Spouses of U.S. Military Personnel and Diplomats in Japan: Key Points on Exceptional Residence Procedures

Overview: Why They Are Treated as Exceptional

Spouses of U.S. military personnel or diplomats in Japan are allowed to stay based on special international legal status, which is completely different from typical statuses like Spouse or Child of a Japanese National or Dependent.
They are considered exceptional under Japan’s immigration system, and in some cases, they can stay without obtaining a regular visa status, which makes their procedures significantly different from the standard process.

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🔹 Basic Rules for Regular Spouse Visas

• Foreign spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents usually apply for Spouse or Child of Japanese National or Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident visa status.
• There are no work restrictions. The immigration bureau reviews the genuineness of the marriage, financial stability, and cohabitation.
• Normally, they must obtain a visa status to enter and stay in Japan.

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🔹 Why U.S. Military and Diplomatic Spouses Are Treated as Exceptions

• U.S. military personnel are stationed in Japan under the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and military members, civilian staff, and their dependents are exempt from Japan’s Immigration Control Act.
• Diplomats and consular officials are protected under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which gives them diplomatic immunity, and their family members are also covered.
• Therefore, they can stay in Japan without undergoing immigration screening or obtaining a visa status.

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🔹 When a Visa Status Becomes Necessary

• When they wish to remain in Japan after the end of military duty or diplomatic assignment
• When they plan to apply for Permanent Residency or Naturalization in the future
• When a non-U.S. national spouse of U.S. military personnel needs to obtain a residence status to stay in Japan

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Spouses of U.S. Military Personnel｜Key Points on Residence

Foreign spouses of U.S. military personnel are generally treated as “dependents of SOFA status personnel” and do not need to obtain a visa status while covered by SOFA.
However, if they want to work, live long-term, or apply for PR or naturalization, they must switch to a standard immigration status.

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🔹 SOFA-Based Dependent Status

• Treated as “military dependents” under SOFA
• Can stay in Japan without holding an immigration visa status
• Not required (and generally not eligible) to register as residents or join Japan’s national health insurance and pension systems

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🔹 When They Must Obtain a Visa Status

• When they wish to stay in Japan after finishing military duty
• When they wish to apply for Permanent Residency or Naturalization (not possible without a visa status)
• When U.S. military personnel marry a Japanese national or permanent resident → switch to Spouse or Child of Japanese National or Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

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🔹 Main Documents Required (Example)

Category	Documents
Marriage	Marriage certificate, Japanese spouse’s family register (if applicable)
Military status	Certificate of employment issued by U.S. military (Command Letter), copy of military ID
Financial base	Proof of residence in Japan, proof of income, bank statements
Others	Photos, statement of reasons explaining future plans to reside in Japan

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Spouses of Diplomats｜Key Points on Residence

Foreign spouses of diplomats are covered by diplomatic privileges and immunities, and thus do not need to obtain a visa status while the diplomat is assigned to Japan.
However, if they wish to remain in Japan after the diplomatic assignment ends, or if they wish to apply for PR or naturalization, they must switch to a standard residence status.

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🔹 Diplomatic Privileges and Residence Status

• Diplomats stay on the Diplomat visa, and consular staff on the Official visa
• Their spouses can stay as “accompanying family members” without obtaining a visa status
• During this period, they cannot register as residents or join social security systems in Japan

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🔹 Changing to a Visa Status After Assignment Ends

• Must switch to a regular status such as Spouse of Japanese National, Dependent, or Long-Term Resident
• Immigration will review their work history, income, and living plan in Japan
• Must submit a certificate of assignment completion (proof of waiver of diplomatic privileges) issued by the embassy or mission

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🔹 Points to Note for PR/Naturalization

• The period under diplomatic immunity does not count toward the residence period requirement for PR or naturalization
• The clock starts only after they obtain a visa status (normally 10 years for PR, 3 years if spouse of Japanese; 5 years for naturalization, or 3 years for simplified cases)
• Switching to a visa status early makes future applications much smoother

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Differences from the Regular Spouse Route

Spouses of U.S. military personnel and diplomats are in a special category that allows them to stay in Japan without a visa status.
If they wish to settle or work in Japan, they must plan ahead and switch to a standard visa status early.

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🔹 Main Differences (Comparison Table)

Item	U.S. Military / Diplomatic Spouse	Regular Spouse Visa
Visa at entry	Not required (special)	Required
Work	Not allowed	Allowed freely
Social insurance	Not eligible	Mandatory
PR/Naturalization	Only after status change	Residence period counts immediately
Renewal	Not required	Required

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🔹 Key Points Reviewed in Status Change Examination

• Genuineness of marriage (relationship history, cohabitation, photos, etc.)
• Financial stability (income certificates, bank statements)
• Intention to live in Japan (explained in a statement of reasons)

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STEP: Typical Timeline of Residence Procedures

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can spouses of U.S. military personnel work in Japan?

No. While under SOFA, they have no visa status, so they cannot work.
They must obtain a status such as Dependent or Spouse of Japanese National to work.

Q2: Can spouses of diplomats stay in Japan after the assignment ends?

Yes. But they must waive diplomatic privileges and obtain a regular visa status such as Spouse of Japanese National or Long-Term Resident.

Q3: Can the SOFA/diplomatic period count toward Permanent Residency?

No. The period without a visa status does not count. Only the period after obtaining a visa status counts.

Q4: Do they need to register as residents?

While under SOFA/diplomatic status, they are not subject to Japan’s Basic Resident Registration System, so they cannot register.
After obtaining a visa status, they must register and join social insurance/pension.

Q5: How long does it take to change status?

Usually about 2–3 months for immigration review.
It’s safest to start preparations 3–6 months before the end of their duty/assignment.

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Conclusion — Seek Professional Advice Early

Spouses of U.S. military personnel and diplomats are in a highly exceptional category under Japan’s immigration system.
The required procedures vary greatly depending on their future life plans.

• If they plan to settle or work in Japan, they should obtain a visa status early
• For PR/naturalization, the residence period counts only from visa acquisition
• Starting after assignment ends may be too late, so early preparation is essential

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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