Japan Spouse Visa for Immigrants – Visa Sponsorship in Japan

Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage, technological innovation, and high standard of living, is a top destination for individuals wishing to reunite with their families. With its clean cities, safe environment, and efficient infrastructure, Japan provides an ideal setting for couples to build a life together.

The Japan Spouse Visa enables a foreign national to live in Japan with their Japanese spouse or a spouse who is a permanent resident. This visa not only facilitates long-term residence but also allows unrestricted work rights, making it one of the most favorable visa types for foreigners planning to settle in Japan.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible to apply for a Japan Spouse Visa if:

• You are legally married to:
  • A Japanese citizen, or
  • A foreign permanent resident of Japan
• Your marriage is genuine, legally valid, and properly registered in both countries
• You and your spouse plan to live together in Japan
• The Japanese or permanent resident spouse can financially support the family or household

Note: Unmarried partners and common-law relationships are not eligible for this visa.

Sponsorship Requirements

The sponsoring spouse (Japanese citizen or permanent resident) must:

• Be legally residing in Japan
• Have a stable income or financial means to support the applicant
• Provide proof of relationship, such as photos, communication history, or joint records (especially in international or long-distance marriages)
• Submit:
  • A Letter of Guarantee
  • A residency certificate (Juminhyo)
  • A tax certificate or proof of employment

Required Documents

From the foreign spouse (applicant):

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport-size photos
• Marriage certificate (translated into Japanese if necessary)
• Birth certificate (if required)

From the sponsor (in Japan):

• Koseki Tohon (family register) – required if the sponsor is Japanese
• Juminhyo (resident record)
• Employment certificate or proof of income
• Recent tax documents
• Letter of Guarantee
• Relationship history or explanation letter

Note: All foreign documents must be translated into Japanese, and may need to be notarized or apostilled depending on the issuing country.

Application Process

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

• The sponsoring spouse applies for a Certificate of Eligibility at the local Immigration Bureau in Japan
• Processing time: 1–3 months
• Once issued, the CoE is sent to the foreign spouse

Step 2: Visa Application

• The foreign spouse applies for the visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in their home country using the CoE and required documents
• Processing time: 5–10 working days

Step 3: Entry into Japan

• Upon arrival in Japan, the foreign spouse receives a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the airport
• Must register with the local city office and enroll in national insurance and pension programs

 Visa Types, Duration, and Fees

Certificate of Eligibility – Summary

Rights and Responsibilities

With a Japan Spouse Visa:

• You can live and work freely in Japan
• You may start a business, attend school, or take part in any economic activity
• You are eligible for public health insurance and pension enrollment
• You must:
  • Report address or marital status changes
  • Renew your Residence Card before it expires
  • Comply with Japanese laws and regulations

After Arrival – Next Steps

1. Register at City Office within 14 days of moving into your residence
2. Enroll in National Health Insurance
3. Join the Pension System (mandatory if employed or self-employed)
4. Apply for visa renewal well before expiration, based on continued marriage and residence

If the Relationship Ends

If the marriage ends due to divorce or death:

• You must notify Immigration Services within 14 days
• You may apply for a Change of Status to remain in Japan (e.g., Long-Term Resident, Work Visa)
• Immigration may review your ties to Japan, children, or employment when considering your new status

Additional Resources

• Japan Immigration Services Agency: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
• Local Immigration Bureaus: For renewals, change of status, and residency matters
• Embassy of Japan: In your home country for visa applications and document requirements

The Japan Spouse Visa is a reliable pathway to live, work, and integrate into Japanese society with your spouse. It offers extensive benefits, including employment freedom and eligibility for long-term or permanent residency over time. By maintaining a genuine marriage and complying with immigration rules, foreign spouses can enjoy a stable and rewarding life in Japan. Careful preparation, honest documentation, and timely renewals are key to success in this process.

FAQs

1: Can I work in Japan on a spouse visa?

Yes. The spouse visa grants unrestricted work rights—you can work in any field without a separate work permit.

2: How long does it take to get a Japan Spouse Visa?

It takes around 1 to 3 months to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, and 5–10 working days for visa processing after that.

3: What happens if we divorce while I’m on a spouse visa?

You must notify immigration. You may apply for a change of visa status to continue staying in Japan, depending on your circumstances (e.g., Long-Term Resident, employment).

4: Do I need to speak Japanese to apply for the spouse visa?

No, Japanese language proficiency is not required for the visa itself. However, it is highly recommended for integration, job opportunities, and future permanent residency applications.