Spouse Visa Support
For Your New Life in Japan
Focus on your family, your move, and your future.
We’ll take care of the visa process.
Spouse Visa Support
For Your New Life in Japan
Focus on your family, your move, and your future.
We’ll take care of the visa process.
What Is a Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa allows the foreign spouse of a Japanese national to live in Japan with their Japanese spouse. The official status of residence is called “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”
Unlike a work visa, your residence status is not tied to a specific employer or type of work. However, being legally married does not automatically mean that a spouse visa will be approved. Immigration looks at your relationship, your circumstances, and the documents submitted with your application.
Your application needs to show that your marriage is genuine and that you are building a real life together in Japan.
Application Routes
Which Situation Are You In?
Living Overseas
Planning to move to Japan to live with your Japanese spouse.
Learn more →Living in Japan
Already in Japan and need to change your current residence status.
Learn more →Renewal
Already have a spouse visa and need to extend your period of stay.
Learn more →SOFA Status
Leaving SOFA status and planning to continue your life in Japan.
Learn more →APPLICATION ROUTE 01
Living Overseas
Applying for a Spouse Visa from Outside Japan
If you are living outside Japan and plan to move to Japan to live with your Japanese spouse, the usual process begins with an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan.
Your Japanese spouse can generally act as your representative for the COE application. Once the COE is issued, you can apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your area. A COE itself is not a visa, so a separate visa application is required before entering Japan.
Typical Processing Time
1–3 months
The official standard processing period for a Certificate of Eligibility application is one to three months.
COE Validity
3 months
You must make your landing application in Japan within three months from the date the COE is issued, or it will lose its validity.
How the Process Works
STEP 01
Apply for the COE in Japan
Your Japanese spouse or an authorized representative submits the Certificate of Eligibility application in Japan.
STEP 02
Apply for Your Visa Overseas
After the COE is issued, apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your area.
STEP 03
Enter Japan
Once your visa is issued, travel to Japan and complete your landing procedures within the COE validity period.
Required Documents
Required documents may vary depending on your circumstances. For the latest official checklist, application forms, and requirements, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
View Official Required Documents →APPLICATION ROUTE 02
Living in Japan
Changing to a Spouse Visa While Already in Japan
If you are already living in Japan under another status of residence, you may apply for a Change of Status of Residence to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”
The application is submitted in Japan, and Immigration will review your marriage, your current residence status, your financial situation, and the supporting documents provided with the application.
Important
Already in Japan as a Temporary Visitor?
Changing from Temporary Visitor status to a spouse visa is generally not permitted unless there are unavoidable special circumstances. If you entered Japan as a Temporary Visitor and wish to stay with your Japanese spouse, it is important to check your individual case before applying.
Typical Processing Time
1–2 months
The official standard processing period for a Change of Status of Residence is one to two months. Actual processing times may vary depending on the immigration office, workload, season, and the circumstances of your case.
Busy immigration offices may take longer.
APPLICATION ROUTE 03
Renewal
Extending Your Spouse Visa in Japan
If you already have a spouse visa and plan to continue living in Japan with your Japanese spouse, you need to apply for an Extension of Period of Stay before your current period expires.
For residence periods of six months or longer, you can generally apply from three months before the expiration date. The official standard processing period is two weeks to one month, although actual processing times may vary depending on the office and your case.
When Can You Apply?
Up to 3 months before expiry
If your current period of stay is six months or longer, you can generally apply from three months before the expiration date.
Typical Processing Time
2 weeks–1 month
This is the official standard processing period. Actual processing times may vary depending on the office and your case.
Possible Period of Stay
5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 6 months
The period granted is decided by Immigration based on your individual circumstances.
Required Documents
Requirements may vary depending on your circumstances. For the latest official checklist and forms, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
View Official Renewal Information →APPLICATION ROUTE 04
SOFA Status
Staying in Japan After Your SOFA Status Ends
If you are currently living in Japan under SOFA status and plan to remain in Japan with your Japanese spouse after your SOFA status ends, you may need to apply for Permission to Acquire a Status of Residence.
This is different from an ordinary Change of Status of Residence application. The timing of your application is especially important, so it is best to prepare before your SOFA status ends.
Application Deadline
Within 30 days
If you plan to remain in Japan for more than 60 days after losing your SOFA status, you generally need to apply within 30 days from the date your SOFA status ends.
Important
Prepare Before SOFA Ends
This is different from an ordinary Change of Status application. Preparing in advance can help make the transition to your new residence status smoother.
How the Process Works
STEP 01
Confirm Your SOFA End Date
Confirm when your SOFA status will end and begin preparing your application before that date.
STEP 02
Apply for a Status of Residence
Apply for Permission to Acquire a Status of Residence based on your marriage to a Japanese national.
STEP 03
Continue Your Life in Japan
Once permission is granted, you can continue living in Japan under your new status of residence.
Official Information
Requirements depend on your individual circumstances. Please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest official information.
View Official Information →What If Your Situation Changes?
After Divorce or Bereavement
Divorce or the death of your spouse does not automatically mean that you must leave Japan immediately. However, if you hold “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status as a spouse, you are required to notify Immigration within 14 days of your divorce or your spouse’s death.
Your next step will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your work, children, length of residence in Japan, and other ties to your life here. If you are unsure what to do next, it is important to review your options early.
Important
If you are no longer engaging in activities as the spouse of a Japanese national for more than six months, your residence status may become subject to revocation unless there is a justifiable reason. Each case is considered individually.
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