Individual • Family & Marriage

International Marriage & Spouse Visa

INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE & SPOUSE VISA

A spouse visa lets a foreign national married to a Japanese citizen reside as Spouse of Japanese National. Immigration focuses on whether the marriage is genuine and whether the household can support itself. We prepare the relationship statement, photos, and messages, then file a COE or change of status. First grants are often for one year.

Target Applicants

Foreign nationals married to a Japanese citizen applying for a "Spouse of Japanese National" visa

Individuals currently in Japan on Student, Technical Intern, or Work visas seeking to change to a Spouse visa

Couples with short dating histories, substantial age differences, or who met via online matching apps seeking to avoid denial

Applicants with previous visa refusals or overstay histories requiring careful legal substantiation

Our Support Services

Drafting highly detailed Questionnaire and Relationship Background statements proving the authenticity of the marriage
Structuring substantiating evidence including photos, travel records, communication logs, and remittance records
Financial stability assessment for the household (income, tax certificates of Japanese/foreign spouse)
Guidance on bilateral marriage registration procedures in both Japan (Koseki) and the foreign home country
Filing the application with the Regional Immigration Bureau as a certified specialist (No need for the couple to appear)
Prompt handling of supplementary inquiry notices or field examination requests from Immigration

Application Process

Relationship History Consultation

We review how you met, your dating timeline, communication language, and financial situation to assess examination factors.

Gathering Marriage & Official Proofs

Collecting the Japanese Family Register (Koseki Tohon), home country marriage certificates, and tax certificates.

Drafting Relationship Statement

Composing a persuasive narrative outlining the genuine progression of your courtship and marriage with chronological evidence.

Immigration Bureau Filing

Submitting the complete application directly to the Immigration Bureau on your behalf.

Approval & Residence Card Issuance

Upon examination approval, we collect and deliver your new Spouse of Japanese National residence card.

Key Required Documents

Required documents vary by nationality, current status, employment, and family situation. We provide a tailored checklist at the first meeting.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status of Residence

Family Register (Koseki Tohon) of the Japanese spouse

Marriage Certificate issued by the foreign country’s government (with Japanese translation)

Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the entire household

Taxation and Tax Payment Certificates of the Japanese spouse

Letter of Guarantee (身元保証書) signed by the Japanese spouse

Official Questionnaire (質問書) & Relationship Statement drafted by our specialist

Snapshot Photos (Showing the couple together across different dates, trips, weddings, etc.)

Fees are quoted in writing before you instruct us. See How to Instruct Us for our fee policy. Fee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat are the most critical factors in spouse visa examinations?

The Immigration Bureau examines two primary aspects: (1) Authenticity of the marriage (proving it is not a sham/marriage of convenience), and (2) Financial ability to maintain a stable livelihood in Japan. If your relationship began online or your dating period was short, comprehensive supporting documentation is vital.

QCan we apply if the Japanese spouse is currently unemployed or between jobs?

Yes, approval is still possible if the foreign spouse has a stable income, if the couple possesses sufficient savings/assets, or if a close relative provides a supplemental financial guarantee and letter of commitment. We will evaluate your household circumstances.

QWhy do new spouse visas usually start with a 1-year duration?

For newly married couples without long cohabitation history in Japan, Immigration typically grants an initial 1-year period. After living together stably and renewing on time, 3-year or 5-year periods of stay are granted.