How to Bring Your Spouse to Japan: Avoiding COE Denials and Common Pitfalls

To bring a spouse who lives abroad to Japan, the first step is to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
However, in the case of a Spouse Visa, the immigration authorities strictly examine the “genuineness of the marriage” and the “stability of living conditions.” As a result, even if the formal documents are submitted, applications are often denied.

This article explains the basics of the COE, common reasons for denial, how to avoid them, and key points for re-application.

---

What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued by the Minister of Justice to confirm in advance that a foreign national is qualified to receive a residence status in Japan.
With this certificate, a spouse living abroad can apply for and smoothly obtain a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Key Points

• Role: Serves as a “pre-screening” before entry into Japan
• Effect: Once issued, the following visa issuance process is generally a formality
• Applicant: The Japanese spouse or the foreign spouse already residing in Japan applies on behalf of the applicant abroad
• Submission Office: Regional Immigration Bureau with jurisdiction over the Japanese spouse’s residence
• Validity: Three months from the date of issuance (visa application at the embassy/consulate must be completed within this period)

👉 In short, whether or not the COE is issued directly determines if the couple can begin living together in Japan. Careful preparation is therefore essential.

---

Basic Application Flow and Timeline

Obtaining a COE requires several steps and time. Understanding the process allows you to plan with enough margin.

Step	Content	Typical Duration
1. Document preparation	Collect documents, arrange translations, prepare supporting materials	2–4 weeks
2. Submission to Immigration	Application filed by the Japanese spouse or legal representative	Same day
3. Examination	Document review, possible additional inquiries	1–3 months
4. COE issuance	Delivered by mail or at the counter	After screening
5. Visa issuance at embassy/consulate	Submit COE abroad	~1 week
6. Entry to Japan & Residence Card	Residence card issued upon entry	At entry

※ As a rule of thumb, expect 3–4 months from application to entry into Japan.

---

Typical Reasons for Denial

There is no single reason for denial. In most cases, a combination of the following factors is involved:

Category	Content	Examples
Lack of genuine marriage	Suspicion of “marriage of convenience” or rushed marriage	Quick marriage with little dating history
Insufficient financial stability	Concerns about ability to sustain life in Japan	Low or unstable income, unemployed
Document errors or contradictions	Missing documents or inconsistencies	Marriage date differs between family register and residence record
Problems in immigration history	Past violations or overstays	Illegal work during short-term stay
Doubts about cohabitation	Question whether the couple will actually live together	Long-term separate residences due to overseas work

---

Practical Measures to Avoid Denial

Simply submitting the required documents is not enough. Immigration authorities judge applications holistically, so each potential risk must be supplemented with convincing evidence.

1. Prove the genuineness of your marriage

• Prepare a written statement explaining how you met and married
• Organize chat logs, travel records, and photos
• Include evidence of family interactions (visits, photos with relatives)

2. Demonstrate stable financial ability

• Submit tax certificates and income tax payment records
• Provide bank statements or savings certificates
• If planning dual income, explain the foreign spouse’s work history and qualifications

3. Eliminate discrepancies in documents

• Cross-check the family register, marriage certificate, and residence record
• Ensure foreign documents are translated and notarized correctly
• Pay attention to issue dates and expiration periods

4. Explain past immigration history

• If there were violations, provide a statement of reflection and improvement
• Clearly explain the purpose of previous short-term stays
• Transparency builds credibility

5. Present a concrete cohabitation plan

• Submit lease agreements or proof of planned housing in Japan
• Provide a written plan covering income, workplace, and household expenses
• Demonstrate a clear, long-term plan for living together

---

Points of Caution Depending on the Case

Not all Spouse Visa applications are judged the same. Screening points differ depending on the type of spouse or family situation. Additional documents may be required in special cases.

• Japanese spouse: Generally more flexible, but very low income requires strong supplementary evidence
• Permanent resident / Work visa holder: Financial and employment stability is scrutinized more strictly
• Overseas or religious marriage: A Japanese “Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage” is required
• Children applying together: Birth certificates and documents proving parent-child relationships are mandatory

---

What to Do if Denied: Re-Application Points

A denial does not necessarily mean the end. If you identify and improve the shortcomings, approval may still be possible. Re-applying with the same content, however, will not succeed. Strategic improvements are required.

• Request an official explanation of denial reasons from immigration
• Add missing documents and supplementary explanations
• Provide more detailed written statements and plans
• Seek pre-application review from an immigration lawyer or certified specialist

---

Common Misunderstandings and FAQs

Many applicants share similar concerns and misconceptions about Spouse Visa COE applications. Below are some common questions and clarifications.

Q1: Will unstable income always result in denial?

Not necessarily. Even with an annual income of around 3 million yen, approval may be possible if strong supplementary evidence is provided.

Q2: Is a short dating period always a disadvantage?

No. But the relationship history must be explained in detail to avoid suspicion.

Q3: Can the foreign spouse apply directly from abroad?

No. The Japanese spouse or their legal representative must apply at the Immigration Bureau in Japan.

---

When to Consult a Specialist

Some cases can be handled by the couple themselves, but in situations with higher risk, professional support is strongly recommended. Specialists can minimize denial risk by tailoring strategies to the individual case.

• Very short relationship history before marriage
• Past immigration violations or overstays
• Income close to the minimum standard or unstable employment
• Complex cases such as overseas marriage, remarriage, or children involved

---

Conclusion: Immigration Authorities Judge on a “Holistic Basis”

The screening of Spouse Visa COEs is based on both genuineness of the marriage and stability of living conditions.
Even if there is a weakness in one area, it can be offset by strengthening other evidence.

For those unsure of “how much is enough,” it is often best to consult with an experienced professional who can identify the risks in advance and prepare the strongest possible application.

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”

Related Articles