The Spouse / Child of Permanent Resident visa (永住者の配偶者等) enables foreign nationals to reside in Japan as the spouse or minor child of a holder of Japanese permanent residency. While permanent residents are not Japanese citizens, their residence status is the most stable available to foreign nationals, and their family members receive correspondingly strong immigration protections.
Like the Spouse of Japanese National status, this visa grants its holders the freedom to work in any industry without restriction — a major advantage over specialized work visas. Holders integrate fully into Japan's social and economic life, accessing the national health insurance system, enrolling children in public schools, and participating in the local community as long-term residents.
This visa is renewable and provides a stable foundation for family life in Japan. Holders who build a long-term connection to Japan — through employment, community participation, and compliance with laws — may eventually qualify for permanent residency in their own right, completing the transition from dependent family member to independent permanent resident.
Who Is This For
- ✓Foreign nationals married to holders of Japanese permanent resident status
- ✓Minor children of Japanese permanent residents
- ✓Families seeking to reunite in Japan with a permanent resident sponsor
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 3 years
Requirements
- •A legally valid marriage to a Japanese permanent resident, OR being the biological or legally adopted child of a Japanese permanent resident
- •The permanent resident sponsor must be legally residing in Japan with valid permanent resident status
- •Proof of the family relationship recognized under Japanese law
- •Sufficient means of support (the permanent resident sponsor's income is considered)
- •Genuine marital or family relationship
- •Clean immigration and criminal record
- •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
- Marriage certificate proving marriage to the permanent resident
- The permanent resident's residence card (在留カード) — front and back copies
- Japanese family register (戸籍謄本) or equivalent documents proving the relationship
- Residence certificate (住民票) of the permanent resident sponsor
- Income tax certificate (源泉徴収票 or 課税証明書) of the permanent resident sponsor
- Birth certificate (for child applicants)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Obtain a certified copy of the family register or marriage certificate establishing the relationship
- 2Have the permanent resident sponsor apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of the family member
- 3Await COE approval (typically 1–3 months)
- 4Submit the COE and visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country
- 5Enter Japan and register address at the local municipality within 14 days
- 6Obtain a Residence Card at the port of entry or local immigration office
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
- ⚠Review standards are similar to the Spouse of Japanese National visa; authenticity of marriage is the core focus
- ⚠The financial capacity of the permanent resident spouse is an important review factor
- ⚠Must change the status of residence promptly after divorce
Practical Tips
- →Prepare proof materials of the relationship with the permanent resident spouse
- →A copy of the permanent resident spouses Residence Card and tax certificate are mandatory materials
- →Can apply for permanent residence after long-term stable residence