Complete Guide to the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Visa

“After getting married to a Japanese national, how can you live together in Japan?”

This question is answered by the residence status known as the
“Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa.

In this article, we clearly explain:

✅ Cases where a spouse living overseas is invited to Japan
✅ Cases where the couple is already married in Japan
✅ The features, period of stay, and working conditions of this visa

All information is organized in an easy-to-understand way.

What is the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Visa?

🔹 A visa that allows foreign nationals who are legally married to a Japanese citizen to live in Japan
🔹 Also applicable to the biological or specially adopted children of a Japanese national
🔹 Period of stay: 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years (renewable)

Key Feature

There are no restrictions on employment, meaning holders are free to work in any occupation and for any number of hours without limitation.

This includes full-time employment, part-time jobs, freelance work, self-employment, and starting a business.
It is a highly flexible status of residence that allows foreign nationals to work in Japan under conditions almost identical to those of Japanese citizens.

Pattern 1: Inviting a Spouse Living Overseas to Japan

When the Spouse Is Still Living Overseas After Marriage

If your spouse is still living abroad after the marriage, the process involves applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to bring them to Japan.

Procedure Flow

✅ The Japanese side applies for the COE at the Immigration Bureau
✅ Examination by the Immigration Services Agency
✅ Issuance of the COE
✅ The overseas spouse applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate
✅ Entry into Japan and start of residence

Estimated Processing Time:
Approximately 4 to 6 months

As the examination process is conducted carefully and thoroughly, early preparation is highly recommended.

Pattern 2: When a Foreigner Marries a Japanese National in Japan

If a foreign national marries a Japanese citizen while staying in Japan on a student visa, work visa, or other status of residence, they must apply for a Change of Status of Residence to switch to the
“Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa.

Procedure Flow

✅ Submission of the marriage notification
✅ Application for Change of Status of Residence
✅ Immigration examination
✅ Approval and change to the spouse visa

In this case, there is no need to leave Japan.
The entire process can be completed within Japan, which is a major advantage.

Estimated Processing Time:
Approximately 1 to 3 months

However, depending on the application details and the Immigration Bureau’s workload, it is not uncommon for the process to take around 2 to 4 months.

Why Does the Examination Process Take So Long?

Even when applying for a Change of Status of Residence, the Immigration Services Agency carefully examines the following points:

🔹 Authenticity of the marriage
🔹 Background and development of the relationship
🔹 Actual living situation as a couple
🔹 Stability of the couple’s financial and living foundation

In other words, immigration strictly evaluates whether
“the couple will genuinely live together as husband and wife in Japan.”

Because this point is examined in detail, a certain amount of processing time is inevitably required.

Examples of Required Documents

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Family Register (Koseki Tohon) of the Japanese spouse
• Marriage Certificate
• Residence Certificate (Juminhyo)
• Proof of Income
• Statement of Reasons
• Photographs

Documentation that clearly explains the history of the relationship and the circumstances leading to the marriage is considered a positive factor in the assessment process.

Advantages of Consulting a Administrative Scrivener

• Support in preparing a statement of reasons that clearly proves the authenticity of the marriage

• Advice on how to prepare documents in a way that is convincing and easy for immigration officers to review

• Reducing the risk of denial and supporting a smooth approval process

At Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office, we provide:

✅ Full support for obtaining and renewing the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa
✅ Nationwide service & online consultations available
✅ Free initial consultation, during which we create a personalized list of required documents on the spot

To ensure a secure and stress-free life in Japan right after your marriage,
we encourage you to consult with a professional specialist first.