Spouse or Child of Japanese National
“I’m married to a Japanese national, but how can I continue living in Japan?”
“What benefits does a spouse visa offer?”
If you have questions like these, this is for you.
The “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence is a legal support system designed to help you live a stable life in Japan together with the person you love.
1️⃣ Benefits of the Spouse Visa
✅ The period of stay can be up to 5 years and is renewable
(With certain conditions met, you may also become eligible for permanent residence)
✅ No work restrictions — you can work in any field
Full-time, part-time, or freelance work is all allowed
✅ Access to social security and tax-related benefits
✅ Easier approval for housing loans, making long-term life planning more realistic
✅ Peace of mind from living together with your family in Japan
2️⃣ Basic Requirements for Application
A. Proof of a Genuine Marital Relationship
✅ A legally valid marriage with a Japanese national
The marriage must be officially registered and legally recognized.
✅ Proof that the marriage is genuine and not a sham marriage
You must submit documents showing the reality of your married life, such as evidence of living together, photographs, and other supporting materials.
B. Financial Stability
✅ Stable income from either one or both spouses
The household must have a stable source of income from the Japanese spouse, the foreign spouse, or both.
✅ Annual income guideline: approximately JPY 2.5 million or more
(The required amount may vary depending on the number of dependents.)
✅ Proper payment of taxes and social insurance contributions
Income tax, resident tax, and health insurance premiums must be paid appropriately.
3️⃣ Application Process and Processing Time
| Step | Details | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Collection and Preparation of Required Documents | Approximately 1–2 months |
| Submission of Application | Apply to the competent immigration office | – |
| Screening | May vary depending on the content | Approximately 1 to 3 months |
| Notification of Results | Approval or Rejection | – |
| Issuance of Residence Card | Within a few days after approval | – |
*Processing time may vary depending on how accurate the application is and how complete the submitted documents are.
4️⃣Important Points to Avoid Rejection
❌ Common Reasons for Application Denial
Incomplete documents or false statements
Insufficient evidence to prove the genuineness of the marriage
Unpaid or overdue taxes and health insurance premiums
Insufficient financial stability
✅ Improvement Measures for Reapplication
Submit a clear living plan and income-related documents that sufficiently demonstrate financial stability to the immigration authorities
Prepare as much detailed evidence as possible to prove the genuineness of the marriage
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
If your spouse holds permanent residence in Japan and you are wondering about your own status,
the Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident visa offers a secure way to live together in Japan without unnecessary restrictions.
1️⃣ Benefits of the Spouse Visa
✅ No work restrictions — you may work in any field
Part-time, full-time employment, or starting your own business is all permitted
✅ Up to a 5-year period of stay (renewable)
→ Depending on conditions, applying for permanent residence may also be an option
✅ Smooth cohabitation with your spouse and children
✅ Easier approval for housing loans
✅ Increased social credibility
→ Contributes directly to stability in areas such as insurance, finance, and housing
2️⃣ Basic Requirements for Application
Eligible Applicants
- A foreign national who is legally married to a permanent resident of Japan
- A biological child or legally adopted child of a permanent resident
Please note:
Being legally married alone is not sufficient.
It is essential to demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage, including actual cohabitation and a real, shared life together.
Main Requirements
✅ A genuine marital relationship
Evidence may include the history of the relationship, photos of living together, message records, and other supporting materials.
✅ Stable financial foundation
Annual income guideline: approximately JPY 2.5 million or more,
along with a proper record of paying taxes and social insurance premiums.
✅ No serious history of legal or immigration violations
Even traffic violations may be taken into consideration in some cases.
3️⃣ Application Process and Processing Time
| Step | Details | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Family register certificates, residence records, income certificates, photographs, statements of reasons, etc. | Approximately 1–2 months |
| Submission of Application | Apply to the competent immigration office | – |
| Screening | May vary depending on the content | Approximately 1 to 3 months |
| Notification of Results | Approval or Rejection | – |
| Issuance of Residence Card | Immediately after approval | Within a few days |
*Overall, the process typically takes about 2 to 4 months.
4️⃣ Important Points to Avoid Rejection
❌ Common Reasons for Application Denial
Insufficient income of the supporting spouse
Insufficient supporting documents(especially evidence proving the genuineness of the marriage)
Unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums
False applications or errors in submitted documents
✅ Examples of Preventive Measures
Ensure that all taxes and social insurance premiums are paid on time
Submit abundant and realistic evidence of the marriage. Such as SNS history, photographs, and records of video calls.
Benefits of Hiring a Certified Administrative Scrivener
⚖️ Professional Support for Document Preparation:
- Professional support helps prevent document errors when handling extensive paperwork.
📈 Improved Approval Rate:
- Improve the impression on immigration examiners by submitting clear statements of reasons and supplementary documents.
- Support for interviews with immigration officers is also available.
🕐 Reduced Application Processing Time:
- Prevents resubmissions caused by document errors, helping to shorten the processing time.