When you marry a Japanese person internationally? Explanation of necessary documents and key points for spouse visa application!

update date 2024/05/24

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A foreign man and a Japanese woman in an international marriage in Japan

In order for a foreign national to marry a Japanese national and live in Japan, it is essential to obtain a "spouse visa" (marriage visa). However, there are several types of spouse visas depending on the attributes of the intended spouse, and the documents and procedures required for application differ, which may be confusing for first-time applicants. In particular, with the recent tightening of the screening process to prevent sham marriages, one must be very careful when applying for such a visa.

In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the information you need to keep in mind, from the basics of the spouse visa, to the documents required for application, to the key points of examination.

Make sure you have all the information you need for your application well in advance so that you can start your new life together as smoothly as you want it to go.

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What is a spouse visa (marriage visa) in Japan?

In order for a foreign national to marry a Japanese national internationally and live a married life in Japan, it is necessary to obtain a Japanese spouse visa (or marriage visa). A spouse visa is literally a visa for a spouse, and there is no single visa named "spouse visa. In fact, there are several types of visas depending on the attributes of the spouse, which are collectively called a "spouse visa" or "marriage visa.

Specifically, the "Spouse or Child Visa" for a spouse who is Japanese, the "Spouse or Child Visa for a Permanent Resident" for a spouse who is a permanent resident, the "Family Visa" for a spouse who is a foreigner with a work visa, and the "Permanent Resident Visa" that can be obtained under certain conditions are all types of spouse visas A "permanent resident visa" can be obtained under certain conditions. When getting married internationally, it is necessary to select and obtain a spouse visa appropriate for you and your partner's situation.

How to obtain a spouse visa

The procedure for obtaining a Japanese spouse visa depends on whether you are currently living abroad or already living in Japan. Below we will look at each case in detail.

If you live overseas

When a foreign national living abroad marries a Japanese national and moves to Japan, the first step is to obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility". Since the application for the Certificate of Eligibility must be made in Japan, the spouse living in Japan will proceed with the application procedures on their behalf.

Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, bring it to the local Japanese embassy or consulate general for visa issuance screening. If your visa is approved, you will finally be able to travel to Japan. Upon arrival at the airport in Japan, you will receive a residence card at the immigration office and register your residence at the municipal office of your city, ward, town, or village.

If you live in Japan

On the other hand, a foreigner who is already in Japan on a student visa or work visa and is getting married must go through the process of changing his/her status of residence from the current visa to a spouse visa.

If the spouse is a Japanese national, the visa status will be changed to "Spouse or Child of Japanese National"; if the spouse is a foreign permanent resident, the visa status will be changed to "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident"; if the spouse is a foreigner with a work visa, the visa status will be changed to "Family Visa". Procedures for change of status of residence are handled by the Immigration Bureau.

Documents required to obtain a spouse visa for marriage to a Japanese national

The documents required for the examination of a spouse visa may vary depending on the type of visa to be obtained and the method of application, but the basic documents are generally the same. The main documents required for an application for a certificate of eligibility and an application for permission for change of status of residence are as follows.

Main documents required to apply for a certificate of eligibility

Application for Certificate of Eligibility
personal reference
Questionnaire and Petition

Main documents required for application for change of status of residence (in the case of a visa for spouse or child of Japanese national)

Application for Change of Status of Residence
Photograph (4 cm (H) x 3 cm (W))
A copy of the family register of the Japanese spouse
Documents proving marital status (e.g., marriage certificate)
Documents proving the applicant's own financial ability (tax payment certificate, copy of savings account passbook, etc.)
personal reference
Spouse's Certificate of Residence
written inquiry
Photo of a couple
Applicant's passport and resident card

It is important to have all of these documents in order for your spouse visa application to proceed smoothly. In particular, the questionnaire is an important document that is related to the points to be examined as described below, so be sure to prepare it well.

Reference:Application for Certificate of Eligibility | Immigration and Residence Management Agency,Status of Residence "Spouse or Child of Japanese National"｜Emigration and Immigration Services Agency

Japanese Spouse Visa Screening Points

An important part of the examination for a Japanese spouse visa is to confirm that the applicant's marriage is not a "sham marriage. A sham marriage is a marriage between a foreigner and a Japanese national with no sincere intention to marry for the purpose of obtaining a visa to enter or stay in Japan.

In Japan, the examination of spouse visas is very strict to prevent such sham marriages. Applicants must try to convince the immigration authorities that their marriage is based on a sincere intention to marry.

It is important to write the questionnaire properly.

Of particular importance in examining whether a marriage is not a sham is the "Questionnaire" to be submitted when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility. The questionnaire must include details such as when and where the couple met, how long they have been dating, and the circumstances that led to their marriage.

In addition to a written explanation, documentary evidence such as photographs of the couple during their relationship, letters and e-mails exchanged, and records of international phone calls may be attached to more effectively demonstrate the legitimacy of the marriage.

Cases that may fail the screening process

On the other hand, in cases where the duration of the relationship leading up to the marriage is very short, or in cases where the couple met on a social networking service and immediately decided to get married, there is a high possibility of a sham marriage and the application may not pass the screening process.

In addition, marriages through intermediaries or marriage agencies tend to be screened more carefully. In addition, keep in mind that the screening process may be more stringent in cases where smooth communication is deemed difficult due to language differences.

Recommended Spouse Visa Application Support

Because the process of applying for a spouse visa is complex and time-consuming, we recommend that you seek professional assistance. By entrusting the preparation of documents and screening measures to experienced professionals, you may increase your chances of approval. Here are three offices that provide support for spouse visa applications.

Kaneyoshi Katsuyama Administrative Scrivener Office

Kaneyoshi Katsuyama Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office, with an office in Osaka, is an expert in spouse visa applications with a wealth of experience. They provide full support for the application process, so there is no need for the applicant to visit the Immigration Bureau himself/herself.

For more information/inquiries, please visit ▶︎ Marriage visa application support｜Registration of status of residence for foreign spouse on behalf of foreign nationals

Foreign Resident Visa Center

The Foreign Resident Visa Center, which provides support for spouse visa applications mainly in the Kanto region, offers free support for reapplication if the application is not approved and there is a chance of reapplying for a new visa. Consultation by international phone or e-mail is also available.

For more information/inquiries, please visit ▶︎ Foreign Resident Visa Center

Marriage and Spouse Visa Application Support Tokyo

Marriage and Spouse Visa Application Support Tokyo provides support for spouse visa applications in the Kanto region and Niigata. Having supported numerous applications, we are well versed in the points necessary to pass the examination, and we recommend our services to those who have been unsuccessful in their own applications in the past.

For more information/inquiries, please visit ▶︎ Marriage and Spouse Visa Application Support Tokyo

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summary

How was your experience? We hope you have gained a better understanding of the Japanese spouse visa.

To review the important points again, it is essential to obtain an appropriate spouse visa for international marriage in Japan. In addition, since the type of visa varies depending on the attributes of the spouse, it is necessary to confirm which visa should be selected in their case.

When applying for a spouse visa, it is especially important to prepare a questionnaire detailing the events leading up to the meeting and marriage. Since the screening process is strictly enforced to prevent sham marriages, please be careful in preparing documents and evidence.

If you find the process difficult, we encourage you to consult with a specialist. With the assistance of an experienced professional, you may be able to increase your approval rate.

May your new life in Japan be wonderful for both of you.