Japan•Asia2-8 months
20,500 JPY
5 years (renewable)
No
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
The Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等) is Japan's status of residence for legally married spouses and biological children of foreign permanent residents. It grants unrestricted work rights — any occupation, any hours — without a separate work permit.
The status is granted for up to 5 years and is renewable. Spouses can pursue permanent residency after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of continuous residence in Japan; children after 1 year of continuous residence. Fees are ¥3,000–¥6,000 for the entry visa and ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for renewals.
This visa is ideal for spouses and biological children of foreign permanent residents in Japan who want to live and work freely without employment restrictions.
Single-entry visa | 3,000 JPY |
Multiple-entry visa | 6,000 JPY |
Residency extension/change (in-person) | 6,000 JPY |
Residency extension/change (online) | 5,500 JPY |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Legal marriage: Must be a legally recognized heterosexual marriage (common-law marriages and same-sex marriages are not recognized, even if legally valid in the home country).
Genuine relationship: The marriage must be legitimate and not solely for the purpose of obtaining residency.
Financial stability: The Permanent Resident spouse must demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the applicant in Japan.
For children: Must be a biological child (including legally recognized children born out of wedlock) of a Permanent Resident, born in Japan, and have continuously resided in Japan since birth. Adopted children are not eligible.
Compliance: The applicant and the supporting Permanent Resident must have fulfilled all public obligations (taxes, insurance, etc.).
Education
none or higher
Application form for Change of Status or COE
Passport and Residence Card (if in Japan)
ID photo
Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate (proving the relationship)
Letter of Guarantee from the Permanent Resident spouse/parent
Proof of the Permanent Resident's financial ability (e.g., Certificate of Employment, Tax Payment Certificate)
Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the household
Questionnaire regarding the history of the relationship (often required for spouses)
| Application Steps | If applying from overseas: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through a proxy in Japan, th… | moj.go.jp |
| Fee Breakdown | Single-entry visa: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa: 6000 JPY; Residency extension/change (in-person): … | blog.gaijinpot.com |
| Fees | ¥3,000 (single) / ¥6,000 (multiple) for visa; ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for residency ex… | blog.gaijinpot.com |
| Forms | — | moj.go.jp |
| Included Nationalities | — | moj.go.jp |
| Application Portal | https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/zairyu_koshin1.html | isa.go.jp |
| Official Info | https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/spouseorchildofpermanentresident.html?hl=en | moj.go.jp |
| Max Stay | 5 years (renewable) | immigration-lawyer.co.jp |
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