Spouse Visa - Overview

What Is a Spouse Visa?

A Spouse Visa (Spouse or Child of a Japanese National) is a status of residence available to the spouse of a Japanese national, a biological child of a Japanese national, or a child adopted through special adoption.

With a Spouse Visa, you may live and work in Japan without restrictions on the type of employment. You are free to choose your occupation, including working as an employee or operating your own business.

However, a Spouse Visa is not automatically granted simply by submitting a marriage registration. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan conducts a comprehensive review of factors such as the authenticity of the marriage, the couple’s actual living arrangements, financial stability, and income before deciding whether to grant permission.

Requirements for Obtaining a Spouse Visa

A Spouse Visa cannot be obtained solely on the basis that the applicant is legally married.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan comprehensively reviews factors such as the authenticity of the marriage, living circumstances, and financial situation to determine whether the couple can maintain a stable married life in Japan.

① The Marriage Must Be Genuine and Legally Valid

The marriage must be legally valid under both Japanese law and the laws of the applicant’s home country.

As a general rule, a Spouse Visa cannot be obtained on the basis of a common-law marriage or de facto partnership.

② The Couple Must Be Able to Maintain a Stable Life in Japan

The applicant must have sufficient income and a stable living foundation to continue residing in Japan.

The Immigration Services Agency considers not only the applicant’s financial circumstances but also the income, assets, and other financial resources of the Japanese spouse.

③ The Marriage Must Be Genuine

A Spouse Visa is not granted simply because a marriage registration has been submitted.

The Immigration Services Agency examines factors such as the length of the relationship, the couple’s living arrangements, and the circumstances leading to the marriage to determine whether they are genuinely living together as a married couple.

To demonstrate the authenticity of the marriage, applicants may be required to submit photographs of the couple, records of social media or message exchanges, call histories, remittance records, documents showing their living arrangements, and materials explaining the relationship from courtship through marriage.

The appropriate evidence will vary depending on each couple’s individual circumstances. Our office recommends suitable supporting documents based on the specific details of each case.

④ The Applicant Must Qualify for the Applicable Status of Residence

The applicant must qualify for the status of residence known as “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.”

Eligible persons include the spouse of a Japanese national, the biological child of a Japanese national, and a child adopted through special adoption by a Japanese national.

⑤ The Required Documents Must Be Properly Prepared

Missing or inconsistent information in the submitted documents may delay the examination or result in the application being denied.

It is important to prepare the appropriate documents for the application and provide objective evidence of the authenticity of the marriage and the couple’s living circumstances.

Who Is Eligible for a Spouse Visa?

A Spouse Visa is not a status of residence available to all foreign nationals.

Eligible applicants are those who meet the requirements established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and are recognized as having a marital relationship, biological parent-child relationship, or special adoption relationship with a Japanese national.

* Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive review of factors such as the applicant’s family relationship, living circumstances, and submitted documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are there any restrictions on employment with a Spouse Visa?
A. No. A Spouse Visa generally allows you to work without restrictions on the type of employment, including as a company employee, a self-employed person, or a part-time worker.

Q2. Can I obtain a Spouse Visa simply by entering into an international marriage?
A. No. In addition to having a legally valid marriage, permission is granted only after a comprehensive review of factors such as the authenticity of the marriage, the couple’s actual living arrangements, and their financial and living foundation.

Q3. Can I obtain a Spouse Visa if my spouse and I live separately?
A. Permission may be granted when the separation is due to unavoidable circumstances. However, a sufficient explanation and supporting documents concerning the reason for living separately and the authenticity of the marriage will be required.

Q4. Does a Spouse Visa need to be renewed?
A. Yes. A Spouse Visa is granted for a specified period of stay. To continue living in Japan, you must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay before your current period expires.

Q5. What happens if I get divorced?
A. After a divorce, you will generally no longer qualify for the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.” To continue residing in Japan, you will need to consider changing to another appropriate status of residence based on your circumstances.

Common Reasons Spouse Visa Applications Are Denied

A Spouse Visa is not granted solely because the applicant is legally married. An application may be denied in circumstances such as the following:

・The authenticity of the marriage cannot be sufficiently demonstrated
・The marriage is suspected of being fraudulent
・The couple lacks a sufficient financial or living foundation to maintain a stable married life in Japan
・The submitted documents are incomplete or inconsistent
・There are inconsistencies between the spouses’ explanations
・There are issues concerning the applicant’s immigration history or conduct

Spouse Visa applications are approved or denied after a comprehensive review of factors such as the circumstances leading to the marriage, the couple’s actual married life, and the supporting documents submitted.
The outcome of the examination may also depend on how effectively the authenticity of the marriage is demonstrated through documentary evidence.
If you have concerns or have previously had an application denied, we recommend consulting a specialist before submitting a new application.