What Is a Spouse Visa?

What Is a Spouse Visa?

A "spouse visa" formally refers to the status of residence called "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" (日本人の配偶者等). It is the residence status that a foreign national married to a Japanese citizen obtains to live in Japan.

However, marrying a Japanese citizen does not automatically grant this status. The marriage registration is accepted by the municipal office, but the residence status is reviewed and decided by the Immigration Services Agency. In other words, the marriage procedure and the immigration procedure are separate processes.

Who Is Eligible?

The following three categories of people are eligible for this status of residence:

• Spouse of a Japanese national (currently in a valid marriage)
• Biological child of a Japanese national
• Special adopted child of a Japanese national

Important: the following cases are not eligible:

• Common-law partners (de facto marriages) are not included
• If divorced or if the spouse has passed away, this status no longer applies
• Marriages without substance (sham marriages) are not recognized

Why Isn't It Granted Automatically?

There are two main reasons:

1. Marriage registration and residence status approval are separate

The municipal office accepts the marriage registration, while the Immigration Services Agency decides on the residence status. Since different agencies apply different criteria, an approved marriage does not guarantee residence status approval.

2. Sham marriages are a social issue

Because the spouse visa has no employment restrictions and is highly flexible, it is unfortunately sometimes exploited through sham marriages. Therefore, immigration carefully examines whether the marriage is genuine.

Benefits of a Spouse Visa

No activity restrictions

Unlike work visas, the spouse visa has no activity restrictions. You can freely take any job, work part-time, change careers, or attend university or vocational school.

Easier to apply for permanent residency

Normally, permanent residency requires 10 or more years of residence. However, for spouses of Japanese nationals, you can apply after 3 years of genuine married life and at least 1 year of continuous residence in Japan.

Easier to apply for naturalization

Foreign spouses of Japanese nationals qualify for simplified naturalization requirements. If you have lived in Japan for 3 or more years, you can apply for naturalization.

Important Considerations

In case of divorce

The spouse visa is based on the marriage relationship. If you divorce, you must apply to change to a different status of residence within 6 months. Failure to do so may result in revocation of your status.

Substance of marriage is required

Simply having a legal marriage is not enough. You must be living together as a married couple. Extended periods of separation may result in renewal being denied.

Renewal is required

The spouse visa is granted for periods of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. You must apply for renewal before expiration, and the continuity of your marriage and financial stability will be reviewed.

Key Factors for Obtaining a Spouse Visa

1. Proving the marriage is genuine

You need to demonstrate with objective evidence that you truly love each other and married for genuine reasons. Records of your relationship, how you met, communication history, and photos together are all important supporting materials.

2. Financial stability

Even if your love is obvious, immigration also examines whether you can sustain married life. Financial stability is emphasized, and you will need to submit tax certificates and income certificates.

Summary

The spouse visa ("Spouse or Child of Japanese National") is a highly flexible status of residence with no employment restrictions. However, it is not automatically granted upon marriage. You must demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage and financial stability to immigration.

Preparing records and photos from your dating period and accurately completing the required documents are essential. If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult with us.