Menu Icon
Menu Close icon

Explains the structure of a Japanese marriage visa, how to obtain one, required documents, and application points!

This site introduces products through an affiliate program.


In order for a foreigner to live a married life in Japan, it is necessary to obtain a Japanese marriage visa. This article explains how a Japanese marriage visa works, how to obtain one, required documents, and points to follow in the application process.

What is a Marriage Visa?

What is a marriage visa (or spouse visa)?Visa for foreigners to marry and live in JapanThe term "marriage visa" does not mean that there is a visa named "marriage visa. The term "marriage visa" does not refer to a specific visa, but rather to a grouping of several visas required for marriage.

Specifically, the "Spouse or Child Visa for Japanese Nationals," "Spouse or Child Visa for Permanent Residents," "Family Visa," and "Permanent Resident Visa" are types of marriage visas. Which visa to obtain depends on the nationality of the spouse and other factors.

How to obtain a marriage visa

How to obtain a Japanese marriage visa depends on whether you are living abroad or already living in Japan.

If you live overseas

If you are living abroad and are marrying a Japanese national and moving to Japan, you must first obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility". The Certificate of Eligibility is applied for in Japan, so your spouse living in Japan will obtain it and send it to your country by mail.

Once you have your Certificate of Eligibility, take it to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your country to be examined and obtain a visa.

After obtaining a visa, you will enter Japan and receive a residence card at the airport. You can then go to the Japanese city hall to register as a resident, and you can get married and live in Japan.

If you live in Japan

If you are already living in Japan, change your visa status to the appropriate one. For example, if your spouse is Japanese, change your visa status to "Spouse or Child of Japanese National"; if your spouse is a foreigner and a permanent resident, change your visa status to "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident"; if your spouse is a foreigner with a work visa, change your visa status to "Family Visa".

Documents required to obtain a marriage visa

The documents required for the examination of a marriage visa may vary depending on the type of visa to be obtained and the nature of the examination. However, the basic documents are the same in all cases, so here they are.

Main documents required to apply for a certificate of eligibility

  • Application for Certificate of Eligibility
  • personal reference
  • written inquiry
  • (written) 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))
  • Spouse's family register
  • Marriage certificate of the person applying
  • Proof of income (e.g., tax certificate, copy of savings account book, etc.)
  • personal reference
  • Spouse's Certificate of Residence
  • written inquiry
  • Photo of a married couple
  • passport
  • A resident card

Source: Application for Certificate of Eligibilityhttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html

Source: Application for Change of Status of Residence (Spouse of Japanese National)https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_henko1.html

Japanese Marriage Visa Examination Points

In Japan, there are many "sham marriages" in which a couple pretends to be married and enters into a false marriage in order to obtain a Japanese visa, and to prevent this, the marriage visa examination process is very strict. Therefore, in order to pass the examination for a marriage visa in Japan,The key is to convince them that their marriage is not a sham.will be.

It is important to write the questionnaire properly.

The "Questionnaire" to be submitted with an application for a Certificate of Eligibility is a document that describes when and where two people met and how they got married afterwards. The questionnaire is the most important document to prove that it is not a sham marriage, so be sure to write it properly.

Instead of explaining only in writing, they may submit photos, letters, or records of international phone calls from the time of the relationship.

Cases that may fail the screening process

In some cases, depending on the circumstances leading up to the marriage, the applicant may fail the screening process because it is difficult to show that the marriage is not a sham.

For example, a case in which a couple meets on a social networking service and gets married after meeting only a few times is likely to fail the screening process. In addition, if the couple met through a marriage agency or other means, it is necessary to explain in more detail that the marriage is not a sham.

Other factors that may make the screening process more difficult include the couple's inability to understand each other's native language or the lack of a common language that allows for smooth communication.

Recommended marriage visa application support

In Japan, there are services that support and act on your behalf in obtaining a marriage visa, and we recommend that you use these services. In addition to saving time and effort, having a specialist who knows how to pass the screening process can increase your chances of passing the screening, compared to going through the process by yourself.

Kaneyoshi Katsuyama Administrative Scrivener Office

Kaneyoshi Katsuyama Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office is an office that provides marriage visa application support in Osaka. All the procedures are handled by our experts on your behalf, so you can obtain a marriage visa without ever having to visit the Immigration Bureau.

For more information about Kaneyoshi Katsuyama Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office/contact us here! Contact us!https://kekkon-visa.net/

Foreign Resident Visa Center

The Foreign Resident Visa Center is an office that provides support for marriage visa applications mainly in the Kanto area. If your application is not approved, you can reapply for free if there is a chance that your application will be approved again. Consultation by international phone or e-mail is also available.

To learn more about the Foreign Resident Visa Center / Contact us here! Contact us!https://jpvisa365.com/

Marriage and Spouse Visa Application Support Tokyo

Marriage and Spouse Visa Application Support Tokyo provides marriage visa application support in the Kanto and Niigata regions. You can receive support from specialists who know the key points to pass the application, so even if you have failed in your own application, you should consult with us.

For more information/enquiries about marriage and spouse visa application support Tokyo, click here! For more information about marriage and spouse visa application support in Tokyo, please contact us!http://visa365japan.com/

summary

The procedure for applying for a Japanese marriage visa depends on whether you are living in a foreign country or already residing in Japan. The screening process is stricter to prevent sham marriages, so the key point is to convince the applicant that it is not a sham marriage. If you are worried about applying by yourself, we recommend consulting an application support service.


We, "Goandup", will continue to promote the charm of Japan to the world.

If you found this article useful or enjoyed it in any way, we would appreciate your support to fund our operations. We would appreciate donations of any amount via the PayPal link below.
▶️ paypal.me/goandup


  • We, "Goandup", will continue to promote the charm of Japan to the world.

  • If you found this article useful or enjoyable in any way, we would appreciate your support to fund our operations.

  • We would appreciate donations of any amount via the PayPal link below.
    ▶️ paypal.me/goandup


  • Related Articles

    Goandup Picks for Expats > Lifestyle Support > Visa and Residency Guide > Explains the structure of a Japanese marriage visa, how to obtain one, required documents, and application points!