To get a spouse visa in Japan, you’ll need to meet these key requirements:
- Marriage Documents: Provide a marriage certificate (with a certified Japanese translation if issued abroad) and your Japanese spouse’s family register (Koseki Tohon).
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your Japanese spouse applies for this document, proving your eligibility to live in Japan.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate financial stability with income statements, tax records, and bank statements. A household income of 3 million yen per year is generally required.
- Visa Application Forms: Complete the official visa application form with photos meeting specific size and format requirements.
- Submission Process: Submit your application at a Japanese embassy or consulate after obtaining the COE.
Quick Tip: Organize your documents carefully, ensure all translations are certified, and respond promptly to any additional requests from immigration authorities to avoid delays.
How to get a Spouse Visa in Japan
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1. Marriage Documents
To have your marriage legally recognized for Japanese immigration purposes, you’ll need specific documents depending on where the marriage took place.
Marriage Certificate Requirements
If you were married in Japan, you must provide the original Marriage Registration Acceptance Certificate (Kon-in Todoke Juri Shomei-sho), which can be obtained from your local municipal office [2]. This document serves as proof that your marriage has been officially registered with Japanese authorities.
For marriages conducted outside Japan, you’ll need the following:
- An official marriage certificate issued by the country where the marriage took place [1]
- A certified Japanese translation of the marriage certificate [1]
- Authentication (apostille) if the issuing country is part of the Hague Convention [5]
Japanese Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
You’ll also need a complete Koseki Tohon (Japanese Family Register) from your spouse’s municipal office. This document must be issued within three months of your application and confirms your marriage registration along with family details [3].
| Required Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Full family register | Must be the complete version, not an extract |
| Issuing authority | Local municipal office |
Foreign Marriage Document Rules
When dealing with marriage documents from outside Japan, follow these steps:
- Ensure the marriage certificate is authenticated with an apostille if the country is part of the Hague Convention [5].
- Provide certified Japanese translations of all foreign documents.
- Register the marriage at the appropriate Japanese municipal office [2].
Once your marriage documentation is in order, the next step is obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility, which is essential for Japan’s two-step immigration process.
2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Steps
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a key document issued by the Japanese Immigration Services Agency. It confirms your eligibility for a spouse visa and simplifies the visa approval process. This document plays a central role in Japan’s two-step immigration system [3].
Japanese Spouse Sponsorship
Your Japanese spouse must provide several documents to support the COE application:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Letter of Guarantee (Mimoto Hoshousho) | Official sponsorship declaration |
| Employment/Business Proof | Confirms income source |
| Tax Returns (Past Year) | Shows financial stability |
| Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) | Confirms current address |
| Japanese ID/Passport Copy | Verifies identity |
In addition to these, your spouse must submit a detailed written statement outlining your relationship, future living arrangements, and long-term plans in Japan [1][7].
How to Apply for COE
Your spouse must personally submit the application at their local regional immigration office. The process involves:
- Paying a 4,000 yen application fee [3]
- Providing original documents along with photocopies
- Submitting proof of income [6][7]
COE Wait Times
Processing times usually range from 1 to 3 months [3][4]. Keep these points in mind:
- Seasonal delays: Processing may slow down during March and April due to the fiscal year-end [1][3].
- Expiration: The COE is only valid for 3 months after it’s issued [3].
- Tracking: A receipt number provided at submission allows you to check the status.
Once you have your COE, the next step is to prove financial stability through income documentation, which will be covered in the next section.
3. Income and Financial Proof
Proving financial stability is a key part of the spouse visa application process for Japan. This step works alongside the sponsorship documents submitted during the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application (see Section 2). Immigration officials evaluate whether the couple can maintain a stable lifestyle without needing public assistance.
Minimum Income Requirements
Generally, the minimum annual income for a household of two is around 3 million yen (about $27,000 USD) [3][4]. However, this can vary based on location and family size:
| City/Region | Minimum Annual Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metropolitan Area | 3.3-4 million yen | Due to higher living costs [1] |
| With Dependents | +380,000-500,000 yen | Per dependent child [1] |
Financial Documents to Prepare
Applicants need to provide specific financial records, such as:
| Document | Purpose | Timeframe Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Statements (Kyuryo Meisaisho) | Shows monthly earnings | Past 3-6 months |
| Bank Statements | Reflects regular income deposits | Past 3-6 months |
| Certificate of Tax Payment (Nozei Shomeisho) | Confirms tax compliance | Current year |
Situations Requiring Additional Documentation
For Self-Employed Sponsors, the following are necessary:
If the Foreign Spouse Is the Main Earner, they must submit:
- A valid Japanese work visa
- An employment contract with salary details
- A joint financial plan signed by both spouses
Retirees or Fixed-Income Applicants should provide:
- Pension statements
- Records of assets
- Statements of investment income
Addressing Income Gaps
If the required income level isn’t met, applicants can take these steps:
- Combine both spouses’ incomes
- Use savings equal to six months of income to cover the shortfall [3][4]
- Provide proof of financial support from family
- Submit a detailed budget plan [3][4]
Once all financial documents are in order, applicants can move on to completing the official visa forms, which will be discussed in the next section.
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4. Required Forms and Papers
Once you’ve confirmed financial stability (see Section 3), it’s time to complete these key forms:
Main Visa Form
The primary document you need is the official Visa Application Form from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| Section | Requirements | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Details | Full name, DOB, nationality | Must match your passport exactly |
| Contact Information | Current address, phone, email | Include both international and Japanese contacts |
| Purpose of Visit | Spouse visa category | Clearly state “Spouse of Japanese National” |
Important Tips for Filling the Form:
- Write in block letters and ensure clarity.
- Fill out every field - no blanks are allowed.
- Sign the form by hand; digital signatures won’t be accepted.
- Applicants from certain countries must submit two copies [3].
Photo Specifications
Your application photos must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 4cm x 3cm |
| Background | Plain white, no patterns or shadows |
| Age of Photo | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Expression | Neutral, facing straight ahead |
| Head Position | Centered with visible space above and below [3] |
Japanese Spouse ID Documents
Your Japanese spouse must provide specific identification documents to support the application:
| Document | Purpose | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Passport Copy | Confirms identity | Must be current/valid |
| Resident Card Copy | Verifies residence status | Must be current/valid |
Once all forms and documents are in order, you’re ready to move on to the submission process detailed in the next section.
5. How to Submit and Wait Times
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents (covered in Sections 1-4), here’s how to proceed with the submission process.
2-Step Application Process
After obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) outlined in Section 2, follow these steps:
| Phase | Location | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|
| COE Application | Immigration Bureau in Japan | Japanese spouse |
| Visa Application | Japanese Embassy/Consulate abroad | Foreign spouse |
How Long It Takes
The processing time depends on whether you have a COE:
| Stage | Standard Processing Time | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Processing with COE | 5-10 working days | COE simplifies and speeds up the process |
| Visa Processing without COE | 1-3+ months | Avoid this route if possible |
Where to Apply
Visa applications must be submitted to the closest Japanese embassy or consulate. Ensure you include both original documents and photocopies.
If you’re applying from outside Japan:
- Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for submission.
Pro Tip: Although online visa systems exist for certain visa types, spouse visa applications still require in-person submissions [8].
Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for delays. Double-check your documents before submission and respond quickly to any additional requests from immigration authorities to avoid setbacks.
Conclusion: Application Checklist
To make the spouse visa application process easier, here’s a detailed checklist of required documents and important steps to follow.
Document Categories and Requirements
| Category | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Personal Documents | • Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages) • Recent 4x3cm photos • Completed visa application form |
| Marriage Proof | • Marriage certificate • Japanese family register (Koseki Tohon) • Certified translations |
| Financial Evidence | • Income statements • Tax records • Bank statements |
| Japanese Spouse Documents | • Copy of residence card • Employment verification • Tax payment records |
| Support Documents | • Letter of Guarantee • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) • Residence plan |
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Organize Your Documents: Arrange everything into categories as outlined above to avoid confusion.
- Financial Proof: Immigration officials will assess your financial stability. Be sure to include evidence of sufficient savings for relocation and proof of steady income.
- Stay Responsive: If additional documents are requested, provide them as quickly as possible.
- Relationship Proof: Keep records that show your ongoing relationship with your spouse.
Final Checks Before Submission
- Verify all documents are current and valid.
- Ensure photos meet the specified size and format requirements.
- Confirm that all translations are certified correctly.
Stick to the processing timelines shared earlier to avoid delays in your application.
FAQs
What are the requirements for a spouse visa in Japan?
To apply for a spouse visa in Japan, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Key Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Marriage | Registered marriage certificate + family register |
| Financial Stability | Sponsor’s income and tax records |
| Eligibility | Valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) |
For more information on the necessary marriage documents, refer to Section 1.
What documents are needed for a spouse visa in Japan?
You’ll need to prepare several key documents, including a valid passport, Certificate of Eligibility (COE), a translated marriage certificate, and your sponsor’s financial records.
Key Personal Documents:
- A valid passport
- Recent 4x3 cm photos
Relationship Verification:
- Original marriage certificate with a certified translation
- Japanese spouse’s family register (Koseki Tohon) [1][3]
For a complete list of required forms, see Section 4.