Spouse Visa in Japan with Self-Employment or Side Business｜Income Proof for International Marriage Cases [2025 Edition]

Introduction

When applying for a spouse visa (residence status of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”), immigration authorities assess whether the couple’s life in Japan can be stably maintained.
For employees, proving income is relatively simple with tax withholding slips or pay statements. However, for self-employed individuals or those with side jobs, the documentation and explanations often become more complex.

This article, updated for 2025, explains in detail how to prove income when applying for a spouse visa in households with self-employment or side business income, including the required documents and practical points to avoid common pitfalls—based on the perspective of an administrative scrivener (immigration lawyer).

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Basic Concept of “Household Income” in Spouse Visa Applications

The key point in spouse visa examinations is whether the couple can maintain a stable life together in Japan.
Therefore, evaluations are generally made on the basis of combined household income, not just the applicant’s personal income.

✅ Evaluation Points for Household Income

Evaluation Point	Explanation
Annual Household Income	Around 2–2.5 million JPY or more is generally considered stable (varies depending on region and family size)
Continuity of Income	Whether the income is expected to continue (based on contracts, type of business, or stability of employment)
Tax Filing and Payment	Proper tax filing and full payment are essential. Late payment or non-filing is a serious negative factor
Expenditures / Debts	If there are large debts or mortgage burdens, immigration will examine whether the couple can still maintain stable living

👉 Even if income is sufficient, poor tax compliance or unclear side income explanations may increase the risk of rejection.

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Required Documents for Self-Employed or Side Business Cases

When proving income from self-employment or side jobs, official documents issued by tax offices or local municipalities are essential.

✅ Typical Documents to Submit

Document	Requirement	Explanation
Final Tax Return Copy (Form 1 & 2)	Mandatory	Core evidence showing income. Must have a tax office stamp or e-filing receipt
Blue Return Financial Statements / Income-Expense Statements	Mandatory (for business income)	Shows income and expenses in detail, proving the stability of the business
Municipal Tax Certificate	Mandatory	Certifies annual income and tax payment for the most recent year
National Tax Payment Certificate (Type 1 or 2)	Recommended	Shows whether national taxes are fully paid. Demonstrates no tax arrears
Withholding Slip (for side jobs under employment contracts)	If applicable	For part-time/secondary employment under contract

👉 Submitting these ensures that income from self-employment or side jobs is genuine and taxes have been properly paid.

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Proving Household Income in Combined Cases

When proving household income, documents from both spouses must be submitted together.

✅ Common Patterns

1. Japanese spouse is an employee, applicant is self-employed
   • Japanese spouse: Withholding slip + tax certificate
   • Applicant: Final tax return copy + municipal tax certificate + financial statements
2. Japanese spouse is a homemaker, applicant is self-employed
   • Applicant’s income is central. If low, immigration may judge stable living as difficult
3. Both spouses are self-employed or have side jobs
   • Both submit final tax returns and financial statements
   • Total household income is assessed

👉 Organize documents as a household unit, so that examiners can understand the financial picture at a glance.

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Case Studies: Typical Scenarios and Document Sets

Case	Example Documents	Key Points
Japanese spouse is an employee, applicant is self-employed	Withholding slip + tax certificate / tax return + financial statement	Ensure combined annual income exceeds approx. 2 million JPY
Japanese spouse is homemaker, applicant is self-employed	Tax return + tax certificate + financial statement	If income is low, add savings certificate or family support letters
Both have side jobs (business + part-time)	Both spouses’ tax returns / withholding slips	Multiple documents require clear organization and explanation

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Supporting Materials to Prove Financial Stability

If household income is just at the threshold, the following supporting documents can strengthen the case:

• Bank balance certificate (showing sufficient savings to support living)
• Business contracts or invoices (to prove future continuity of income)
• Housing documents (long-term lease agreement, home ownership)
• Letter of financial support from relatives (if income alone is insufficient)

👉 Submitting these can demonstrate that the household will remain financially stable.

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Self-employment and side businesses can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, resulting in rejection.

✅ Frequent Mistakes

• No tax filing (unreported or underreported income)
• Income shown but unpaid taxes (tax arrears)
• Submitting only “projected income” or internal spreadsheets, without official records
• Lack of proof that the business is real (no contracts, no client evidence)

✅ How to Avoid Rejection

• File and pay taxes correctly every year
• Provide evidence of where income comes from (contracts, client details)
• If income is unstable, add bank balance certificates or housing stability evidence
• If side job is employment-based, submit employment contracts and payslips

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Why Immigration Officers Emphasize “Stability”

The key is not only past income, but whether it will continue into the future.

• Consistent annual tax returns with the same business activity show continuity
• A growing sales record or repeat customers increases credibility
• Immigration prefers evidence of stable, ongoing income, not just one-time profits

👉 Showing income as sustainable, not temporary, is essential for approval.

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Conclusion

For spouse visa applications involving self-employment or side business income, the most important factors are income stability and proper tax compliance.
Organize final tax returns, financial statements, and tax certificates carefully, and add supporting materials if necessary, to minimize rejection risks.

As of 2025, immigration reviews focus not only on “income amount” but also on stability and the ability to explain financial circumstances.
By preparing documentation properly—ideally with professional support—you can significantly increase your chances of approval.

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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