Foreign nationals who marry Japanese citizens and wish to reside in Japan require a status of residence called "Spouse or Child of Japanese National." While this status, also known as a spouse visa, offers the advantage of no work restrictions, it is characterized by the need for a large number of documents to prove the reality of the marriage, and a strict screening process.

This page explains the necessary documents, key screening points, and common reasons for rejection for both new applications and renewals, based on the latest information for 2026.

1. What is a Spouse Visa? Basic Information

"Spouse or Child of Japanese National" is a status of residence granted to foreign nationals who are spouses of Japanese citizens (foreign nationals in a legally valid marriage), biological children of Japanese citizens, or special adopted children of Japanese citizens.

Main Benefits of a Spouse Visa

📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Spouse or Child of Japanese National (Official)

2. New Application (When bringing a spouse from overseas)

If you are bringing a foreign spouse residing overseas to Japan, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The Japanese spouse residing in Japan or an agent applies to the regional immigration services bureau that has jurisdiction over the foreign spouse's planned place of residence.

3. Change of Status of Residence Application (When the spouse is already in Japan)

If you marry a Japanese national while staying in Japan with another status of residence (such as student or highly skilled professional), you must apply for a Change of Status of Residence. The foreign national themselves must go to the regional immigration services bureau that has jurisdiction over their place of residence to apply.

4. Renewal Application

Applications for spouse visa renewal are accepted from 3 months before the expiry date of the period of stay. Each renewal application will re-examine the continued marital relationship and cohabitation status of the couple.

5. List of Required Documents

Main Required Documents for New Application and Change of Status

📄 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Required Documents (For Spouse of Japanese National, husband or wife)

6. Key Points of the Review Process

The most important point in spouse visa screening is the confirmation of the reality of the marriage. Not just the format of the documents, but whether the marital relationship is genuine will be comprehensively judged.

① Authenticity of the marriage

The circumstances from meeting to marriage, dating period, and methods/frequency of communication will be checked. It is important to truthfully state even if you met online or through SNS.

② Reality of cohabitation

It will be checked whether the couple lives at the same address and actually lives together. If separation is due to unavoidable circumstances such as a business relocation or caregiving, additional documents explaining the reason should be provided.

③ Financial capacity of the Japanese spouse to support the family

It will be checked whether the Japanese spouse has sufficient income and assets to support the foreign spouse's life. Even if income is low, bank balances and family support may be considered.

④ Tax payment and social insurance status

The Japanese spouse's payment status for resident tax and income tax will be checked.

⑤ Proof of meeting and dating

The more documents showing the reality of the couple's relationship, such as photos, call logs, message exchanges, remittance records, and travel records, the more advantageous it is.

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📋 Free LINE Gift

Receive a checklist of documents to prepare for spouse visa application via LINE

We are distributing a free checklist via LINE that shows at a glance "What to prepare to pass the screening?" Please check if there are any missing documents before applying.

• Spouse Visa Required Documents Checklist (New Application, Change, Renewal Compatible)
• List of documents to prepare to prove the "reality of marriage"
• Guide to writing the questionnaire (Tips for ensuring consistency between spouses)
• Common reasons for rejection and countermeasures to avoid them

7. Common Reasons for Rejection

8. Period of Stay Granted

The period of stay granted for a spouse visa is either 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months. The initial period is often 1 year, and if there are no issues with the marital status or residence status, the period tends to get longer with each renewal.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

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📋 Free LINE Gift

"Are your documents complete?" You can check before applying.

For those who are "unsure if I can apply myself" or "want to check if there are any missing documents," we are distributing a free checklist of required spouse visa documents via LINE.

• Spouse Visa Required Documents Checklist (New Application & Renewal Compatible)
• Guide to writing the questionnaire (Tips for consistent answers from both spouses)
• List of photos and documents to prepare to prove the reality of the marriage

Official Reference Links

📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Spouse or Child of Japanese National

📄 Required Documents (For spouse, husband or wife)

📌 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Specific Visas: Spouse or Child of Japanese National