Spouse Visa

While commonly known as a “Spouse Visa” or “Marriage Visa,” the formal term under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act is “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”

The greatest advantage of this visa is that there are no restrictions on activities

• Unlike other work visas:

  holders can engage in any type of employment, including manual labor (such as restaurant or factory work), and there are no limits on working hours. In principle, those who marry a Japanese national are eligible for this visa.

  ※Important: Marriage Registration ≠ Visa Acquisition! Marrying a Japanese national does not automatically grant you a Status of Residence (Visa). To obtain a “Spouse Visa,” you must apply to the regional Immigration Services Bureau. Please be aware that simply getting married and taking no further action may result in your status being considered illegal overstay.

• Application Categories:

  If the foreign spouse is in Japan: Apply for “Permission for Change of Status of Residence.” If the foreign spouse is overseas: Apply for “Certificate of Eligibility (COE).”

  ※Note: Even if you are currently in a state of illegal overstay, you may still have a chance to obtain a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa by applying for “Special Permission to Stay” (Zaitoku) if you marry a Japanese national. The application requires a large number of documents. The Immigration Bureau will ask deeply personal questions regarding the circumstances of how you met and your dating history.

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There are two main benefits to acquiring this visa:

Advantages of the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Visa

【① No Restrictions on Employment】

Other visa categories usually restrict the type of work or part-time hours permitted, and changing jobs often requires a change of visa status. However, the “Spouse” visa has no such limits, allowing you to work or change jobs freely.

② Relaxed Requirements for Permanent Residence

1. Generally, applying for Permanent Residence requires living in Japan for 10 years.
2. However, spouse visa holders can apply for Permanent Residence after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.

Because this visa allows for unrestricted work, there have been many cases of “Sham Marriages” (Fake Marriages) in the past. Consequently, the Immigration Bureau’s screening process is extremely strict.

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Key Points for Application (Why do rejections happen?)

Core Screening Point: The “Process” from Meeting to Marriage The Immigration Bureau places extreme importance on records regarding when and where you met, and how many times you dated. You must explain this in detail and provide evidence during the application.

1. Common [High-Difficulty Cases] in Recent Years
   1. Met via SNS/Internet: If you met online and married after meeting in person only a few times, the Immigration Bureau will require chat logs from communication apps, passport records of visits, and photos together.
   2. Large Age Gap: If there is a significant age difference between spouses, you must explain in a “Letter of Reason” details such as your perspective on the age gap, how you address each other, and the division of household chores.

      [Note] Japanese Spouse is Retired/Elderly: If living on a pension, the Bureau will scrutinize your ability to maintain a livelihood.
      You will need to submit copies of bank books or proof of assets to demonstrate financial stability.

   3. Unlike marriage between two Japanese nationals, international marriage involves the laws of two countries, making the procedures relatively complex. If documents are insufficient, the City Hall (Ward Office) may refuse to accept them. To ensure a smooth process, please check the following points.
2. Three Essential Documents for International Marriage
   • In principle, the following three documents are required when filing at City Hall:
     • Marriage Registration Form (Konin-todoke)
     • The same form used for marriage between Japanese nationals
     • Requires signatures from two witnesses (foreign nationals can also serve as witnesses)
     • Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (with Japanese translation)
     • A document proving the foreign spouse is legally eligible to marry under the laws of their home country (commonly known as a “Single Status Certificate”)

   [Note] Passport (with Japanese translation) Used for identity verification.
   ⚠️ Note: Depending on the foreign spouse’s nationality, a “Birth Certificate” or “Certificate of Nationality” may also be required.
   
   Requirements vary by City Hall, so please confirm with the window in advance.

What is a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage”?

This is the most critical document for international marriage. Simply put, it is an official certificate proving that “the foreign national is currently single, has reached the legal age for marriage in their home country, and is legally permitted to marry.”

[Where to apply?] Usually at your country’s Embassy or Consulate in Japan. Some countries require you to return to your home country to obtain it.

About Translation: All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. The translator can be the applicant themselves; simply sign and seal the translated copy.

• Two Orders of Marriage (Japan Style vs. Foreign Style):
  • There are two sequences for international marriage procedures
  • You can choose the appropriate method based on where both parties reside
  • Pattern 1: Japan Style (Register in Japan first) Applicable: Both parties live in Japan, or you wish to complete procedures in Japan first
  • Get Documents: Foreign spouse obtains “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage”
  • Japan Registration: Submit “Marriage Registration Form” to the Japanese City Hall

Upon acceptance, the marriage is recorded in the Family Registry (Koseki)

Get Proof: Apply for a “Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Report” at City Hall. Report to Home Country: Submit the above certificate to the foreign spouse’s Embassy in Japan to complete the reporting registration.

[Pattern 2] Foreign Style (Register Abroad first) Applicable: Foreign spouse lives overseas, or you wish to hold the wedding in the partner’s country first.

Get Documents: Japanese national prepares “Family Registry (Koseki Tohon)” and “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” (issued by the Legal Affairs Bureau).

Foreign Registration: Register the marriage in the partner’s country according to local laws.

Get Certificate: Obtain the government-issued “Marriage Certificate” and translate it into Japanese

Japan Report: Submit the Marriage Certificate to the Japanese Embassy in that country or mail it to a Japanese City Hall to report the marriage.

• Marriage Registration ≠ Visa in Hand:
  • Completing the above marriage registration (entry into the family registry) only establishes the husband and wife relationship legally
  • For the foreign spouse to live in Japan as a “Spouse of a Japanese National,” a separate application for a visa (Status of Residence) must be made to the Immigration Services Bureau
  • Marriage Procedure ⮕ Jurisdiction of City Hall / Ward Office
  • Visa Procedure ⮕ Jurisdiction of Immigration Services Bureau
  • Marriage procedures and visa applications are completely separate matters
    
    

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Even if the marriage registration is successful, if you cannot pass the strict screening by the Immigration Bureau (proving marriage authenticity, financial capability, etc.), you may still be unable to obtain a visa

What happens to the visa if we divorce? A visa does not expire immediately upon divorce, but you must change to another visa type or leave Japan before your period of stay expires.

Examples of Status Change after Divorce: Raising a Japanese Child: If you have custody and are actually raising a minor child, you may change to “Long-Term Resident” (Teijusha). Running a Company: Can change to “Business Manager” visa. Working in Translation/Design/IT: Can change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.

If you are anxious about the subsequent visa application

1. please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation to assess your current application status.
2. Understand the Full Process: We explain complex international marriage steps in an easy-to-understand manner.
3. Personalized Checklist: We point out key areas based on your specific situation to reduce the risk of rejection.
4. Online/In-Person Support: We support online consultations and can handle cases from all over Japan. Failure Case Analysis: Based on past rejection cases, we provide concrete advice for improvement.
   
   

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