Complete Guide: What to Do After Obtaining a Spouse Visa

Obtaining a visa does not mean you’ve reached the goal

Immediately after obtaining a Spouse Visa (Spouse or Child of a Japanese National), many people feel relieved—yet at the same time are unsure about what to do next.

In fact, what you do after obtaining the visa has a significant impact on:
• Future renewals
• Permanent residence applications
• Building a stable life in Japan

Taking the right steps early on is crucial.

① Be sure to complete resident registration (move-in notification)

If you plan to stay in Japan for the mid- to long term, resident registration is the top priority.

✅ Submit a move-in notification at your municipal office
✅ Present your Residence Card
✅ You will be issued a My Number

📊 If you fail to complete this step:
❌ You cannot enroll in health insurance
❌ You cannot open a bank account
❌ Various administrative procedures will come to a halt

② Enroll in Health Insurance and the Pension System

After obtaining a Spouse Visa, you must enroll in either social insurance or the National Health Insurance / National Pension system.

🌍 Main patterns include:
• Being covered as a dependent of your spouse
• Enrolling individually in National Health Insurance and the National Pension
• Getting a job and enrolling in employee social insurance

The key point here is not to create any periods of non-enrollment.

These records are always carefully reviewed during future visa renewals and permanent residence applications.

③ Organize Your Tax Matters (Resident Tax & Income Tax)

“I’m not working yet, so it doesn’t matter” — this is a common misconception.

✅ Resident tax is based on the previous year’s income
✅ Confirm eligibility for spousal and dependent deductions
✅ File a tax return if you have any income

If your tax matters are not properly organized, they can later become negative factors requiring explanation in immigration applications.

④ Set Up Bank Accounts and Essential Living Infrastructure

To stabilize your daily life in Japan:

✅ Open a bank account
✅ Apply for a credit card (if possible)
✅ Set up mobile phone and internet services

These are also regarded as evidence that you have established a stable living foundation in Japan.

⑥ Be Mindful of the “Substance” of the Marital Relationship

In future visa renewals and permanent residence applications, the following points are always examined:

✅ Whether you are living together
✅ Whether you share living expenses
✅ Whether your life together appears natural as a married couple

If there are circumstances such as living separately, temporary work assignments away from home, or separate financial management, it is important to organize and document clear explanations in advance.

⑦ Begin Preparing with Permanent Residence in Mind

You cannot apply for permanent residence immediately after obtaining a Spouse Visa.

However:
✅ Tax payments
✅ Pension contributions
✅ Health insurance enrollment
✅ Overall stability of daily life

These factors are evaluation records that begin accumulating from today.

If you are thinking, “I want to apply for permanent residence someday,” then your actions right after obtaining the visa already mark the starting point.

Benefits of Consulting a Certified Administrative Scrivener

The “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” visa is an important status of residence that connects love and daily life in Japan.
From application preparation and document drafting to communication with Immigration Services—
why not leave it to a professional instead of struggling alone?

Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation.
Let us help turn your hopes into secure and stable residence in Japan.

At Administrative Scrivener Fujita Taro Office, we offer:

✅ Full support for applications and renewals of the Spouse or Child of a Japanese National visa
✅ Nationwide service with online consultations available
✅ A free initial consultation, where we create a personalized list of required documents on the spot

For peace of mind and a smooth start to life in Japan after marriage, begin by consulting a trusted professional.