Japan•Asia28-56 days
20,500 JPY
5 years
Yes
Not Required
Not Specified
Available
Allowed

Visa for spouses of Japanese nationals, with full work rights and path to permanent residence.
The Spouse of a Japanese National is a status of residence for foreign nationals legally married to a Japanese citizen. It grants full, unrestricted work rights — any job, business, or part-time work — and is one of the most flexible long-term statuses available in Japan.
Issued for 1, 3, or 5 years, renewable while the marriage continues. No job offer is required and PR is accessible. Visa fee is ¥3,000 (single) or ¥6,000 (multiple). Applicants must prove the marriage is genuine via Koseki Tohon, marriage certificate, and relationship evidence.
This visa is ideal for foreign nationals married to a Japanese citizen who want to live and work freely in Japan with a clear path to permanent residence.
Single-entry visa fee | 3,000 JPY |
Multiple-entry visa fee | 6,000 JPY |
Residency extension/change fee (In-person) | 6,000 JPY |
Residency extension/change fee (Online) | 5,500 JPY |
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Must be legally married to a Japanese national (marriage must be valid in both Japan and the applicant's home country).
Must demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and not a sham.
Must provide evidence of financial stability to support life in Japan.
Must have a clean criminal record and comply with Japanese immigration laws.
Must intend to live with the Japanese spouse in Japan.
Education
none or higher
Valid passport
Passport photo (4cm x 3cm)
Japanese spouse's family register (Koseki Tohon) showing the marriage
Marriage certificate from the applicant's home country
Sponsor's tax certificates (住民税の課税・非課税証明書, 納税証明書)
Letter of guarantee (身元保証書) signed by the Japanese spouse
Japanese spouse's resident certificate (住民票) showing all household members
Questionnaire (質問書) detailing the relationship history
Evidence of genuine relationship (e.g., photos together, chat logs, call history)
Return envelope with stamps (for COE applications)
| Application for Certificate of Eligibility | Fill online |
| Application for Change of Status of Residence | — |
| Application for Extension of Period of Stay | Fill online |
| Questionnaire | — |
| Letter of Guarantee | — |
| Application Steps | Register marriage: Marriage must be legally registered in Japan; Prepare documents: Gather marriage … | mofa.go.jp |
| Fee Breakdown | Single-entry visa fee: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa fee: 6000 JPY; Residency extension/change fee (… | mofa.go.jp |
| Fees | ¥3,000 (single) / ¥6,000 (multiple) for visa; ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for residency ex… | mofa.go.jp |
| Forms | Application for Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書交付申請書); Application for Change of Status of Res… | moj.go.jp |
| Forms · Application for Certificate of Eligibility · url | https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004054.pdf | moj.go.jp |
| Forms · Application for Extension of Period of Stay · url | https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004102.pdf | moj.go.jp |
| Included Nationalities | — | mofa.go.jp |
| Job Offer Required | false | mofa.go.jp |
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