Spouse Visa - Required Documents
Spouse Visa - Required Documents
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List of Documents Required for a Spouse Visa Application
There are three main types of Spouse Visa applications: an Application for Certificate of Eligibility to bring a spouse to Japan from overseas, an Application for Change of Status of Residence, and an Application for Extension of Period of Stay. The required documents vary depending on the type of application.
This page provides a general list of the documents required for each application type.
Please note that the Immigration Services Agency may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the background of the marriage, and other relevant factors.
Certificate of Eligibility Application (Bringing a Spouse to Japan from Overseas)
Common Documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Self-addressed return envelope (a standard-size envelope bearing the recipient’s address and the required postage for registered mail)
Documents Related to the Applicant (Foreign National)
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Certified copy of the Japanese spouse’s Family Register (Koseki Tohon / Certificate of All Registered Matters)
- Marriage certificate issued by the relevant authority in the applicant’s country of nationality
- Documents proving the ability to cover living expenses in Japan
(1) Resident Taxation Certificate (or Tax Exemption Certificate) and Resident Tax Payment Certificate for the most recent year of the person responsible for the applicant’s living expenses, showing total annual income and tax payment status
(2) If the above documents are insufficient, any of the following:
・Copy of a bankbook or online bank account statement
・Certificate of Prospective Employment or Notice of Employment Offer issued by a Japanese company
・Other equivalent supporting documents - Letter of Guarantee from the Japanese spouse
- Copy of the Japanese spouse’s Certificate of Residence showing all members of the household
- Questionnaire
- Documents demonstrating the authenticity of the marriage
・Photographs of the couple (approximately two or three)
・Records of social media or message exchanges
・Call records
・Other documents demonstrating communication and interaction between the couple
Change of Status of Residence (Changing Visa Category)
Common Documents
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
Documents Related to the Applicant (Foreign National)
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Certified copy of the Japanese spouse’s Family Register (Koseki Tohon / Certificate of All Registered Matters)
- Marriage certificate issued by the relevant authority in the applicant’s country of nationality
- Documents proving the ability to cover living expenses in Japan
(1) Resident Taxation Certificate (or Tax Exemption Certificate) and Resident Tax Payment Certificate for the most recent year of the person responsible for the applicant’s living expenses, showing total annual income and tax payment status
(2) If the above documents are insufficient, any of the following:
・Copy of a bankbook or online bank account statement
・Certificate of Prospective Employment or Notice of Employment Offer issued by a Japanese company
・Other equivalent supporting documents - Letter of Guarantee from the Japanese spouse
- Copy of the Japanese spouse’s Certificate of Residence showing all members of the household
- Questionnaire
- Documents demonstrating the authenticity of the marriage
・Photographs of the couple (approximately two or three)
・Records of social media or message exchanges
・Call records
・Other documents demonstrating communication and interaction between the couple
Extension of Period of Stay (Visa Renewal)
Common Documents
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Documents Related to the Applicant (Foreign National)
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Certified copy of the Japanese spouse’s Family Register (Koseki Tohon / Certificate of All Registered Matters)
- Documents proving the ability to cover living expenses in Japan
(1) Resident Taxation Certificate (or Tax Exemption Certificate) and Resident Tax Payment Certificate for the most recent year of the person responsible for the applicant’s living expenses, showing total annual income and tax payment status
(2) If the above documents are insufficient, any of the following:
・Copy of a bankbook or online bank account statement
・Certificate of Prospective Employment or Notice of Employment Offer issued by a Japanese company
・Other equivalent supporting documents - Letter of Guarantee from the Japanese spouse
- Copy of the Japanese spouse’s Certificate of Residence showing all members of the household
