Changing from a Tourist Visa to a Spouse Visa in Japan: Is It Possible? Conditions and Pitfalls

Introduction

One of the most common questions we receive is:
“My spouse came to Japan on a tourist visa (short-term stay). Can we change it directly to a spouse visa without leaving Japan?”

The short answer is: in principle, no. The short-term stay status is intended for tourism or family visits, and under immigration law it cannot generally be changed to another residence status.

However, in the case of the Spouse of a Japanese National visa, immigration practice allows for exceptions. That said, approval is not automatic. Immigration authorities will carefully examine factors such as the entry purpose, the reality of the marriage, and whether there is a stable living foundation.

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Why Status Change from Short-Term Stay Is “Basically Not Allowed”

A short-term stay is meant only for temporary visits, such as tourism or visiting relatives. Under Japanese immigration law, you cannot normally change this status to another residence status.

This rule exists to prevent misuse—such as people entering Japan under the guise of tourism when in fact they intend to work or stay long-term. In most cases, the foreign spouse must return home and apply for a spouse visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad.

That said, in practice, certain residence categories, including the Spouse of a Japanese National, may be allowed to apply for a change from short-term stay. This is not because of “special circumstances” in the abstract, but rather because if the marriage is genuine and there is a proper living and financial foundation, immigration may accept the application.

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When Change May Be Approved

Changing from a tourist visa to a spouse visa may be possible if the following conditions are met:

• The couple is already legally married (marriage registration completed, or foreign marriage recognized in Japan).
• The marriage is genuine (supported by records such as photos, communication logs, or other evidence).
• Living arrangements are in place (a residence secured for the couple).
• There is financial stability (the Japanese spouse has sufficient and stable income).

The key point is not just the legal paperwork, but whether the couple can realistically begin life together in Japan.

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Practical Approaches Seen in Real Cases

In practice, administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) sometimes assist in the following ways:

• Special unavoidable circumstances
  If urgent situations such as childbirth or serious illness arise, immigration may exceptionally accept a change application. In such cases, it is essential to consult with immigration first and confirm that the application can be received.
• Using the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
  During the 90-day tourist stay, the couple may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. If issued within the stay period, they can then submit a change application while still in Japan. This method sometimes allows the process to be completed without requiring the spouse to leave Japan.

⚠️ However, if someone enters Japan for “tourism” and immediately marries and applies for a visa change, immigration may suspect that the entry purpose was false. In addition, some countries (e.g., the Philippines) do not permit marriage procedures to be completed during a short-term stay in Japan, so the applicant’s nationality must also be taken into account.

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Situations Where Change Is Difficult (NG Cases)

Applications are likely to be denied in cases such as:

• Entering Japan on a tourist visa while secretly intending to marry and apply for residency (false entry purpose).
• Overstaying the permitted period.
• Applying while the marriage is not yet legally registered.
• Having no financial stability, making future life in Japan uncertain.

Immigration places particular weight on whether the stated entry purpose was truthful. A false declaration can affect not only the current case but also future applications.

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Application Process

If a change is possible, the general procedure is:

1. Register the marriage (if not already completed).
2. Prepare the required documents (family register, residence certificate, income proof, records of the relationship, etc.).
3. Submit a Change of Status of Residence Application to the immigration office.
4. Wait for examination (typically 1–3 months).

At each stage, documentation proving the reality of the marriage and the stability of life in Japan is essential.

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Practical Advice

While a change from short-term stay may be possible, it is always considered an exception and carries risks.

• The safest method is still to apply for a spouse visa via a Certificate of Eligibility from abroad.
• If considering a change from short-term stay, always conduct a prior consultation with immigration.
• Prepare as much supporting evidence as possible to strengthen the case.
• Keep in mind differences in marriage procedures by nationality, and ensure the declared entry purpose matches reality.

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Conclusion

Changing from a tourist visa to a spouse visa in Japan is not allowed in principle. However, in practice, immigration authorities may accept applications when the marriage is genuine and the couple has a stable living and financial foundation.

Approval depends on factors such as the validity of the marriage, the reality of the relationship, financial support, and the truthfulness of the entry purpose. On the other hand, false entry purposes, overstaying, or insufficient income pose major risks.

While the system technically allows for such changes, immigration applies these rules cautiously. If you are considering this route, make sure to prepare thoroughly and, whenever possible, consult a professional for guidance.

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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