When Your Foreign Spouse Is the Main Earner: How to Get a Spouse Visa Approved Even If the Japanese Partner Has No Income

Introduction

“My Japanese spouse doesn’t have a job — can we still get a Spouse Visa?”

This is actually one of the most common questions we receive about Spouse Visa applications.

The short answer is yes — even if the Japanese partner is unemployed, the visa can still be approved as long as the foreign spouse has a stable income and the household’s finances are sustainable.

However, the key is being able to objectively prove that the household is financially stable as a whole.

In this article, based on real cases handled by Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we’ll explain how to design a strong financial proof strategy (“household stability proof”) that works even when the Japanese spouse is unemployed, recently changed jobs, or is a stay-at-home spouse.

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Spouse Visa Financial Requirements Are Judged by “Household Unit”

For the Spouse Visa (Status of Residence: “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”), immigration officers evaluate the financial stability of the household as a whole, not just the income of one individual.
The Ministry of Justice’s official guidelines explicitly mention checking the “actual marital relationship” and “the prospect of a stable life.”

Therefore, even if the Japanese spouse is unemployed, approval is still possible when:

• The foreign spouse has a stable and continuous income, or
• The household’s living expenses can be covered through savings or assets.

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Common Scenarios When the Foreign Spouse Is the Main Earner

Case 1: The foreign spouse is a full-time employee in Japan

If the foreign spouse works full-time at a company in Japan and has stable earnings, the visa can be approved even if the Japanese spouse is a stay-at-home partner.
The key factors are employment stability, salary level, and length of service.

Case 2: The foreign spouse works as a contract or part-time employee

Even for part-time or contract work, if the monthly income is roughly 180,000 yen or more, approval is often possible.
Submit a combination of the following: employment certificate, pay slips, and withholding tax statement to show income stability.

Case 3: The foreign spouse earns income from overseas or remote work

If the foreign spouse works for a foreign company (or as a freelancer earning overseas income),
documents such as remittance records, employment contracts, and tax return statements can be used to prove that income is stable and continuous, even while living in Japan.

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Supporting Documents for “Approval Even If Unemployed”

Category	Key Documents	Explanation
① Income proof	Employment certificate, pay slips, tax certificate, income tax return	Shows that the foreign spouse is the main financial supporter.
② Asset proof	Bank balance certificate, bankbook copy, overseas account statement	Demonstrates that savings or assets are sufficient to maintain living expenses.
③ Residence proof	Lease contract, mortgage repayment details	Proves the couple has stable residence arrangements.
④ Marriage proof	Couple’s photos, chat logs, joint-name contracts	Supports the existence of a genuine marital relationship and shared household.
⑤ Tax & social insurance	Health insurance card, tax certificate, residence tax record	Reinforces the real income and tax payment situation.

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Three Key Points for Building Strong Financial Evidence

① Show the overall household balance

It’s not about “who earns the money,” but whether the household as a whole is financially stable.
Attaching a simple household income and expense sheet is extremely effective.

② Be consistent with the “main household supporter” field on the application

If the foreign spouse is the main earner, make sure to write their name in the “main household supporter” section of the application form.
Consistency between the form and supporting documents is essential.

③ Add an explanation for the Japanese spouse’s unemployment

Attach a brief written note explaining the reason — e.g., job change, parental leave, illness, or job search.
As long as there’s a valid reason, it won’t be viewed negatively.

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Practical Notes and Trends at Osaka Immigration Bureau

At Osaka Immigration Bureau, examiners tend to evaluate “household stability” more flexibly compared with other regions.
However, if the main earner’s employment is non-regular or short-term, officers will pay close attention to the actual working situation and the likelihood of contract renewal.

It’s helpful to include supporting materials such as:

• Employment certificate showing indefinite or renewable contract
• Bank account deposit history
• Proof of joint financial management (e.g., rent payments from a joint account)

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How an Administrative Scrivener Designs the Proof Strategy

1. Identify the main financial supporter – clarify who is the household head and main earner.
2. Visualize income and expenses – create a simple income–expense summary sheet.
3. Ensure consistency – all forms (application, tax, and employment docs) must match.
4. Add a supplementary explanation – provide a short statement about the Japanese spouse’s unemployment.

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Summary: Approval Is Possible Even If the Japanese Spouse Has No Income

The idea that “a Japanese spouse must have income” is a common misconception.
Immigration focuses on the financial stability of the household, not on who earns the income.

If the foreign spouse has a stable job and the couple clearly demonstrates shared living arrangements and a genuine relationship,
a Spouse Visa can be approved even when the Japanese partner has no income.

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.

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