What Is a Spouse Visa
(Spouse or Child of Japanese National)?
Eligibility and Requirements
What is a Spouse Visa? -SPOUSE VISA-
The “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa is designed for individuals who are married to a Japanese citizen. In addition, children and special adopted children of Japanese nationals can also apply. This visa category allows for unrestricted residence activities, including work, making it one of the most flexible visa types.
Who Qualifies for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Visa
Spouse of a Japanese national, special adopted child, or biological child of a Japanese national
As defined above, the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa includes individuals married to a Japanese person, those born as children of Japanese nationals, and those who are legally adopted as special adopted children of Japanese nationals. This page focuses specifically on the visa requirements for those who are married to Japanese citizens.
Legal Definition of “Spouse” under Japan’s Immigration Law
Under Japan’s Immigration Control Act, a spouse is defined as a person who is currently married to a Japanese national. Those who are divorced or widowed do not qualify under this definition.
[Requirements for Spouses under the Immigration Control Act]
- The marriage must be legally valid.
- The couple must live together, support and assist each other, and have a genuine marital relationship recognized in society.
Court Ruling on the Eligibility for Residency under “Spouse of Japanese National”
Here, “spouse” refers to someone who is currently in a valid marital relationship. Individuals who are divorced or widowed are not included.
In order to be recognized as a spouse for residency purposes, the marriage must be legally valid in both partners’ home countries and also be acknowledged as a marital relationship under Japanese law. Therefore, common-law spouses are not eligible.
Even if the marriage is legally valid, if the couple does not live together or fails to maintain a mutually supportive lifestyle, it may not be recognized as fulfilling the spouse status under the law.
Generally, cohabitation is expected unless there is a reasonable justification for living separately.
6 Key Points for a Successful Spouse Visa Application
Meeting these six conditions is the key to passing the spouse visa screening.
Check them carefully before applying, and consult a professional early if you have any concerns.
| No. | Point | Key Checklist Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genuine Marriage | – Sufficient photos and message records from your relationship period – Relationship history is not excessively short – No other negative factors if there is a significant age difference – Marriage has been announced to relatives and friends – Can communicate without relying heavily on translation devices – If previously divorced, clearly explain and document the reason for remarriage |
| 2 | Living Together | – Not living in a single-occupancy residence – Same address on both spouses’ residence records (Jūminhyō) – Avoid living apart unless there is a valid reason |
| 3 | Legally Valid Marriage | – Not merely engaged – Not a same-sex marriage (under current Japanese law) – Not a de facto/common-law marriage |
| 4 | Marriage Recognized in Both Countries | – Valid marriage procedures completed in both Japan and the spouse’s home country – Any required separate marriage procedures in the spouse’s country are completed |
| 5 | Stable Financial Base | – Stable and continuous income – Income sufficient to maintain living expenses – Able to live independently (self-support requirement) – No unpaid taxes (including the Japanese spouse) |
| 6 | Good Immigration Record | – No history of asylum applications, or no other negative factors if there is – No unauthorized work violations (e.g., working more than 28 hours/week under part-time permission) – No history of overstaying or illegal entry – No criminal record |
Working on a Spouse Visa and Important Notes for Permanent Residency
With a Japanese spouse visa, there are no restrictions on employment, similar to a permanent resident visa. The visa holder may work in any job type, employment status, or working hours.
However, caution is required if the applicant plans to apply for permanent residency in the future.
While the main requirement for the spouse visa is the payment of resident tax, for permanent residency, the immigration office also thoroughly checks the payment status of public pension and national health insurance premiums.
If there are any delays or unpaid records in tax, pension, or health insurance payments, the application for permanent residency may be rejected.
Therefore, if you are working on a spouse visa, it is advisable to work at a company that properly handles these payments.
Freelancers or self-employed individuals should be especially careful not to forget or delay these payments since they must manage them independently.
Changing from a Spouse Visa to Permanent Residency – Conditions and Special Rules
Those who are married to a Japanese national and living in Japan on a spouse visa often wish to obtain permanent residency unless there are special circumstances. Becoming a “Permanent Resident” eliminates the need for visa renewals and, most importantly, offers stable residency status. This stability leads to greater job security and peace of mind in daily life. For this reason, many foreigners with spouse visas aim to eventually obtain the “Permanent Resident” status rather than simply extending their 5-year stay.
Relaxation of the “10-Year Rule” for Permanent Residency
Generally, to qualify for permanent residency in Japan, one must have continuously resided in Japan for over 10 years. However, this requirement is relaxed for spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
Specifically, if the marriage has lasted more than 3 years and the applicant has lived in Japan for at least 1 year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency. That said, when a foreign national acquires the “Spouse of Japanese National” visa, the initial period of stay is usually one year. Even after the first renewal, the period is likely still one year. Only upon the second renewal might a 3-year status be granted. As a result, most applicants will need to live in Japan for over 5 years before they become eligible for permanent residency.
Thus, the key to applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa is how quickly one can obtain a 3-year period of stay upon renewal. This is because permanent residency applications require the applicant’s current period of stay to be 3 years or more.
Furthermore, even if the applicant holds a visa other than “Spouse of Japanese National” or “Spouse of Permanent Resident,” such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Skilled Labor,” the special exception can apply if the person is married to a Japanese or permanent resident. In such cases, it is recommended to include a written explanation detailing the history of the marriage when submitting the application.
Applying for and maintaining a spouse visa requires accurate knowledge tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Our office also provides detailed explanations on related topics such as permanent residency applications from a spouse visa, status changes after divorce, and examples of application refusals.
Please see the articles below for more information.
Divorce while on a Spouse Visa – Status Change and Options
If a foreign national who was married to a Japanese citizen and obtained a spouse visa gets divorced, they will generally no longer have grounds to remain in Japan and may need to leave the country.
However, the visa is not immediately revoked upon divorce. The individual can continue to stay in Japan under the “Spouse of Japanese National” status for a certain period. It is mandatory to report the divorce to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days.
Even if the current period of stay is still valid, the visa may be subject to cancellation if more than 6 months pass after the divorce.
That said, if the person has lived in Japan for a long time, or if they have Japanese children to care for after the divorce, there may be a possibility to switch from a “Spouse of Japanese National” visa to a “Long-term Resident” visa.
Please note that such changes are not guaranteed by law but are subject to review by the immigration authorities. For further assistance, please contact the Gyoseishoshi Ishinagi Office.
Spouse Visa Application Process and Typical Timeline
Bringing Your Spouse from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)
We will check if the Certificate of Eligibility can be approved and identify any issues. Consultations are available by phone, email, online (Zoom or Line), or in person. Please feel free to contact us.
If you decide to proceed, we will enter into a contract and begin work upon receiving half of the service fee.
We will prepare the required documents after confirming the latest legal requirements. You will review and sign the documents we prepare.
We will submit the application on your behalf to the Immigration Bureau. (Screening usually takes 1–3 months)
Once the examination is completed, the Immigration Bureau will mail the Certificate of Eligibility to our office.
After receiving the certificate, please send it to the foreign spouse abroad via email or postal mail.
The foreign spouse applies for the visa at the local Japanese embassy. It usually takes 1–2 weeks. An interview may be required, and in some cases, the embassy may deny issuance.
At the airport in Japan, show the visa during immigration and receive the residence status. The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months from issuance—entry must occur within that period.
Marrying a Foreigner Already in Japan – Changing Status to Spouse Visa
Even if you marry a foreign national already living in Japan, you still need to follow specific procedures to apply for a spouse visa. In particular, if your spouse currently holds a status such as “Temporary Visitor” or “Technical Intern,” they must change their status of residence to one that allows them to legally stay as a spouse.
We will listen to your situation and check whether a change of status is possible. Consultations are available via phone, email, Zoom, LINE, or in person.
Once you decide to proceed, we will sign a contract and begin work upon receiving half of the service fee.
We will prepare all required documents based on your information and the latest immigration rules.
We will submit the application for change of status to the Immigration Bureau on your behalf. (Processing usually takes 1 to 3 months.)
Once the application is approved, the Immigration Bureau will send a notice of permission to your home or our office.
Your spouse must visit the Immigration Bureau to receive a new residence card with the updated status.
Required Documents for a Spouse Visa Application (with Official Links)
Please note that the required documents are frequently updated due to changes in immigration law. Always check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency’s official website.
- Status of Residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” (When the applicant is the spouse of a Japanese citizen)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/spouseorchildofjapanese01.html - Status of Residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” (When the applicant is the biological or special adopted child of a Japanese citizen)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/spouseorchildofjapanese02.html
📌 Spouse Visa FAQ
- Q1. How long does the spouse visa screening process take?
-
For new applications, the processing time is typically 1–3 months. For renewals, it is usually 1–2 months. This may vary depending on the season and the details of your application.
- Q2. Can I travel overseas while my application is being processed?
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In principle, you cannot travel during a renewal application, as you are required to return your residence card. If urgent travel is necessary, consult the Immigration Bureau in advance.
- Q3. When can I apply for a renewal?
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You can apply for renewal starting three months before your current visa expires. Early application is recommended.
- Q4. Can I apply if I am living separately from my spouse?
-
Unless there is a valid reason (such as job transfer or study abroad), living apart is likely to result in a denial.
- Q5. What happens if I get divorced?
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In principle, the spouse visa will become invalid. However, if you are raising a child of Japanese nationality or have a long-term residence history, you may be eligible to change to a “Long-Term Resident” visa or another appropriate status.
- Q6. Can I apply if I am unemployed?
-
Yes, as long as your Japanese spouse has stable income. However, tax and pension payment history will also be reviewed as part of the screening process.
Related Article
[2025 Edition] Spouse Visa Application in Osaka – Complete Guide to the Process, Required Documents, and Administrative Scrivener Support
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At Gyoseishoshi Ishinagi Office, only the prices listed on our website apply.
Even in cases involving frequent travel abroad, a history of visa denials, or unstable income, no extra fees will be charged.
We provide services based on a transparent pricing system.
Free Resubmission Support If Your Application Is Denied
If an application submitted through Gyoseishoshi Ishinagi Office is unfortunately denied,
we will resubmit it free of charge as long as there is a chance of approval.
We are committed to supporting our clients until their visa is granted,
with the goal of helping them obtain it as quickly and smoothly as possible.
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