The Spouse / Child of Japanese National visa (日本人の配偶者等) is one of the most privileged residence statuses in Japan's immigration system. It is granted to foreign nationals who are legally married to a Japanese citizen or who are the biological or legally adopted children of a Japanese national. Holders enjoy broad freedoms — including the right to work in any job — that are not available to holders of standard work visas.
The authenticity of the family relationship is paramount. Japan's immigration authorities take a rigorous approach to verifying that marriages are genuine and not entered into merely for immigration purposes. Applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation of their relationship, including evidence of cohabitation, communication, shared finances, and mutual participation in each other's lives.
This visa offers a clear and relatively accelerated pathway to permanent residency. Spouses of Japanese nationals can apply for permanent residency after 3 years of marriage combined with at least 1 year of residence in Japan. Children of Japanese nationals also enjoy significant immigration benefits, including the possibility of applying for Japanese nationality depending on their circumstances. It is one of the most stable and flexible long-term immigration options available to foreign nationals.
Who Is This For
- ✓Foreign nationals married to Japanese citizens
- ✓Biological or legally adopted children of Japanese nationals
- ✓Foreign nationals seeking long-term residence in Japan through family ties with a Japanese citizen
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 3 years
Requirements
- •A genuine and legally recognized marriage to a Japanese national, OR being the biological or legally adopted child of a Japanese national
- •The marriage must be registered with both Japanese and the foreign national's home country authorities
- •Both spouses must intend to maintain a genuine marital relationship
- •Sufficient means of financial support
- •No serious criminal record or immigration violations
- •Valid passport
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Japanese marriage certificate or family register (戸籍謄本) proving the relationship
- The Japanese spouse's or parent's residence certificate (住民票)
- Copy of the Japanese spouse's or parent's passport or identity documents
- Proof of financial support (Japanese spouse's income tax certificate, employment certificate)
- Wedding photos and evidence of genuine relationship (for marriage applications)
- Birth certificate (for child applicants)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Register the marriage in Japan (婚姻届) and/or in the foreign country, and obtain the Japanese family register (戸籍謄本) reflecting the marriage
- 2Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, submitting all relationship and financial documents
- 3Receive the COE (typically 1–3 months)
- 4Submit the COE and visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
- 5Enter Japan and register your address within 14 days
- 6Renew the visa annually or every 3 years depending on length of marriage and circumstances
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠The Immigration Bureau will strictly review the authenticity of the marriage — may require photos of the courtship process, chat records, etc.
- ⚠Large age gaps, short acquaintance periods, or no common language will intensify scrutiny
- ⚠Sham marriages are a criminal offense; both parties will be held legally responsible
- ⚠If the status of residence is not changed promptly after divorce, the status may be revoked after 6 months
Practical Tips
- →Prepare sufficient proof of the authenticity of the marriage: photos together, correspondence records, wedding ceremony photos, etc.
- →The Japanese spouses income certificate and tax certificate are important financial guarantee materials
- →Can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan (much faster than a regular work visa)
- →It is recommended to keep evidence of shared living (utility bills, photos together, etc.) for renewal