Spouse or Child of Japanese National

Eligibility Quiz

What's Happening

Coming up

Apr 2027

Permanent residency revocation provisions are scheduled to take effect, allowing the Minister of Justice to revoke status for willful non-payment of taxes and social insurance, non-compliance with immigration obligations, and serious criminal offenses.

japantimes.co.jp ↗

Today

The spouse-or-child-of-Japanese-national visa pathway remains open but faces significantly stricter screening since October 2025, with heightened emphasis on proving genuine cohabitation, financial stability, and Japanese language ability, while visa renewal and permanent residency fees are set to increase substantially by March 2027.

Mar 10, 2026

Cabinet approved bill to dramatically raise immigration fee caps for the first time since 1982: status change/extension fees from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, and permanent residence fees from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000, with implementation targeted before March 31, 2027.

japantimes.co.jp ↗

Feb 24, 2026

Immigration Services Agency tightened permanent residency guidelines requiring applicants to hold the maximum 5-year visa period (not 3-year) at time of application, with a grace period until March 31, 2027 for existing 3-year visa holders.

japantimes.co.jp ↗

Jan 23, 2026

Government announced comprehensive tighter policies on immigration including plans to make naturalization more difficult (extending residency requirement from 5 to 10 years) and raising visa fees in fiscal 2026.

japantimes.co.jp ↗

Oct 16, 2025

Major immigration revisions took effect, significantly tightening spouse visa screening with stricter scrutiny on cohabitation, financial stability, and genuine marriage evidence, plus faster rejections for red flags.

osakalanguagesolutions.com ↗

Jun 21, 2024

Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was amended to allow revocation of permanent residency for willful failure to pay taxes and social insurance premiums, with implementation expected by April 2027.

japantimes.co.jp ↗