Complete Guide to Japan’s Spouse Visa
Japan Spouse Visa: Application, Renewal & Screening Standards Explained
A Spouse Visa (officially “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”) is the status of residence required for a foreign national to live in Japan with their Japanese spouse. This page covers the required documents, application flow, renewal process, and key screening standards, along with a Q&A section.
What Is a Spouse Visa?
A Spouse Visa is a status of residence required when a foreign national lives together in their spouse’s country. The official name for a Spouse Visa in Japan is “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” (日本人の配偶者等), also commonly called a “Marriage Visa.”
For example, when a Japanese man and a foreign woman marry, the woman (as the wife) can officially be granted permission to stay in Japan by obtaining a Japanese Spouse Visa.
1-2. Period of Stay Allowed under a Spouse Visa
The period you can reside in Japan on a Spouse Visa will be one of the following:
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years
When you apply, the Immigration Services Agency checks details such as the applicant’s family structure and household income to determine the period of stay — so the allowed period varies by person even for the same visa type. To extend the period, a renewal procedure is required.
1-3. Costs Required for Issuing a Spouse Visa
Except for exceptions such as renewals or switching from another visa, there are no administrative fees charged for issuing a Spouse Visa.
1-4. Differences from Work Visas and Student Visas
Compared to other residence statuses such as Work Visas or Student Visas, Japan’s Spouse Visa is favored in many aspects. The table below compares the three:
| Item | Spouse Visa | Work Visa | Student Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Hours Restriction | None | Within 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week | Principally cannot work (within 28 hrs/week only with separate permit) |
| Job Type Restriction | None | Jobs related to academic background or work experience | Restricted to student part-time jobs (e.g., cashier, factory line worker) |
| Key Points for PR / Naturalization | Married life 3+ years + residing in Japan 1+ year | Residing 10+ years | Residing 10+ years (5+ years of which under a Work Visa) |
As shown, the Spouse Visa offers greater freedom for living in Japan compared to other visas. Therefore, even if you already hold another visa, switching to a Spouse Visa is recommended if you marry a Japanese national.
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa
Below is the process for applying entirely on your own, covering the required items and application flow.
2-1. Required Items for Application
Check the list below, categorized into items to prepare together, items prepared by the foreign spouse, and items prepared by the Japanese spouse:
Items to Prepare Together
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (nearest Immigration Office or official website) / Free
- Questionnaire (download from official Immigration website)
- Snapshots (2–3 photos taken together as a couple)
- Return envelope
Prepared by Foreign Spouse (Applicant)
- ID photo (4cm H × 3cm W)
- Marriage certificate (embassy or consulate in Japan) / varies by country
Prepared by Japanese Spouse
- Family Register (Certificate of All Records) — local municipal office or administrative service corner
- Resident Tax Certificate — tax office overseeing current address; online/mail available
- Letter of Guarantee — download from official Immigration website
- Copy of Certificate of Residence (all household members listed) — local office or convenience store
In addition to the above documents, additional documents may be requested during the screening process.
2-2. Application Flow
Once required items are gathered, proceed with the following 3 steps:
Submit Required Documents
Submit the documents to the Immigration Services Agency office with jurisdiction over the Japanese spouse’s address. Check the official website to find your regional office and apply at the counter. Since additional submissions may be requested, it’s recommended to start preparing about 1 month in advance.
Screening by Immigration Services Agency
The Agency reviews the submitted documents, mainly checking:
- Whether the applicant and spouse have a legitimate marital relationship (not a marriage of convenience)
- Whether there is financial ability to live in Japan after entry
Because cases of “fake residents” obtaining spouse visas solely to stay in Japan are increasing, screening is extremely strict. Even for couples marrying for legitimate reasons, permits may be denied if documents contain errors or suspicious points.
Notification of Results
Results are notified approximately 3 weeks to 2 months after application. If approved, the overseas applicant comes to Japan bringing the mailed Certificate of Eligibility. The Spouse Visa is then issued by the Immigration Services Agency, completing the procedure.
How to Renew a Spouse Visa
Even after successfully obtaining a Spouse Visa, you must renew it as the expiration date approaches.
4-1. Required Items for Renewal
Prepared by Foreign Spouse (Applicant)
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay (nearest Immigration office or website)
- ID photo (4cm H × 3cm W)
- Resident Tax Certificate (local tax office; online/mail available)
- Passport
- Residence Card
Prepared by Japanese Spouse
- Family Register (Certificate of All Records)
- Letter of Guarantee
- Certificate of Residence (all household members listed)
Although fewer documents are required compared to the initial application, additional submissions may still be requested during screening.
4-2. Renewal Flow
The renewal flow is almost identical to the initial application:
- Submit required documents
- Screening by Immigration Services Agency
- Notification of results
Once approved, the period of stay is extended. Screening takes 2 weeks to 1 month — slightly shorter than the initial process.
4-4. Key Precautions for Renewal
Key Review Standards for Spouse Visas
5-1. What Are the Review Standards?
The primary point of screening is verifying whether the marriage is genuine and not fake. Immigration sets the following standards for the Certificate of Eligibility application:
- The applicant’s activities must not be false
- The applicant’s activities and status must conform to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
In short, a non-fake marital relationship with your partner is the main review standard.
5-2. Cases That Might Fail Screening
Screening may result in denial if the following standard requirements are not met:
- Large age gap between spouses
- Meeting via marriage agencies, dating sites, or nightlife establishments
- Low income of the Japanese spouse
- History of multiple divorces with foreign national(s)
- Short dating period
- Lack of evidence proving the relationship (photos, chat logs, etc.)
- Not holding a wedding ceremony
In such cases, additional explanatory materials showing a legitimate marital relationship must be prepared to reduce the risk of denial.
5-3. What Happens If Denied?
If denied, you must investigate the cause, recreate documents, and reapply. Although you can ask Immigration for the reason for denial, you will not receive specific advice on how to get approved.
Situation-Based Q&A
Q1. What if I already live in Japan on another visa?
A. File an “Application for Change of Status of Residence.” If you hold another visa such as a Work or Student visa, you can switch to a Spouse Visa. Switching removes work hour restrictions and makes acquiring Permanent Residency easier.
Q2. What if I am worried that low income will affect screening?
A. Attach documents proving the ability to maintain a living. If the couple’s income is low, concerns about stability may lead to denial. There are two options:
- If savings exist: attach a Bank Balance Certificate
- If no savings: add a relative of the Japanese spouse as an additional guarantor
Note that these methods only reduce risk — low income remains a disadvantageous factor during screening.
The content on this page is for reference only. Please confirm the latest requirements with the relevant official authorities, or consult a professional before proceeding.
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