Steps to Obtain a Spouse Visa and Our Services.
Spouse Visa
If you are married to a Japanese national and wish to live together in Japan, you may be eligible for the status of residence as a Spouse visa which allows you to stay in Japan. If you already hold a different status of residence, you may continue with that, but this particular status offers greater flexibility since there are no restrictions on work activities.
However, obtaining this status is not automatic upon international marriage; a proper application must be submitted and approved.
What is Spouse Visa ?
Foreign nationals married to a Japanese national who wish to stay in Japan can obtain a Spouse visa. The permitted period of stay varies based on individual circumstances, ranging from 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, to 6 months.
Since this status allows for unrestricted employment, there have been cases of individuals attempting to marry under false pretenses to obtain it. As a result, the screening process is thorough, and fabricated stories are likely to be detected. However, in the case of a genuine marriage, there should be no issues in preparing the necessary documents.
Additionally, spouses of Japanese nationals benefit from relaxed requirements when applying for permanent resident visa. We offer support with permanent residence applications as well, so please feel free to contact us for more information.
Requirements for Obtaining Spouse Visa
The following two points are particularly important for obtaining a Spouse Visa.
Must Have a Legally Valid Marriage
To obtain the visa, your marriage must be legally recognized under Japanese law. This means that a de facto marriage is not permitted, and you will need to submit an official marriage certificate.
The Marriage Must Be Genuine
It is, of course, illegal to enter into a sham marriage for the purpose of obtaining residency status without having a genuine marital relationship. In general, applicants will be examined to determine if they are living with their spouse, unless special circumstances apply. However, various forms of marital arrangements are recognized, and simply not living together or being away frequently is not necessarily grounds for disqualification.
It’s important to explain any unusual circumstances to the examiner and provide evidence that your marriage is genuine.
Process for obtaining a Spouse Visa
The following steps outline the process for obtaining Spouse Visa.
It is necessary to prepare documents such as a Letter of Guarantee and a copy of the family register, as well as to attach a photograph of the couple to demonstrate that there is nothing suspicious about the marriage
In addition to completing the application form, the applicant must also provide supporting documents to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine. In some cases, it may be advisable to include documents not explicitly listed on the Immigration Bureau’s website.
When you contact our office, we will ensure that all necessary documents are thoroughly prepared through careful consultations.
Submit your application to the Immigration Bureau. If there are any deficiencies or if additional explanations are required, these will need to be addressed promptly.
If you hire our office, we will manage the entire application process and handle all subsequent correspondence on your behalf.
Once you obtain a visa, you will be able to stay in Japan as a spouse. There are no restrictions on your activities, so you can work in any capacity you choose, whether part-time or full-time
Important Points for Obtaining a Spouse Visa
Unfortunately, there are instances where applications are denied despite meticulous preparation of the documents. While there are various reasons for such denials, we will outline three key points to be mindful of.
Marriage History
In the following scenarios, a marriage might be scrutinized for potential sham or fraudulent intentions, and detailed documentation may be requested:
- The time between meeting and marriage is very short.
- There is a significant age difference between the couple.
- The couple met through a matchmaking app.
- There are multiple instances of previous divorces.
In these cases, it is crucial to provide comprehensive documentation explaining the entire timeline and nature of the relationship. This includes details such as when and where you first met, what activities you engaged in, gifts exchanged on anniversaries, and other relevant information.
Be sure to provide thorough explanations along with any supporting messages or evidence to validate the authenticity of the marriage.
2. Economic Situation
The applicant must demonstrate a financial situation sufficient to support both individuals in Japan. If your annual income is low, you will need to show that you have sufficient bank balance and provide evidence that you can sustain a living in Japan without issues.
3. Consistency with Past Applications
Maintaining consistency with the contents of previous applications is crucial. If you prepare your application inconsistently or on an ad hoc basis, it may lead to discrepancies that could hinder the approval process. Ensure that all information provided aligns with past submissions.
In particular, since the spouse visa requires a detailed explanation of the relationship history, there are cases where inconsistencies may arise if the application does not align with previously submitted background information. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure consistency throughout your application.
What We Offer
Depending on the reason for disapproval, reapplying can be challenging. Once an application is denied, correcting significant errors or inconsistencies can be difficult, as excuses for previous inaccuracies are not easily accepted. To ensure a smooth start to your married life together, we highly recommend entrusting the application process to professionals whenever possible.
Applying for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) : From 100,000 yen
Assisting foreign residents in obtaining their Spouse Visas to stay in Japan.
Change of Visa : From 100,000 yen
Assistance with changing your current visa to a Spouse Visa.
Extension of Period of Stay : From 40,000 yen
Renewal of your current visa to extend your stay.
If you have any questions, please send us a message through the LinkedIn account or the contact form below.
