Can You Renew a Spouse Visa While on Public Assistance or Low Income? Key Points to Know

1. Is It Possible to Renew a Spouse Visa While on Public Assistance or Low Income?

If you are receiving public assistance or your household income is low, you may worry that your spouse visa renewal will be denied.
However, being on public assistance or having a low income does not automatically result in a denial.

Immigration authorities review not just your current income, but also whether you are expected to maintain a stable life in Japan going forward. This is referred to as assessing your “economic stability.”

▸ How Immigration Evaluates “Economic Stability”

• Even if you have experienced temporary periods of low or no income, you may still be approved if you can show a reasonable prospect of improvement.
• Officials consider not only income amount but also job stability, living arrangements, number of dependents, and household expenses.

▸ How Public Assistance Is Treated

• Receiving public assistance is generally a negative factor, but it does not mean automatic refusal.
• If you can explain that it is due to unavoidable reasons (illness, childbirth, childcare, temporary unemployment) and show a plan for becoming self-sufficient, approval is still possible.

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2. Income Standards for Spouse Visa Renewal

The immigration bureau does not publish a fixed minimum income amount, but there are practical benchmarks used in real cases.

▸ No Officially Defined Threshold

• There is no public rule stating a minimum annual income for spouse visa holders.
• Each case is judged individually, considering family structure and living circumstances.

▸ Practical Benchmarks

• In practice, a household income of around 2 to 2.5 million yen per year is often considered the minimum stability line (this varies by region).
• Families with children or living in high-rent areas may be expected to have higher income levels.

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3. Supporting Factors When on Low Income or Public Assistance

Even if your income is low, you can still be approved by showing financial stability through other means.

▸ Spouse’s (Supporter’s) Income and Employment

• If your Japanese or permanent resident spouse has stable employment and sufficient income, the household is evaluated as a whole.
• Many cases are approved even when the applicant has no personal income.

▸ Financial Support from Relatives

• Submit actual remittance records (bank statements, transfer slips).
• If future support is planned, submit a Letter of Financial Support along with the supporter’s income proof.

▸ Savings and Assets

• Bank balance certificates, property registration documents, or records of insurance/stocks can also help demonstrate stability.

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4. Key Precautions When Renewing While Receiving Public Assistance

Applications from those currently receiving public assistance are reviewed carefully.
If you do not explain the reason and future outlook, the risk of denial is high.

▸ Explain the Reason for Receiving Public Assistance and Future Outlook

• Clearly state legitimate reasons (illness, childbirth, childcare, temporary unemployment).
• Describe your plan for gaining employment and becoming self-sufficient.

▸ Attach Documents from the Welfare Office

• Ask the welfare office to issue a Support Continuation Certificate or Self-Sufficiency Plan.
• Third-party confirmation from a public office that you are expected to become independent is highly persuasive.

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5. How to Explain Past Periods of Unstable Income

Even if your current income is stable, past periods of job loss or no income may raise questions.

▸ Explain Reasons for Past Job Loss or Income Drops

• If due to illness, childbirth, or your spouse’s relocation, these are considered valid and not treated negatively.

▸ Show Current Stability and Future Plans

• Submit your employment contract, job offer letter, or vocational training certificate.
• This shows that you now have — or will soon have — a stable source of income.

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6. Main Documents for Spouse Visa Renewal

In addition to the standard renewal documents, submitting extra materials to prove financial stability can help the process go smoothly.

▸ Standard Documents

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay
• Photo (4cm × 3cm)
• Residence Card and Passport
• Japanese/permanent resident spouse’s Family Registry (koseki) and Resident Record (juminhyo)
• Letter of Guarantee and Guarantor’s Certificate of Seal

▸ Additional Supporting Documents (If on Low Income or Public Assistance)

• Taxation certificates and tax payment certificates for all household members
• Payslips, employment certificate, employment contract
• Bankbook copies (3–6 months)
• Welfare office’s support continuation certificate or self-sufficiency plan
• Relative’s letter of financial support and income proof
• Bank balance certificate, property registration certificate, etc.

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7. Practical Tips to Avoid Refusal

Immigration authorities place the greatest weight on whether you can maintain a stable life in Japan going forward.
The following strategies can be effective.

▸ Prove Your Actual Living Situation

• Provide evidence like utility bills, household expense records, and photos showing cohabitation.
• Demonstrate that you are living together as a stable couple.

▸ Show Future Income Recovery Plans

• Submit job offer letters or vocational training enrollment certificates.
• Even if your income is currently low, showing a concrete path to improvement is important.

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8. What to Do If Your Renewal Is Denied

Even if your application is denied, you can be approved on re-application if you respond correctly.

▸ Obtain the Refusal Reason Notice

• Request the Letter of Reason for Refusal from the immigration office and understand exactly what was lacking.

▸ Resubmit with Improved Documents

• Add income proof, letters of financial support, and employment contracts.
• Consulting an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can help prepare a stronger application.

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9. Conclusion: Renewal Is Possible with Proper Preparation

• Receiving public assistance or having low income can be negative factors, but they do not automatically lead to refusal.
• Immigration reviews applications based on whether you can maintain a stable life in Japan in the future.
• Show your stability through various aspects: spouse’s income, relatives’ support, savings/assets, and your plan to become self-sufficient.

Even if your application is denied once, understanding the reason and reapplying with proper documents can lead to approval.
With the right explanation and supporting materials, it is fully possible to renew your spouse visa even while on public assistance or with low income.

If you are worried about your case, it is best to consult an immigration professional before applying.

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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