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Spouse of Japanese National Visa
VisasJapanSpouse of Japanese National Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Spouse of Japanese National Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

28-56 days

Application Fee

20,500 JPY

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Allowed

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
25% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥4,800,000
Quality of Life
161/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

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.

Fee Breakdown

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

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Full work rights — any job
  • Path to PR
  • No restrictions on activities

Worth Knowing

  • Must prove genuine marriage
  • Renewal requires ongoing marriage

Application Process

1

Register marriage: Marriage must be legally registered in Japan

2

Prepare documents: Gather marriage certificate, family register, spouse's ID

3

Apply at immigration: If already in Japan, apply at local immigration office

4

Or apply at embassy: If outside Japan, apply at Japanese embassy

5

Pay visa fee: Pay 3,000 JPY

6

Receive visa/status: Visa granted or status of residence issued

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Certificate of EligibilityFill online
Application for Change of Status of Residence—
Application for Extension of Period of StayFill online
Questionnaire—
Letter of Guarantee—

Verified Claims (26)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsRegister marriage: Marriage must be legally registered in Japan; Prepare documents: Gather marriage …mofa.go.jp
Fee BreakdownSingle-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
FormsApplication 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 · urlhttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004054.pdfmoj.go.jp
Forms · Application for Extension of Period of Stay · urlhttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004102.pdfmoj.go.jp
Included Nationalities—mofa.go.jp
Job Offer Requiredfalsemofa.go.jp

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