spouse visa application documents.

Also, when applying for a spouse visa, it is necessary to explain that the couple can live comfortably.
　
If the income of the main breadwinner does not meet the standard, or if both spouses have low incomes, a relative may be required to act as a guarantor.

In this case, you will also need to provide a detailed explanation of the specific reasons why a relative is acting as a guarantor.

By meeting these requirements and demonstrating the genuineness of your marriage, you will be able to obtain a spouse visa.

② Can the main breadwinner's income support the family?

When applying for a spouse visa, it is very important that the primary breadwinner has a stable income.
If the applicant's spouse is employed, such as a company employee or self-employed, the stability of income will be confirmed.

The Immigration Services Agency will conduct a strict examination to determine whether the couple has the financial means to maintain a stable married life in Japan.

All types of income are taken into consideration, including not only salary income but also business income, real estate income, savings, pensions, etc. The important thing is whether these incomes are stable and continuous.

Specifically, you will be asked to provide necessary documents such as proof of payment of resident tax, pay slip, and tax payment certificate.

These are often required as proof of income, and if you do not meet these requirements, your application may be rejected.

On the other hand, if you are receiving welfare benefits, your application is more likely to be denied, and if your income tends to fluctuate from month to month, such as if you are self-employed or working part-time, you may be asked to submit documents that more specifically explain the stability of your income.

In addition, if both spouses are unemployed, they will be required to submit a statement of reasons explaining how they plan to make a living.

Furthermore, when changing or renewing a spouse visa, although there are some exceptions, you will generally need to provide proof of a stable income.

That's why it's important to have proof of income ready before you apply.

③ Is there a conflict with past applications?

If your spouse has a history of living in Japan, documents from the time they lived in Japan will also be checked.
It tends to be difficult to obtain a visa if your past residence history and the explanation on your application documents are different.

When applying for a spouse visa, great importance is placed on consistency with previous applications and residence history.
In particular, if your spouse has previously resided in Japan, the documents and activities submitted during that period will be reviewed to ensure they are compatible with your current application.
For example, if the information or activity history provided in your previous application differs from that of your current application, it may be difficult to obtain a visa.
　
In addition, when changing or renewing a spouse visa, consistency with past records will be required.

Required documents

If you are not currently in Japan and are entering the country due to marriage

The minimum documents you should prepare are as follows:
In addition to these, you may be asked to submit additional documents such as a bankbook, employment contract, job offer letter, and pay slip.

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Marriage certificate issued in the applicant's home country
• Letter of guarantee
• Photo (4 cm long x 3 cm wide)
• A snapshot of the two of them
• Family register of Japanese spouse
• Resident tax (or non-tax) certificate and tax payment certificate for Japanese spouse
• Residence certificate of Japanese spouse
• Question form
• A stamped reply envelope

If you are already in Japan

At a minimum, the following documents are required:

• Application for permission to change status of residence
• Marriage certificate issued in the applicant's home country
• Letter of guarantee
• Photo (4 cm long x 3 cm wide)
• A snapshot of the two of them
• Family register of Japanese spouse
• Resident tax certificate or exemption certificate, and tax payment certificate
• Residence certificate of Japanese spouse
• Documents proving living expenses in Japan
• Question form
• Passport
• Residence card or alien registration card

What happens to my visa when I divorce my Japanese spouse?

Your current spouse visa will be subject to cancellation.

What happens if you get divorced or lose your Japanese spouse during your period of stay? In that case, your residence status may be revoked.
However, depending on when you received your current status of residence, you may be required to notify the Immigration Bureau.
If you get married to another Japanese person within the period of stay after divorce and apply for renewal of your spouse visa, you will need to submit an official marriage certificate just like you did for your previous marriage.

What if I have children with my Japanese spouse?

If you wish to raise a child born to your Japanese spouse after you separated from your Japanese spouse due to divorce, bereavement, etc., you can change from a "spouse" visa to a "long-term resident" visa. You can apply.

 

If you do not have any children with your Japanese spouse who separated due to divorce, etc., you will need to change from a spouse visa to a visa that applies to you, such as a work visa.
If you are unable to change your spouse visa, you will have to return to your home country before the expiration date.

 

Even if you do not have children with your Japanese spouse who separated due to divorce, etc., you may be able to apply for a change to a "long-term resident" visa. An explanation will be required.

What visa should I change to after divorce?

If your marriage to a Japanese national is dissolved, you will no longer be able to renew your "Spouse or Child of a Japanese National Visa."
However, there are many people who wish to continue staying in Japan, such as those who have lived in Japan for a long time and have become accustomed to Japanese society, or those who have children with a Japanese partner and need to raise those children.

In such cases, you may be able to continue living in Japan by changing to a "Long-term Resident Visa."
However, whether or not you are approved to change to a "Long-Term Resident Visa" is determined based on various factors, such as the length of your marriage, the reason for your divorce, whether you have children, whether or not you are supporting them, and the length of your stay in Japan.

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FAQ

What is the difference between a spouse visa and a dependent visa?

A "spouse visa" is a status of residence given to the spouse of a Japanese national, a person born as a child of a Japanese national, or a special adopted child.
However, a "family visa" is completely different from a "spouse visa," and is a visa granted to the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan.

I have a spouse visa, how long can I work?

Foreigners with a spouse visa have no restrictions on working hours or type of work.
On the other hand, if you have a dependent visa, you will need to obtain permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted in order to work in Japan.
This permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence allows you to work 28 hours a week, but there are some occupations that are prohibited.

What should I be careful about when renewing my spouse visa?

During the renewal examination, we may examine your current living situation.
In order to pass this fact-finding survey, it is basically necessary for the couple to live together.
Renewal applications can be made from 3 months before the expiration date of your stay.
Please apply for renewal as soon as possible.

I heard that it is easier to apply for a permanent resident visa or naturalization for those with a spouse visa than for other visas. Is this true?

The application requirements for permanent residency and naturalization are more lenient in terms of period of residence, etc., than for people residing in Japan on other visas.
However, in the case of naturalization, your Japanese language ability will be tested, so you may need to study.

How long will it take to know the results of my application?

Reviews are conducted in the order of applications and usually take 1 to 3 months.
However, if there are instructions for additional documents, it may take longer than 3 months.

If my application is rejected once, can I apply again?

You can try to apply as many times as you like, so we recommend that you reapply without giving up.
I understand that you have been denied permission in the past, but I believe that the reason was stated when you were notified of the denial by the Legal Affairs Bureau.
In order for your application to be approved, you must thoroughly clear the listed reasons for disapproval.

Case studies of applications we have supported

◆Case 1◆ I want to bring my wife and her stepchild who left the country voluntarily due to overstay.

Case

・Consultation from a Japanese man (40 years old).
・The Korean woman I had been dating before my divorce from my ex-wife returned to Japan after overstaying.
・After returning to Japan, the couple went through legal marriage procedures in South Korea.
・My wife has a child (11 years old) with her ex-husband.
・One year has passed since my wife left the country voluntarily.
・Since the entry ban period has passed, I would like to bring my wife and child with me.

Our response

Having a history of overstaying was one of the issues when applying.

Having a criminal record makes it more difficult to apply.
In this case,
・Circumstances that led to overstaying
・Status of self-reflection
I had to clearly convey this to the examiner.

Personal circumstances are not taken into consideration much in the procedure for obtaining a residence status.Judgments will be made based on legality, necessity for the country of Japan and the Japanese people, etc.

Generally well,To insist on one's personal circumstancesthere is. This doesn't really convey that you're remorseful,This will leave a bad impression on the examiner.

The key point was to convey the following two points while explaining the circumstances that led to the overstay.
・What I am reflecting on
・Having a strong desire to never do anything illegal again

moreoverreality of marriageabout,Provided detailed explanation and objective proof.(This time, there was a possibility that the authenticity of the marriage could be questioned) was also a key point.

Customer Reviews

During the first interview, the key points of the procedure were explained in an easy-to-understand manner. There was nothing to worry about and I would definitely like to ask for help.
I learned that the application documents are important because they will be judged by an examiner who I have never met.
When the application documents were completed, I felt that documents created by someone with specialized knowledge about applications are different.

My wife had a history of overstaying, so I felt anxious during the screening process, but I trusted the doctor with all my heart and was able to wait for the results.
We were able to get permission for our child to move in, and now we can live together as a family of three. Please also ask when renewing your visa.

◆Case 2◆ Can I get a Certificate of Eligibility during my short-term stay?

Case

・Consultation from Japanese men.
・I have a Korean wife who lives in Korea.
・My wife came to Japan on a short-term visitor visa.
・I would like to apply for certification as a "Japanese spouse, etc." in order to live together in Japan.
・If possible, I would like to obtain permission and complete the visa change while my wife is staying in Japan.

Our response

The standard examination period for application for certificate issuance is, 2 monthsIt has been with.
In this case, at the stage when you came to consult us,2 months until the period of stay.
I will tell you about the general situation where you may not be able to make it in time if you think about it using normal scheduling.
With the cooperation of the customer, we completed the procedures all at once and were able to successfully obtain a short-term stay permit.

Too much focus on speed when applying for a visa
Submitting inaccurate application documents
↓
Receive instructions for additional documents from the Immigration Bureau
↓
resulting in loss of time
That's what happens.

The point this time isThere were two points below.
- Thoroughly explained in writing any matters that may be of concern after the examination.
・We have ensured all possible precautions through an in-house checking system by multiple specialized staff.
(When applying for a visa, there is a risk that even a small typo may lead to a big problem.)

In addition, In case of application for Japanese spouse, etc., “Questionnaire” is also a required document..
I believe that sharing the schedule with the customer and receiving their cooperation led to early approval.

Customer Reviews

I couldn't bear the thought of my wife returning to Japan with the anxiety of wondering, ``Will I be able to get permission safely?'' I was relieved that she gave me permission.
Also, during my short stay, I was provided with detailed information on the procedures for obtaining a certified certificate, which was helpful. From now on, we will live a happy married life together in Japan.

◆Case 3◆ There were few cases of the couple living together, but they were able to apply for renewal!

Case

・Consultation from foreign women.
・I want to renew my spouse visa.
・There was a period when my Japanese husband was away on business.
・The period of living together in Japan was short.
・I am worried about whether I can apply for renewal.

Our response

One of the important points in the case of a date of birth is whether or not the person is actually married.
reality of marriageNot only from a legal perspective, but also from a legal perspective.This also includes actual living conditions such as living together.
If you do not live together, your renewal may be denied if that fact alone is verified.

The Immigration Bureau
・What do you suspect?
・What are you trying to confirm?
, which is themed around The purpose of the additional instructions cannot be understood without specialized visa knowledge and experience.I think.

Even though the wife and husband are really close, it was a dangerous case where they would likely not be allowed to apply based on immigration records alone.
I'm glad that I was able to provide professional support so that the two of them wouldn't be separated.

Customer Reviews

I'm not very good at Japanese, so the staff did a good job of explaining things in writing, so I think the Immigration Bureau was able to understand the situation.

I was very happy because he told me things to keep in mind when applying for permanent residence, such as how to obey the law. Thank you for your application for permanent residence.

◆Case 4◆ Despite being refused permission twice, I was able to successfully obtain a visa!

Case

・Consultation from a Korean woman (40s).
・I have a Japanese husband.
・I applied for a spouse visa for my husband on my own, but it was rejected twice.
・Other administrative scriveners advised me to wait a while before applying next time.
・I would like to apply for a spouse visa for the third time immediately.

Our response

If your application is rejected,
・There is a problem with the application content itself.
・There is a problem with the documents submitted for application
The problem may be one of the above.

This time, even though there is no problem with the content, the submitted materialsThe problem was that they were not able to explain to the examiner the relationship they had before the marriage and the actual state of the marriage.

Therefore, our company takes into consideration the examiner's mental health, which has deteriorated due to the past two rejections.Create additional materials that appeal more persuasivelyAs a result, my spouse visa application was successfully approved.

Customer Reviews

I had already been rejected twice, so I was about to give up, thinking that I would never get a visa again.
I was very happy to see how polite and empathetic they were, and I was moved by the fact that I could see that they were thinking from my point of view when I was denied permission.
It is thanks to your company that we were granted permission this time. It just seems like a miracle to me. I'm really thankful to you.

◆Case 5◆ I am in trouble because my marital status is suspected and additional documents are required.

Case

・Consultation from a Japanese husband (in his 30s) and a Chinese wife (in her 20s).
・My wife has friends and relatives in Osaka.
・I often use Kansai International Airport when returning to China.
・The husband applies for the renewal of his wife's spousal visa by himself.
・I received instructions for additional documents to be sent home.
・I don't know what kind of documents to prepare and how to explain.

Our response

In this case,"Convince the examiner that the marital relationship continues"Is the point.

When we checked the additional notice, we found that since Kansai International Airport was frequently used as a port of entry and exit, the data held by the Immigration Bureau, such as entry and exit records, indicated that it appeared as if they were living separately. I found out that the authorities were suspicious of me.
there,Prepare documents not specified in the additional notice.The couple then decided to prove that their relationship continued.

When applying, I created documents that conveyed the following two points.
・Circumstances of living separately
・The relationship between husband and wife continues to be good even if they are separated.

In addition, the manual explains why his wife uses Kansai International Airport frequently, stating that he lives in Tokyo.Carefully explain that you live with your husband　

Customer Reviews

I never thought that our relationship as a couple would be suspected.
Even though the submission deadline was approaching, I was at a loss because I didn't know how to submit the instructions, so I'm glad I jumped into the Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation as a last minute move.
The staff in charge listened to our history and circumstances, and created a manual on the spot.
There were days when I couldn't sleep because I thought my wife would be forced to return to her home country if the application was denied, but my wife and I were both really relieved when the renewal was approved. thank you very much!

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