Requirements & Key Screening Points for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Visa
📌 What is the Spouse Visa?
✅ A visa for foreign nationals legally married to a Japanese citizen to live in Japan
✅ Also applies to biological or special adopted children of Japanese nationals
✅ Periods of stay are 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, and can be renewed
The biggest advantage is that there are no work restrictions, allowing complete freedom to work.
👨👩👧 Which Relationships Qualify for the Visa – and Which Do Not?
The comparison table below summarizes relationships that qualify for the visa and those that do not.
| Type of Relationship | Qualifies for a Spouse Visa | Does NOT qualify for a Spous Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Legally married husband or wife | ✅ When the marriage is legally valid and officially registered | ❌ Common-law or de facto marriage alone is not accepted |
| Biological child of a Japanese national | ✅ Child with a Japanese parent | ❌ Adult children are not eligible |
| Special adopted child of a Japanese national | ✅ Special adoption approved by the Family Court | ❌ Ordinary adoption is not eligible |
| Fiancé(e) / Partner | ❌ Not eligible before marriage | ✅ Can apply after marriage |
| Parents and siblings of a Japanese national | ❌ Not eligible in principle (a different status, such as a Special Activity Visa, is required)） | ✅ Consider other residence statuses if there are special circumstances |
📌 Key Pounts：
- Whether there is a legally valid marriage is the most important factor.
- Common-law marriage, de facto relationships, and engagement stages are not eligible.
- Among adopted children, only special adoption qualifies; ordinary adoption does not.
✅ Key Points for Visa Approval Screening
| Screening Points | Details Checked During Screening |
|---|---|
| Genuineness of the marriage | Relationship history, circumstances of meeting, photos, and message records, etc. |
| Validity of the marriage | Whether the marriage procedures have been legally completed and recognized both in the home country and in Japan |
| Stability of living conditions | The couple’s housing, income, and asset status |
| Social credibility | Past records to prevent sham marriages and illegal stay |
📊 An example of required documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (when inviting from overseas)
- Family Register (Koseki Tohon) of the Japanese spouse
- Marriage Certificate (if married abroad, a certificate issued by the home country plus a Japanese translation)
- Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) showing the couple in the same household
- Proof of Income (such as tax certificate, withholding tax slip, or payslips)
- Statement of Reasons (describing the background of the marriage and future living plans)
- Photos (such as pictures of the couple together)
ChatGPT:
📌 Documents that can specifically explain your relationship history and the circumstances of your marriage will be viewed positively.
⚠️ Points to Note
✅ Sham marriages are thoroughly investigated.
→ If there is a large age gap, an extremely short dating period, or an unnatural way of meeting, the screening will be especially strict.
✅ 収入ゼロでも取得は可能だが、安定性は重要
✅ It is possible to obtain it even with zero income, but financial stability is important.
✅ After divorce or the death of a spouse, there is a risk of visa cancellation.
→ If you wish to continue living in Japan after divorce or the death of your spouse, consider applying for a change to a “Long-Term Resident” visa.
🌟 Benefits
✅ No work restrictions! You are free to do any type of job
✅ You can live a stable life in Japan long-term
✅ With repeated renewals, it can lead to eligibility for permanent residency
💼 Benefits of Hiring an Administrative Scrivener
Support in preparing a Statement of Reasons to prove the authenticity of the marriage
Advice on how to prepare documents that will be more convincing to immigration officers
Reduce the risk of rejection and support a smoother approval process
At Fujita Taro Administrative Scrivener Fujita Taro Office:
✅ Full support for obtaining and renewing the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa
✅ Nationwide service & online consultations available
✅ Free initial consultation with an instant required documents checklist!
For peace of mind living in Japan right after your marriage, consult a specialist first!
