[2025 Updated] Spouse Visa Application Guide for Japan｜Complete Process, Required Documents & Tips from an Immigration Lawyer
Introduction｜Nationwide Guide to the Japanese Spouse Visa
A Spouse Visa (Status of Residence: Spouse or Child of Japanese National) is required for a foreign spouse to live a stable married life in Japan with their Japanese partner.
Once granted, it allows the holder to work freely without restrictions on occupation or working hours, greatly expanding their opportunities in Japan. However, the screening process is far from a mere formality — immigration officers closely examine the genuine nature of the marriage and the stability of the couple’s life together.
This guide explains, from the perspective of an experienced immigration lawyer, everything from the basic nationwide rules and application procedures, to key screening criteria, strategies to avoid rejection, and preparation for long-term residence, permanent residency, or naturalization.
Spouse Visa Basics｜What Is the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Status?
The Spouse or Child of Japanese National status of residence applies to:
- A foreign spouse who is legally married to a Japanese national
- A biological child of a Japanese national
- A specially adopted child of a Japanese national
Once granted, there are no restrictions on the type of work or working hours, giving the holder a high degree of freedom in daily life in Japan.
However, merely submitting a marriage registration is not enough. Immigration authorities will conduct a comprehensive review, examining the reality of the marriage, the stability of the couple’s living arrangements, and the applicant’s conduct and immigration history.
Key Features
- No restrictions on employment
- Periods of stay: 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years
- Screening focuses on three main pillars: the reality of the marriage, financial stability, and conduct/history
Types of Applications and How to Choose
There are three main types of spouse visa applications.
Which procedure you must follow depends on the foreign spouse’s current location and immigration status.
Choosing the wrong route can result in the application not being accepted, so it’s important to first confirm your exact situation.
1. Entering Japan from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)
This procedure applies when the foreign spouse resides abroad and plans to start married life in Japan.
You must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a Japanese Immigration Bureau. Based on this COE, you then apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas and enter Japan.
The COE serves as prior approval that you are qualified to live in Japan as a spouse.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Process | 1. Apply for COE at Immigration Bureau in Japan 2. COE issued upon approval 3. Apply for visa at Japanese embassy/consulate overseas → Enter Japan |
| Screening Points | – Reality of the marriage (dating history, cohabitation status) – Living base in Japan (housing, source of income) – Outlook for continued marriage (communication records, family acknowledgment) |
| Preparation Tips | – Secure housing contract and proof of income early – Organize photos and message history as relationship evidence – Begin obtaining overseas documents early as they may take time |
2. Changing Status in Japan (Change of Status of Residence)
If the foreign spouse is already in Japan under another visa (e.g., student, work) and marries a Japanese national, this procedure is required.
Changing status removes work restrictions and allows greater freedom in daily life.
If the current visa is close to expiry, calculate your timeline backward to avoid delays.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Process | 1. Apply for Change of Status at Immigration Bureau 2. Receive new Residence Card upon approval |
| Screening Points | – Cohabitation status (residence record, lease agreement) – No issues with current visa status – Financial stability (income, employment status) |
| Preparation Tips | – Apply early, counting backward from visa expiry date – Attach supplemental income documents if you recently changed jobs – Ensure address and name are consistent across all documents |
3. Extending Period of Stay (Extension of Stay)
For those already holding a spouse visa, this procedure is used to extend the period of stay before it expires.
If stable married life and financial security are confirmed, extensions from 1 year to 3 or 5 years are possible.
An extension is not just a formality — it is a re-evaluation of your living situation to date.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Process | 1. Application accepted from 3 months before visa expiry 2. Apply for Extension of Stay at Immigration Bureau 3. Receive new Residence Card upon approval |
| Screening Points | – Continuation of married life (including explanation for any separation) – Tax and social insurance compliance – Stability of income/employment |
| Preparation Tips | – Keep tax records and proof of social insurance enrollment – Provide clear explanation for any periods of separation – Attach documents showing household financial stability |
Using the Online Application System (OCS)
In recent years, spouse visa applications can be submitted through the Immigration Services Agency’s Online Application System (OCS).
This eliminates the need to visit an immigration office in person and allows you to apply from anywhere in Japan. However, prior registration is required, and you must prepare your documents in the correct digital formats.
For busy applicants or those living far from immigration offices, this can be a significant advantage.
| Advantages | Cautions |
|---|---|
| 24/7 application availability | Initial user registration required |
| No need to visit the office, saving travel time and costs | File size and image quality restrictions for uploaded documents |
| Check application progress online | Some types of applications are not eligible for online submission |
How Applications Are Reviewed｜Three Key Evaluation Criteria
In reviewing spouse visa applications, immigration authorities focus not only on formal requirements but also on the overall consistency of the documents and the actual circumstances of the couple’s life together.
Nationwide, the following three evaluation criteria are commonly applied:
- Reality and Continuity of the Marriage
Covers the couple’s relationship history from meeting to marriage, cohabitation status, and recognition of the relationship by family and friends. - Financial Stability
Assesses whether the couple has a stable income, proper tax payment records, and active enrollment in social insurance. - Conduct and Consistency of Immigration Records
Looks for any past violations, unauthorized activities, and whether personal and residence records are consistent over time.
How to Write the Questionnaire and Application Forms
When preparing the questionnaire and application forms, it is important to organize the facts in chronological order so that an immigration officer can understand the situation at a glance.
Avoid leaving blanks or using vague expressions, and always provide supplementary explanations for anything that might seem unclear or unusual.
In particular, if the dating period was short or there were periods of separation, explain the reasons and background in detail to reduce any concerns.
Basic Writing Rules
| Item | Key Points | Example |
|---|---|---|
| How you met | State the specific time, place, and circumstances | “Met in May 2019 at a party hosted by a friend in Tokyo” |
| Start of relationship | Specify the year and month, and how the relationship began | “Started dating in July 2019. Our shared hobbies brought us closer” |
| Proposal or engagement | Clearly state when, where, and how it happened | “In March 2021, during a trip to Kyoto, I formally proposed” |
| Marriage registration date | Provide the exact date and the name of the city/ward office | “Submitted marriage registration on June 15, 2021, at Shibuya Ward Office” |
| Start of cohabitation | Indicate the month/year and address | “Began living together in July 2021 at an apartment in XX Town, Shibuya, Tokyo” |
| Periods of separation | Give detailed reasons and dates | “From April to June 2022, we lived apart due to work (husband in Osaka, wife in Tokyo)” |
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Common Mistake | Improved Example |
|---|---|
| “We met a few years ago” | “We met in May 2019 through a friend’s introduction” |
| “We decided to get married” | “In March 2021, during a trip to Kyoto, I formally proposed, and we informed both families” |
| No explanation for separation | “From April to June 2022, my husband was transferred for work, so we lived separately. He stayed at my residence on weekends” |
Writing Tips
- Attach photos or message history as separate sheets if needed
- List the timeline from meeting to the present with dates and events
- Always explain reasons for any periods of separation or unexplained gaps
- Avoid technical terms or abbreviations — write so anyone can understand
Required Documents and Supporting Materials
While the exact requirements may vary slightly depending on the application type and region, there are basic documents that are common nationwide.
In addition, attaching optional supporting materials can make your application more persuasive.
List of Required Documents
| Category | Document | Notes & Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Documents prepared by the Japanese spouse | Family register (koseki tohon, showing marriage) | Must be issued within the last 3 months |
| Resident record (juminhyo, showing all household members and relationships) | Omit My Number information | |
| Income certificate & tax payment certificate | Submit the most recent year’s documents | |
| Certificate of employment & salary slips | Official documents issued by employer | |
| Letter of guarantee | Must be signed and sealed by the Japanese spouse | |
| Documents prepared by the foreign spouse | Passport | Must be valid |
| ID photo (4×3 cm) | Taken within 3 months before application | |
| Certificate of legal capacity to marry / Certificate of single status | May require apostille or notarization depending on the country | |
| Optional supporting materials | Questionnaire & written relationship history | Chronological account from meeting to present |
| Photos (dating to present) | Preferably with dates and locations visible | |
| Message or call history | As much as needed to show long-term contact | |
| Money transfer records or joint contracts | Useful as proof of cohabitation or financial ties |
Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Address Them
Even when all the basic documents are submitted, a spouse visa application can still be refused.
Typical reasons include an insufficient demonstration of real married life, unstable finances, or inconsistencies across documents.
Understanding these patterns in advance and preparing counter-measures will greatly improve your chances of approval.
Typical Issues and Practical Countermeasures
| Typical Issue | How to Address It |
|---|---|
| Short dating period with little explanation | Provide a detailed, chronological timeline from first meeting to marriage; attach photos, travel records, and (where appropriate) statements from family or friends who know the relationship. |
| Weak evidence of cohabitation / no explanation for periods of separation | Specify the exact dates, reasons, and frequency of contact during any separation; add proof such as visit logs, tickets/boarding passes, hotel receipts, or delivery records. |
| Insufficient income or unpaid/late taxes | Submit a job offer/contract, recent payslips, and (if applicable) a letter of financial support from family; show proof that tax arrears have been paid or a payment plan is in place. |
| Name/address inconsistencies across documents | Standardize all records (resident record, lease, employment docs, bank, insurance); if any discrepancy remains, attach a brief written explanation with dates and reasons. |
| Too few supporting materials | Add message/chat logs, call histories, remittance receipts, joint lease/utility contracts, joint bank evidence, and additional everyday photos with dates/locations. |
Strategies for Higher-Risk Scenarios
Certain situations tend to trigger stricter scrutiny, but they can be mitigated with targeted preparation and transparent explanations.
Conditions That Draw Closer Review — and What to Submit
| Condition | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Large age gap (15+ years) | Provide affidavits or letters from family/friends recognizing the relationship; submit multi-year photos and communication records; show shared plans (housing, finances, future family/life plans). |
| Dating period under six months | Write a detailed chronology from first contact to marriage; include high-frequency communication evidence, travel history to visit each other, and joint activities that show continuity. |
| Past refusal or revocation of status | Disclose the exact reason(s) and date(s); submit documents showing remediation (e.g., cleared tax, stabilized employment, corrected paperwork); explain what has changed and how compliance is ensured now. |
Key Points for Visa Renewal and Extension of Stay
In renewal screenings, immigration authorities place strong emphasis on the couple’s actual living situation to date and the stability of their life together.
To obtain a longer period of stay — such as 3 years or 5 years — factors such as the length of the marriage, stable income, and a consistent record of tax payments and social insurance enrollment are crucial.
Tips for a Successful Renewal
- Maintain consistent tax payment and social insurance enrollment every year
- Keep your residential address and employment stable
- Save records of family events, trips, and other activities as evidence of ongoing married life
Relationship to Permanent Residency and Naturalization
When applying for permanent residency or naturalization from a spouse visa, immigration authorities examine not only the continuation of the marriage but also the long-term stability of life and good conduct, with even stricter scrutiny.
In principle, permanent residency requires at least 10 years of residence in Japan. However, for the spouse of a Japanese national, the requirements are relaxed — you may apply after three years of marriage, provided you have lived in Japan continuously for at least one year.
Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process of acquiring Japanese nationality. It requires meeting a broad set of conditions, including Japanese language ability, stable living arrangements, good conduct, and a consistent record of tax payment.
Common Key Points and Preparations for Both Permanent Residency and Naturalization
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Points emphasized in both processes | – Stable income: Whether you have maintained financial stability over several years – Tax and social insurance compliance: No arrears or non-enrollment – Reality of the marriage: Evidence of cohabitation and stability of married life – Good conduct: No legal violations or traffic offenses – Consistency of records: Address, name, and residence history are consistent |
| Preparations to start early | – Ensure tax payment and social insurance enrollment every year without fail – Keep copies of resident records, family register, employment contracts, and salary slips each year – Regularly save photos of family events, daily life, and records of communication – When changing jobs or moving, promptly update address and employment information on all relevant documents |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some of the most common questions we receive regarding spouse visa applications and screening.
- Q1. Can I be approved even if our dating period was short?
-
Yes. A short dating period does not automatically mean your application will be refused. However, it is important to provide supporting materials showing the full story from meeting to marriage, acknowledgment by each other’s families, and your future plans together.
- Q2. Can I apply if my income is unstable?
-
Yes, you can still apply, but you must prove the household’s overall financial stability. Submit documents such as an employment contract, a letter of expected employment, bank savings records, or evidence of financial support from family.
- Q3. What if I cannot submit the original of an overseas document?
-
If obtaining the original is difficult, you may still be able to submit your application if you can prove the issuing authority and procedure are legitimate, and the Japanese translation is accurate. Check if an apostille or notarization is required.
- Q4. How long does the screening process take?
-
It varies depending on the type of application, the region, and the case details, but typically it takes 1–3 months. It may take longer if additional documents are requested or during busy periods.
The Role of an Immigration Lawyer｜Benefits of Hiring a Professional
At first glance, a spouse visa application may seem straightforward. However, in reality, small details—such as consistency between documents and the persuasiveness of your relationship explanation—can significantly affect the outcome.
If there is any risk of refusal, or if you need to obtain and translate overseas documents, working with a qualified professional allows you to proceed with peace of mind.
What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You
- Create a complete list of required documents and set priorities for preparation
- Assist in drafting the written relationship history and questionnaire
- Advise on organizing and presenting photos, message logs, and other evidence
- Check for inconsistencies in name/address across documents and verify tax records
- Analyze refusal reasons and develop a reapplication strategy
- Propose long-term residency plans with an eye toward permanent residency or naturalization
Conclusion｜How to Succeed in Your Spouse Visa Application
A successful spouse visa application requires more than simply submitting the required documents in the correct format.
It is essential to clearly demonstrate the reality of your married life and the stability of your future together.
Key points to keep in mind nationwide:
- Choose the correct type of application (from overseas, change of status in Japan, or renewal)
- Prepare with the three main screening pillars in mind: the reality of the marriage, financial stability, and conduct/residence history
- Ensure all documents are consistent, persuasive, and objective
- Understand the common reasons for refusal and take preventive measures in advance
- Maintain records and a stable lifestyle with an eye toward future permanent residency or naturalization
With accurate information and thorough preparation, the spouse visa process is not something to be overly feared.
If applying on your own seems difficult, or if there is a high risk of refusal, the most reliable approach is to proceed in consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office
“If you would like to obtain a spouse visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about renewal or changing your residence status, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.
If you wish to proceed with your spouse visa application smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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