Japanese Spouse Visa: Self-Application Guide

By applying for a spouse visa on your own, you can save costs. On the other hand, the drawback is the time and effort required for research. Even if you hire a professional, you still need to learn about residency permit procedures for future renewals. With these points in mind, carefully consider how to proceed with your application.

Key takeaways of this article are as follows:

✓Applying for a spouse visa yourself has three benefits: ① no professional fees, ② no need to share private matters with others, and ③ deeper understanding of immigration law. ✓On the other hand, self-application has three drawbacks: ① procedures require significant effort, ② higher risk of rejection, and ③ longer time until visa approval.✓The procedure differs depending on whether the foreign spouse is “living overseas” or “already in Japan with the Japanese partner.”✓To obtain a spouse visa, you must first legally marry and establish a valid marital relationship, then apply for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa.✓In cases where the dating period before marriage is short or income is low, preparing a written explanation and gathering evidence are crucial, so seeking professional support is recommended.

This article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of applying for a spouse visa on your own, as well as the process from marriage to visa application. It also highlights cases where self-application may not be advisable.

Be sure to understand the screening requirements for a spouse visa and prepare accordingly in a planned manner.

1.What Is a Japanese Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa refers to the residence status called “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” which allows a foreign national married to a Japanese citizen to live in Japan. This visa has no work restrictions, and the requirements for naturalization or permanent residency are also relaxed.

In an international marriage, the legal marriage procedures must be completed in both Japan and the partner’s home country, and then reported to the local municipal office in Japan. However, even if the marriage is officially recognized, a spouse visa is not granted automatically—you must obtain approval from the Immigration Services Agency.

Since the application for a spouse visa mainly involves explaining your personal circumstances, it is generally easier to apply for compared to visas with stricter requirements, such as the Business Manager visa. While you can hire a professional, this visa is suitable for people who can make time during weekdays to submit applications and are comfortable preparing documents and gathering information on their own.

On the other hand, if you feel uncomfortable with administrative paperwork, have a busy schedule that prevents you from visiting the immigration office multiple times during weekdays, or your current period of stay is about to expire, applying on your own may be difficult. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

2.Three Benefits of Applying for a Japanese Spouse Visa Yourself

When you apply for a spouse visa on your own, you can save significantly on costs since you won’t need to pay professional fees. You also avoid sharing personal information with others, allowing you to maintain your privacy.

In addition, going through the application process yourself deepens your understanding of immigration law, and that knowledge can be useful in your future life. Below, each of these benefits is explained in detail.

2-1. No Professional Fees Required

When you apply for a spouse visa yourself, the only costs are the ¥4,000 revenue stamp paid after approval and the fees for obtaining the necessary documents. In contrast, hiring a professional such as an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi) requires paying their service fee.

By using a professional, you can receive advice on preparing and drafting documents, making the process smoother. The typical fee for spouse visa applications is around ¥80,000 to ¥150,000. By applying on your own, you can save this expense.

2-2. No Need to Share Private Matters with Others

One advantage of applying on your own is that you don’t need to explain personal details to an immigration lawyer. In the spouse visa application process, you must provide personal information to the immigration officer in charge.

If you hire a professional to apply on your behalf, you will also need to share details such as how you met, your feelings, and your current living situation. Some people may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable disclosing such private matters. By applying yourself, you avoid having to share these personal details with anyone other than immigration authorities.

2-3. Deeper Understanding of Immigration Law

When you apply for a spouse visa on your own, a solid understanding of immigration law is essential. For foreign residents in Japan and Japanese nationals with foreign spouses, immigration law is extremely important.

Violations of the law can result in forced deportation, so knowledge of immigration law remains crucial even after your visa is granted. Preparing the spouse visa application yourself requires gathering information from the internet or books. While the necessary knowledge is wide-ranging, understanding immigration law for the sake of your partner is highly valuable.

3.Three Drawbacks of Applying for a Japanese Spouse Visa Yourself

The main drawbacks of applying for a spouse visa on your own include the significant effort required for the procedures, the higher risk of rejection, and the possibility of delays in obtaining the visa. In addition, if you submit incorrect information in your application, you cannot make changes once the result is issued. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Below, the disadvantages of self-applying for a spouse visa are explained in detail.

3-1. The Procedures Require Significant Effort

One challenge of applying for a visa on your own is the time and effort required for preparation. First-time applicants often feel uncertain about which documents are necessary and how they should be prepared. While reference information is available, it may not fully match your personal situation and therefore cannot always be applied as is.

In addition, selecting the appropriate documents based on individual circumstances is one of the most difficult parts of a residency application. If any issues arise after the review, you must submit the requested documents within two weeks. These factors make self-application particularly challenging.

3-2. Higher Risk of Rejection

When someone without specialized knowledge applies for a spouse visa, there is a greater chance of errors or incomplete information in the documents. A single small mistake does not necessarily lead to an immediate rejection, but it may result in being called in to correct the error or being asked to submit additional documents, which can create extra hassle.

Moreover, if there are frequent mistakes or documents submitted that fail to address key points of the review, there is a possibility that the application may be denied overall. Since you cannot make corrections once the result has been issued, it is essential to be extremely careful when filling out the application.

3-3. Longer Processing Time

Preparing the required documents often takes considerable time, as you must determine which ones are necessary and personally visit government offices to obtain certificates. While the process may go smoothly in some cases, working through it without prior experience can easily cause delays compared to your initial schedule.

In addition, if the Immigration Services Agency requests further documents, it will require even more effort and extend the processing time.

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4.Process of Obtaining a Japanese Spouse Visa

After an international marriage, the next step is preparing to apply for a spouse visa. The procedure differs depending on whether the foreign spouse is “living overseas” or “already residing in Japan with their partner.”

In particular, if the spouse is overseas, the Japanese partner must apply at the Immigration Services Agency for the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in order to invite the foreign spouse to Japan.

The Certificate of Eligibility is issued after a preliminary review of whether the applicant meets the requirements for a spouse visa and serves as proof of eligibility to reside in Japan.

4-1. Case: A Japanese Citizen Inviting a Foreign Spouse from Overseas

Submit the Marriage Registration

In the case of an international marriage—that is, a marriage between a Japanese citizen and a foreign national—the marriage procedures must first be completed before applying for a spouse visa.

Marriage procedures are, in principle, carried out in both Japan and the foreign spouse’s country.

Generally, you must complete the marriage formalities in both Japan and the country of the foreign spouse’s nationality. However, in some countries—such as China, the United States, and Australia—the procedures completed in Japan alone may suffice.

Before starting an international marriage, it is important to research in advance how to proceed and what documents are required.

As a basic sequence of steps, first decide in which country you will register the marriage, and confirm the documents required there. Next, check the required documents for the country where you will complete the procedures afterward, gather them, and proceed with the filings.

Flow of International Marriage Procedures

If your spouse is overseas and you first complete the marriage procedures in their country, the steps are as follows:

1. Obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (also called a Single Status Certificate) for the Japanese spouse from the municipal office or Legal Affairs Bureau in Japan.
2. Have the certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (can be done by mail).
3. Depending on the country, obtain consular legalization (confirmation by the foreign embassy or consulate in Japan).
4. Carry out the marriage procedures in your partner’s country in accordance with that country’s laws.
5. Obtain a marriage certificate issued by your partner’s country.
6. Submit the marriage registration to the municipal office in Japan where the Japanese spouse is registered as a resident.

If the marriage registration in Japan is done first, then after it is accepted, you must submit proof of the valid marriage to your partner’s country. This typically includes the family register (koseki tohon) or the marriage registration acceptance certificate. In some countries, if the marriage is already recognized in Japan, you may not need to go through the local marriage procedures again.

Once a valid marriage is established, the process moves on to obtaining a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa to invite the foreign spouse to Japan.

Prepare the Required Documents

In cases where the spouse is overseas, the necessary documents are as follows:

Required Documents for Spouse Visa Application (When the Spouse Is Overseas)
Required Documents	Documents to be Prepared by the Foreign Spouse	Documents to be Prepared by the Japanese Spouse
Application for Certificate of Eligibility	–	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website
ID photo	One photo (4 cm × 3 cm) Taken within the last 3 months	–
Original family register (koseki tohon)	–	One copy Must state the fact of marriage with the applicant
Marriage certificate	Original marriage certificate issued by the foreign spouse’s national authority One copy	–
Documents proving financial means for living in Japan	–	Taxation certificate and tax payment certificate for the past year of the Japanese partner, who will cover the living expenses of the foreign spouse
		If the taxation and tax payment certificates for resident tax cannot be submitted, alternatives include a copy of a bankbook, a certificate of expected employment, or a job offer letter.
Letter of guarantee from the Japanese spouse	–	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website
Copy of the resident record (juminhyo)	–	One copy Copy of the resident record (juminhyo) showing all household members of the Japanese spouse
Questionnaire	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website	–
Evidence of communication/relationship between the couple	Two to three snapshot photos
	SNS records, call logs, etc.
Self-addressed return envelope	–	One copy（With the required amount of postage stamps affixed for simplified registered mail）

The documents listed above are those published on the Immigration Services Agency website, but additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Review by the Immigration Services Agency

Once all the documents are prepared and submitted, the Immigration Services Agency begins its review. The screening period usually takes about 1 to 3 months. During this time, if there are errors in the documents, you may be called in to correct them, or you may be asked to provide additional materials. In principle, interviews are not conducted for spouse visa applications.

The review focuses on whether the applicant and their spouse are not in a sham marriage, and whether they have sufficient financial means to live in Japan after entry. Since the number of “fraudulent residents” has been increasing each year, the Agency’s review process is strict. Even couples who genuinely wish to marry may be denied if there are deficiencies or questionable points in their documents.

When the Spouse Resides Overseas: Receiving the Certificate of Eligibility

Within 1 to 3 months after the application, the applicant is notified of the review result. If approved, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued. This certificate is not a visa itself but a required document for obtaining one. When the foreign spouse lives overseas, the certificate is sent to them.

The foreign spouse then takes the COE to the local Japanese embassy or consulate and applies for a visa. The embassy or consulate conducts its own review, and if approved, the visa is issued. Once the screening is complete, the visa is affixed to the foreign spouse’s passport and returned. After this procedure, the spouse can book a flight to Japan and complete the entry process.

Receiving the Residence Card

When a foreign spouse enters Japan for the first time, a residence card is issued at one of the seven designated airports: New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu Centrair, Kansai, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka. After receiving the residence card, the spouse must bring their passport to the local municipal office and register their residence within 14 days.

If entering through an airport other than these seven, a note is placed in the passport, which serves as a temporary residence card. The official residence card is then issued after registering at the municipal office within 14 days of entry and is sent by mail a few days later.

4-2. Case: Changing the Residence Status of a Foreign Spouse Already in Japan to a Spouse Visa

Submit the Marriage Registration

In cases where the foreign spouse is already in Japan, an application is made to change their residence status. The steps are as follows. Similar to when inviting a spouse from abroad, the couple must first marry and establish a valid marital relationship.

1. Obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage for the foreign spouse from their home country’s embassy in Japan.
2. Submit the marriage registration (kon’in todoke) to the municipal office of residence.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration from the municipal office.
4. Have the document authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (can be done by mail).
5. Depending on the country, consular legalization (confirmation by the foreign embassy or consulate in Japan) may be required.
6. Register the marriage with the foreign spouse’s home country at its embassy or consulate in Japan.

After completing these steps, the process moves on to changing the foreign spouse’s status of residence to a spouse visa.

Prepare the Required Documents

In cases where the spouse is already in Japan, the necessary documents are as follows:

Required Documents for Spouse Visa Application (When the Spouse Is Already in Japan)
Required Documents	Documents to be Prepared by the Foreign Spouse	Documents to be Prepared by the Japanese Spouse
Application for Change of Status of Residence	–	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website
ID photo	One photo (4 cm × 3 cm) Taken within the last 3 months	–
Original family register (koseki tohon)	–	One copy Must state the fact of marriage with the applicant
Marriage certificate	Original marriage certificate issued by the foreign spouse’s national authority One copy	–
Documents proving financial means for living in Japan	–	Taxation certificate and tax payment certificate for the past year of the Japanese partner, who will cover the foreign spouse’s living expenses
		If the taxation and tax payment certificates for resident tax cannot be submitted, alternatives include a copy of a bankbook, a certificate of expected employment, or a job offer letter.
Letter of guarantee from the Japanese spouse	–	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website
Copy of resident record (juminhyo)	–	One copy Copy of the resident record (juminhyo) showing all household members of the Japanese spouse
Questionnaire	One copy Available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website	–
Evidence of communication/relationship between the couple	Two to three snapshot photos
	SNS records, call logs, etc.
Passport (to be presented)	Presentation required even if by a representative	–
Residence card (to be presented)	Presentation required even if by a representative	–

The documents listed above are those published on the Immigration Services Agency website, but additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Review by the Immigration Services Agency

When a foreign student marries a Japanese national, their status of residence is usually changed to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” after graduation, but it can also be changed while still enrolled. However, if the student has poor academic performance, low attendance, or works part-time for more than 28 hours per week, the change to a spouse visa may not be approved.

When marrying a foreign national with a Dependent status of residence, it is mandatory to change their status to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” after marriage.

When marrying a foreign national with a work-related status of residence, changing status is not mandatory. However, if the person quits their job after marriage and becomes a full-time homemaker, it is necessary to change their status to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

Changing status from Temporary Visitor to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” requires special circumstances.

Receiving the Residence Card

For foreign spouses already residing in Japan, once the visa review is completed, a notification postcard is sent by mail. Bring this postcard, along with the current residence card and passport, to the Immigration Services Agency to receive the new residence card.

The fee is ¥4,000, payable with revenue stamps. If you are unable to go in person for unavoidable reasons, you must inform the Immigration Services Agency in advance.

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5.Cases Where You Should Not Apply for a Japanese Spouse Visa on Your Own

Cases with a high likelihood of spouse visa rejection include: short dating periods, large age differences, low income, marriages arranged through matchmaking agencies, or insufficient evidence of the relationship. In addition, past violations of immigration law or poor conduct can make obtaining any residence status, not just a spouse visa, more difficult.

For this reason, if you are worried that your application may be denied, it is advisable to consult a professional.

5-1. Cases with a Short Dating Period Before Marriage

To obtain the status of residence as a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” it is necessary to prove the authenticity of the marriage. Special caution is required in cases where the dating period was short, the couple has met only a few times, or the relationship began through dating sites or social media. In such situations, evidence such as photos and email exchanges may be required to demonstrate the seriousness of the relationship.

Additionally, detailed explanations are necessary regarding the background and reasons for the marriage, and whether the parents are aware of it. If this information is insufficient, the visa application will be strictly reviewed and may be denied. Therefore, gathering evidence to dispel suspicion of a sham marriage is crucial. Preparing a written statement explaining the relationship history, along with supporting evidence, becomes a key factor.

5-2. Cases with Low Household Income

In a spouse visa application, the ability of the applicant and their family to maintain a stable livelihood is a key requirement. For this reason, taxation and tax payment certificates for the past year are required, and household income is reviewed based on these documents.

Particular caution is needed for self-employed individuals, as failure to file a tax return may result in being regarded as having no income. Even if income is low, it is still possible to obtain approval by submitting evidence of financial support from family or proof of expected future income, such as a certificate of employment.

For proof of income, it does not matter whether it comes from the Japanese spouse or the foreign spouse—as long as one of them earns sufficient income. The Immigration Services Agency reviews documents showing the applicant’s or spouse’s occupation and income.

As a general guideline, the required income level is based on the number of people supported by the household, calculated at approximately ¥780,000 per person. For example, for a household of two, the income standard is ¥1.56 million; for three, ¥2.34 million. Meeting these requirements makes visa approval possible.

If there is unavoidably no income, the applicant must provide alternative proof, such as bank statements showing sufficient savings or documentation of future employment, and explain the circumstances in a written statement with supporting evidence to the Immigration Services Agency.

6. Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi) for a Japanese Spouse Visa

The advantages of entrusting the spouse visa application to an immigration lawyer who specializes in visas include the following:

6-1. Reduction of Time and Effort

By hiring an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi), you can significantly reduce the time and effort required for the application process. Our office handles everything from preparing application documents to submitting them to the Immigration Services Agency and receiving the results. This not only saves the applicant’s time and energy but also increases the likelihood of approval.

6-2. Application Representation by a Specialist

Immigration lawyers (gyoseishoshi) specializing in visas prepare application documents based on immigration laws, precedents, and official examination standards. This enables them to address key points in the review process accurately and increase the chances of approval. In addition, experienced immigration lawyers also handle reapplications for spouse visas that were previously denied. By identifying the reasons for rejection and providing the appropriate response, they offer services that improve the success rate of reapplications.

6-3. Renewal of Spouse Visa and Permanent Residency Application

In both spouse visa renewals and permanent residency applications, past application records play an important role. Our office takes this into account and prepares the appropriate documents that may also affect future applications.

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7.Summary

In this article, we explained the advantages and disadvantages of applying for a spouse visa on your own, as well as the process from marriage to the visa application. To summarize:

✓Applying for a spouse visa yourself has three benefits: ① no professional fees, ② no need to share private matters with others, and ③ deeper understanding of immigration law. ✓On the other hand, self-application has three drawbacks: ① procedures require significant effort, ② higher risk of rejection, and ③ longer time until visa approval.✓The procedure differs depending on whether the foreign spouse is “living overseas” or “already in Japan with the Japanese partner.”✓To obtain a spouse visa, you must first legally marry and establish a valid marital relationship, then apply for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa.✓In cases where the dating period before marriage is short or income is low, preparing a written explanation and gathering evidence are crucial, so seeking professional support is recommended.

You can apply for a spouse visa on your own. In doing so, it is important to understand the key points immigration authorities review and to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and that you have sufficient income to support your livelihood.

If there are reasons your application may be denied, or if you feel the process would take too much time and effort on your own, it is advisable to seek help from a professional such as an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi).

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