“My spouse is a permanent resident of Japan. What status of residence can I obtain?”
“I want to live together with my spouse in Japan, but are there any restrictions on employment or the period of stay?”
If you have concerns like these, the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” status of residence may allow you to live a stable life in Japan together with your spouse.
This status is designed for certain family members of permanent residents, including their spouses, and allows them to live in Japan without restrictions on the type of work they can engage in.
1️⃣ Benefits of the Spouse Visa
✅ No restrictions on employment: You can work in almost any type of job, including part-time work, full-time employment, or running your own business.
✅ Period of stay of up to 5 years (renewable) → Depending on your circumstances, you may also become eligible to apply for permanent residence.
✅ Live together with your spouse and family in Japan
✅ May make it easier to obtain a housing loan, depending on the lender, income, credit history, and other circumstances.
✅ Greater stability in daily life in Japan, including employment, housing, and access to applicable social security systems.
2️⃣ Basic Requirements for Application
Eligible Applicants
・A foreign national who is married to a permanent resident of Japan
・A biological child or specially adopted child of a permanent resident
※ Simply being legally married is not always sufficient. It is important to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and that the couple actually lives together as a married couple.
Main Requirements
✅ A genuine marital relationship
Evidence may include the history of the relationship, photographs of the couple, proof of living together, and communication records.
✅ Financial stability
There is no officially fixed minimum annual income requirement. The applicant’s household income, savings, number of dependents, tax payments, and other financial circumstances may be considered.
✅ Compliance with Japanese laws and public obligations
The applicant’s overall circumstances, including compliance with laws and payment of applicable taxes and social insurance premiums, may be taken into consideration.
3️⃣ Application Process and Processing Time
| Step | Details | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation of Required Documents | Family register, certificate of residence, proof of income, photographs, statement of reasons, etc. | 1–2 months |
| Submit the Application to Immigration | Submit the application to the appropriate Regional Immigration Services Bureau | – |
| Processing Time | Depends on the current processing workload | Approximately 1–3 months |
| Notification of Result | Approval or Denial | – |
| Issuance of Residence Card | Shortly after approval | Within a few days |
※ The entire process generally takes approximately 2–4 months.
4️⃣ Important Points to Avoid Denial
❌ Common Reasons for Denial:
・Insufficient supporting documents, particularly evidence of a genuine marriage
・Unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums
・False information or errors in the application documents
・Insufficient income or financial resources to support the household
✅ Examples of Preventive Measures
・Provide sufficient evidence demonstrating a genuine marriage, such as communication records, photographs, and video call records
・Pay all applicable taxes and social insurance premiums properly and on time
Required Documents
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
【Documents Relating to the Applicant (Foreign Spouse or Child)】
🔹 Application Form (prescribed form)
🔹 One Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
🔹 Copy of Passport and Identification Documents (including the photo page)
🔹 Marriage Certificate issued in the applicant’s home country (for a spouse) or Birth Certificate (for a child) ※ Japanese translation required
【Documents Relating to the Spouse (Permanent Resident)】
🔹 Copy of the Permanent Resident’s Residence Card (front and back)
🔹 Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the Permanent Resident showing all household members and their relationships
🔹 Copy of an Identification Document of the Permanent Resident, such as a driver’s license or health insurance card
【Documents Proving the Genuine Marriage or Family Relationship】
🔹 Questionnaire (prescribed form)
🔹 Photographs of the couple together (multiple photos)
🔹 Copies of communication records, letters, and other evidence (if applicable)
【Documents Relating to Financial Circumstances and Guarantee】
🔹 Letter of Guarantee (prescribed form)
🔹 Certificate of Residence Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment of the Permanent Resident for the most recent year
🔹 Additional documents demonstrating the household’s financial situation, if necessary, such as payslips or a certificate of bank balance
Application for Change of Status of Residence / Application for Extension of Period of Stay
【Documents Relating to the Applicant (Foreign Spouse or Child)】
🔹 Application Form (prescribed form)
🔹 One Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
🔹 Copy of Passport and Identification Documents (including the photo page)
🔹 Marriage Certificate issued in the applicant’s home country (for a spouse) or Birth Certificate (for a child) ※ Japanese translation required
【Documents Relating to the Permanent Resident Spouse or Parent】
🔹 Copy of the Permanent Resident’s Residence Card (front and back)
🔹 Family Register (Koseki Tohon) or Marriage Certificate demonstrating the marital relationship, as applicable
🔹 Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) showing all household members and their relationships
【Documents Proving the Genuine Marriage or Family Relationship】
🔹 Photographs of the couple together (multiple photos)
🔹 Copies of communication records, letters, and other evidence (if applicable)
【Documents Relating to Financial Circumstances and Guarantee】
🔹 Letter of Guarantee (prescribed form)
🔹 Certificate of Residence Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment of the Permanent Resident for the most recent year
🔹 Additional documents demonstrating the household’s financial situation, if necessary, such as payslips or a certificate of bank balance