Steps to Obtain a Spouse Visa

Introduction

This guide assumes that the foreign spouse is already in Japan with a status of residence other than "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" (e.g., student visa, work visa).

If you need to bring your spouse from overseas to Japan, a different procedure called "Application for Certificate of Eligibility" is required. Please see our Spouse Visa details page for more information.

Step 1: Proposal

A declaration of mutual commitment to marriage. In international marriages, many document procedures await after this point. Make sure to discuss thoroughly and prepare yourselves before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Meeting Each Other's Parents

In international marriages, various documents must be submitted, and some can only be obtained in the foreign spouse's home country.

If you proceed with marriage without your parents' approval, you may face difficulties getting their cooperation in gathering documents. It is important to sincerely communicate and gain their blessing.

Step 3: Submitting the Marriage Registration

Gather the required documents and submit the marriage registration to a municipal office. For international marriages, additional documents beyond the standard marriage registration are required.

For details, please see the following pages:

• Required Documents
• Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
• Filing at the Municipal Office

Step 4: Spouse Visa (Change of Status of Residence) Application

Once the marriage is established, you apply for a change of status of residence at the Immigration Services Agency. Preparing the documents takes considerable time.

The main required documents are:

• Application for Change of Status of Residence
• Photo (4cm x 3cm)
• Family register (Koseki Tohon) of the Japanese spouse
• Marriage certificate issued by a foreign authority
• Tax certificate and tax payment certificate of the Japanese spouse
• Guarantee letter from the Japanese spouse
• Resident record (Juminhyo) of the Japanese spouse
• Questionnaire
• Snapshot photos of the couple together
• Passport (for presentation)
• Residence card (for presentation)

For details, please check the official Immigration Services Agency page.

Key Points in the Examination

There are two important points that must be demonstrated to the immigration authorities:

1. The marriage is genuine

Due to the prevalence of sham marriages, the examination is strict. Prepare materials that demonstrate your relationship, such as photos together, message history, and other evidence of your courtship.

2. Financial stability

Even if your love is evident, the ability to sustain married life is also an important factor. The authorities assess whether you can continue to cover living expenses, which is why tax certificates and tax payment certificates are required.

Processing Time

The examination for a change of status of residence typically takes 1 to 3 months. However, it may take longer depending on the application details and timing.

During the examination period, you can continue to stay in Japan under your current status of residence. If your residence period is expiring soon, we recommend applying early.

Summary

• The process involves: Proposal → Meeting parents → Marriage registration → Change of status of residence application
• Marriage registration requires additional documents specific to foreign spouses
• The examination focuses on the genuineness of the marriage and financial stability
• Processing time is approximately 1 to 3 months
• Start preparing documents early