“I married a Japanese national, but how can I continue living in Japan?”
“What are the benefits of a spouse visa?”
If you have questions like these, the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence is an important legal framework that allows you to build a stable life in Japan with your spouse.
1️⃣Benefits of a Spouse Visa
✅ Period of stay of up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal
(Depending on your circumstances, you may also become eligible to apply for permanent residence.)
✅ No restrictions on employment
You can work in almost any type of job, whether part-time or full-time.
✅ Access to Japan’s social security and applicable tax benefits
✅ May make it easier to obtain a housing loan, depending on the lender and your financial circumstances, helping you plan for your future in Japan.
✅ The security of being able to build your life together with your family in Japan
2️⃣ Basic Requirements for Application
A. Genuine Marriage
✅ You must be legally married to a Japanese national.
✅ You must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and not a marriage of convenience. Supporting documents may include evidence of living together, photographs, communication records, and other documents showing the history and nature of your relationship.
B. Financial Stability
✅ Either spouse, or both spouses together, should have sufficient and stable income to support their household in Japan.
✅ There is no officially fixed minimum annual income requirement. The Immigration Services Agency assesses financial stability based on the household’s overall circumstances, including income, number of dependents, savings, and living expenses.
✅ Taxes, health insurance premiums, and other required public payments should be properly paid.
3️⃣ Application Process and Processing Time
| Step | Details | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | Collection and Preparation of Required Documents | Approximately 1–2 months |
| Application Submission | Submit the application to the appropriate Immigration Services office | – |
| Examination | Processing time may vary depending on the individual case | Approximately 1–3 months |
| Notification of Result | Approval or Denial | – |
| Issuance of Residence Card | Within a few days after approval | – |
※ Processing times may vary significantly depending on the accuracy of the application and the completeness of the supporting documents.
4️⃣ Important Points to Avoid Denial
❌ Common Reasons for Denial:
・Insufficient evidence demonstrating that the marriage is genuine
・Unpaid or overdue taxes or health insurance premiums
・Insufficient financial stability
・Incomplete documents or false information in the application
✅ How to Improve Your Application When Reapplying:
・Prepare as much detailed evidence as possible to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine
・Submit a clear living plan and sufficient proof of income and financial resources
Required Documents
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
【Documents Relating to the Applicant (Foreign Spouse)】
🔹 Application Form (prescribed form)
🔹 One Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
🔹 Copy of Passport and Identification Documents (including the photo page)
【Documents Relating to the Japanese Spouse】
🔹 One Copy of the Family Register (Koseki Tohon / Certificate of All Registered Matters)
🔹 One Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) showing all household members
【Documents Proving a Genuine Marriage】
🔹 Questionnaire describing the history and circumstances of the relationship and marriage (prescribed form)
🔹 Photographs of the couple together (multiple photos)
🔹 Communication records, letters, and other evidence from the relationship (if applicable)
【Documents Relating to the Guarantor (usually the Japanese spouse)】
🔹 Letter of Guarantee (prescribed form)
🔹 Certificate of Residence Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment for the most recent year
【Other Supporting Documents That May Be Submitted】
🔹 Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage (if applicable)
🔹 Marriage Certificate issued by the foreign spouse’s home country (with Japanese translation)
🔹 Other documents demonstrating the relationship, such as letters of introduction or wedding reception invitations
Application for Change of Status of Residence / Application for Extension of Period of Stay
【Documents Relating to the Applicant】
🔹 Application Form (prescribed form)
🔹 One Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
🔹 Copy of Passport and Identification Documents (including the photo page)
【Documents Relating to the Japanese Spouse】
🔹 One Copy of the Family Register (Koseki Tohon / Certificate of All Registered Matters)
🔹 One Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) showing all household members
【Documents Proving a Genuine Marriage】
🔹 Questionnaire describing the history and circumstances of the relationship and marriage (prescribed form)
🔹 Photographs of the couple together (multiple photos)
🔹 Communication records, letters, and other evidence from the relationship (if applicable)
【Documents Relating to the Guarantor (usually the Japanese spouse)】
🔹 Letter of Guarantee (prescribed form)
🔹 Certificate of Residence Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment for the most recent year