Spouse Visa Renewal with Separation｜Risks, Approval Cases, and Required Documents [2025 Guide]

Introduction

When renewing a spouse visa, one of the biggest concerns for many foreign residents is whether the application will be approved if the couple has been living separately.
The spouse visa is granted on the basis of married life with a Japanese citizen or permanent resident, and immigration authorities always examine whether the couple is in fact living together as husband and wife.

For this reason, periods of separation may raise suspicions such as: “Is this a sham marriage?” or “Are they preparing for divorce?”.
However, separation does not necessarily mean that renewal will be denied. If you can clearly explain the reasonable circumstances and demonstrate the continuity of your marital relationship, approval is still possible.

In this article, we will explain in detail:

• The principle of “living together” in spouse visa renewals
• Why separation is questioned
• Cases where approval is possible, and cases with a high risk of refusal
• Required documents and how to explain the situation when living separately
• Practical responses by case and the merits of consulting a professional

This is a practical guide for those facing the same situation, providing concrete points for judgment and preparation.

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Chapter 1｜The Principle of “Living Together” in Spouse Visa Renewal

The spouse visa is based on the assumption that the couple is living a stable married life together in Japan. Immigration authorities pay close attention to the following points when assessing this “reality”:

• Living together (whether the couple shares the same address)
• Joint financial life (whether household expenses are shared as a unit)
• Continuity of the marital relationship (intention to maintain the marriage, communication, future life plans)

Among these, “living together” is the most visible and objectively verifiable factor. It appears in official documents such as residence certificates and rental contracts, which is why it carries significant weight.

Therefore, if a couple is living separately, authorities may suspect:

• “Is the marriage only formal?”
• “Are they in fact in a state of de facto separation or divorce?”

However, the law does not explicitly require couples to always live together.
In other words, separation itself does not automatically mean refusal. The key is whether there is a reasonable explanation and whether you can show that the marriage is continuing despite the separation.

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Chapter 2｜Why Separation Is Questioned

The spouse visa is fundamentally for those who reside in Japan as the spouse of a Japanese citizen or permanent resident, based on married life together.
Therefore, if a couple lives apart, immigration may raise the following concerns:

Possibility of a sham marriage

The spouse visa has few work restrictions and is relatively flexible, which makes it vulnerable to abuse. Immigration authorities therefore scrutinize whether the marriage is genuine. Separation raises suspicions that the couple is not actually living as husband and wife.

Possibility of divorce preparation or marital breakdown

If separation is prolonged, it may be interpreted as evidence that the marriage has already broken down or that the couple is preparing for divorce. In particular, if financial support and communication have ceased, it may be treated as a “marriage in name only.”

Doubts about marital stability

Immigration must determine whether the couple can maintain a stable married life going forward. Separation casts doubt on continuity and may make approval less likely.

In this way, separation can easily create a negative presumption for the examiner.
Therefore, even when the circumstances are legitimate, it is crucial to carefully explain why the separation occurred and how the marriage is being maintained.

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Chapter 3｜Cases Where Approval Is Possible Despite Separation

If reasonable and objective explanations can be provided, visa renewal may still be granted even with separation. In practice, the following cases are often approved:

Work transfer or assignment

Transfers to other regions or overseas postings are common in Japan. In such cases, company transfer orders, employer certificates, and pay slips can demonstrate that the separation is unavoidable and legitimate.

Childbirth, childcare, or caregiving

Temporary separations due to maternity leave, returning to the parental home for childbirth, or caring for parents may be recognized. Medical certificates, caregiving documentation, or family register extracts can support this explanation.

Study, education, or preparation for career change

If one spouse needs to study at a university or technical school in another region, a temporary separation may occur. In such cases, enrollment or admission certificates can be submitted to explain the situation.

Temporary housing or lifestyle issues

Separations caused by moving, housing conditions, or other short-term factors may also be accepted, as long as it is made clear that cohabitation will resume soon.

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Chapter 4｜Cases With a High Risk of Refusal

While separation can be approved in some cases, the following situations carry a much higher risk of refusal. In practice, many refusals result from insufficient explanation or lack of evidence.

Unclear or insufficient reasons

Vague explanations such as “too busy with work” or “temporary marital disagreement” without supporting evidence are unlikely to satisfy immigration.

No financial support or communication for an extended period

If financial contributions stop and there is no record of communication during separation, it may be treated as de facto marital breakdown.

Effectively divorced

If separation lasts more than six months to a year, with no realistic chance of reconciliation, immigration will likely conclude that the marriage no longer exists in practice.

Overconfidence from past approval

Even if a spouse visa was once renewed during separation, it does not guarantee approval in subsequent applications. Immigration evaluates the current situation each time, so up-to-date explanations are essential.

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Chapter 5｜Required Documents and How to Explain Separation

When applying for renewal while separated, it is vital to provide documents that explain the reasonableness of the separation in addition to the usual requirements.

Statement of Reasons (Explanation Letter)

The most important document. It should include:

• When the separation began
• The reason (work, study, caregiving, etc.)
• Expected duration

Financial support and communication during the separation

Plans to resume cohabitation

Supporting evidence for the reason

Attach documents proving that the separation is legitimate, for example:

• Work transfer: company orders, employer certificates, pay slips
• Caregiving: medical certificates, caregiving authorization, hospital proof
• Study: enrollment certificates, admission letters, student ID copies
• Financial support: bank transfer records, remittance slips

Evidence of marital continuity

Beyond the reason for separation, proof that the marriage continues is essential:

• Chat, email, or phone records
• Transportation tickets showing visits
• Family photos or event participation records
• Shared bank accounts or expense-sharing records

Organizing these materials systematically and submitting them with the explanation letter will make it easier for immigration to accept that “the marriage continues despite separation.”

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Chapter 6｜Practical Responses by Case

Different backgrounds require different approaches. Here are typical cases and practical measures:

Case	Documents to Submit	Key Points for Explanation
Work transfer / assignment	Transfer orders, employer certificate, pay slips	Clarify that separation is unavoidable for work reasons, and show continued financial support. Attach records of visits and communication.
Caregiving / childbirth	Medical certificate, caregiving authorization, hospital proof, maternity records	Emphasize that the separation is temporary due to family circumstances, and specify its expected duration and the plan to resume cohabitation.
Study / qualification	Enrollment certificate, admission letter, tuition receipts	Explain that the separation is limited to the study period and that the couple will reunite after graduation. Provide remittance and communication records.
Marital issues / strained relationship	Proof of financial support, records of communication	This is a difficult case, but demonstrate efforts to maintain the marriage, such as attempts at reconciliation or counseling. Evidence of continued commitment can be helpful.

👉 In all cases, the critical point is to prove both the reasonableness of the separation and the continuity of the marriage.

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Chapter 7｜Merits of Consulting an Administrative Scrivener

Renewing a spouse visa with separation is usually subject to stricter review. Consulting a professional has several advantages:

Item	Details
1. Objective preparation of the explanation letter	A scrivener can prepare a persuasive explanation that avoids emotional or vague wording.
2. Organizing and supplementing evidence	Documents may be inconsistent or scattered; a professional can compile them into a clear package proving the marital relationship.
3. Support with immigration procedures	If additional documents are requested or questions arise, a professional can respond appropriately on behalf of the applicant, reducing risks.

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Conclusion

Separation during spouse visa renewal is certainly a risk factor.
However, separation does not automatically equal refusal. If you provide a clear explanation of the circumstances and evidence that the marriage continues, approval is still possible.

• As discussed in Chapter 2, immigration is cautious about sham marriages or divorce preparations.
  Yet, as seen in Chapters 3–6, many applications are approved if legitimate reasons and appropriate evidence are provided.
• If you are concerned, it is strongly recommended to consult an administrative scrivener or similar professional to prepare objective explanations and organize the necessary documents.

To successfully renew a spouse visa in cases of separation, it is essential to prove both the reasonableness of the separation and the continuity of the marriage.

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.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule”

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