Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You can apply for the "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" visa through one of three routes, depending on where you are and your current immigration status. Each route has a different timeline and submission method, but all require the same core documents proving your relationship and financial stability.
Route 1: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application — If You're Living Outside Japan
Use this route if your Japanese spouse or parent is in Japan and you're applying from overseas.
Step 1: Your Japanese Spouse or Parent Gathers Documents in Japan (2 weeks–1 month)
Your Japanese family member collects all required documents from their side:
- Family register (koseki tohon) showing the marriage or parent-child relationship, issued within 3 months
- Residence certificate (jūminhyō), issued within 3 months
- Employment certificate or recent payslips showing stable income
- Passport copy
- A detailed written explanation of your relationship (how you met, relationship timeline, living plans)
- Photographs together from different times and places
- Communication records (LINE, Messenger, email) showing regular contact
- Travel records (passport stamps, flight confirmations) if you've visited each other
Step 2: COE Application Submission in Japan (In-Person or Online)
Your Japanese family member (or a hired administrative scrivener) submits the COE application at a regional Immigration Services Bureau office in Japan. You can find the nearest office and submit online via the Immigration Online System.
Required documents for the COE application:
- Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
- All documents listed in Step 1
- Your passport copy
- Your photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months, plain background)
- Your birth certificate and marriage certificate (if married outside Japan)
- Japanese translation of any foreign documents
- Proof of housing arrangements in Japan (rental contract, lease agreement)
- Financial documents showing household income of at least ¥2,500,000 annually (plus ¥500,000 per dependent)
Step 3: Immigration Examination (1–3 months)
The Immigration Services Agency reviews your application. Processing times are published monthly and vary by workload. If the agency needs additional documents, they will contact your Japanese family member, which extends the timeline. Common requests include:
- More photographs together
- Additional communication records
- Clarification of how you met or your relationship timeline
- Additional financial documentation
Step 4: COE Issuance and Mailing (Several days to 1 week)
If approved, the COE is issued and mailed to your Japanese family member or their representative. The COE is valid for 3 months (90 days) from the date of issuance—you must apply for a visa and enter Japan within this window.
Step 5: Visa Application at Japanese Embassy or Consulate (5 business days–2 weeks)
You apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Bring:
- Your passport
- The COE
- Your photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Any documents the embassy requests (varies by nationality and location)
Visa processing typically takes a minimum of 5 business days with complete documents, but may take up to 2 weeks if the embassy conducts additional interviews or document review.
Step 6: Entry into Japan and Residence Card Issuance
You enter Japan within 3 months of COE issuance. Upon arrival at the airport or port, you receive your residence card (zairyū kādo) showing your new status.
Total Timeline for Route 1: Approximately 4–6 months from initial application to visa issuance (2 weeks preparation + 1–3 months COE examination + 5 business days to 2 weeks visa processing + travel time).
Route 2: Change of Status of Residence — If You're Already in Japan on Another Visa
Use this route if you're already in Japan on a student visa, work visa, temporary visitor status, or any other visa, and you've married a Japanese national or are the child of a Japanese national.
Step 1: Marriage Registration at Local City/Ward Office (Same Day)
If you're applying as a spouse, register your marriage at the local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) in the ward where either you or your spouse lives. Bring:
- Your passport
- Your spouse's identification
- Marriage certificate (if married outside Japan) and Japanese translation
- Any other documents required by your local office
Marriage registration is typically completed the same day.
Step 2: Gather Documents (2–4 weeks)
Collect all required documents:
From your Japanese spouse or parent:
- Family register (koseki tohon) showing the marriage or parent-child relationship, issued within 3 months
- Residence certificate (jūminhyō), issued within 3 months
- Employment certificate or recent payslips
- Passport copy
From you:
- Your current residence card
- Passport
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months, plain background)
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Japanese translation of any foreign documents
Joint documents:
- Detailed questionnaire explaining your relationship, how you met, your living arrangements, and your plans in Japan
- Photographs together from different times and places
- Communication records (LINE, Messenger, email)
- Travel records (if applicable)
- Housing documents (rental contract, proof of residence)
- Proof of cohabitation (utility bills in both names, lease agreement)
- Financial documents showing household income of at least ¥2,500,000 annually (plus ¥500,000 per dependent)
Step 3: Change of Status Application Submission (In-Person or Online)
You submit the application at a regional Immigration Services Bureau office in Japan. You can also submit online via the Immigration Online System. Bring all documents from Step 2.
Step 4: Immigration Examination (2 weeks–2 months)
The Immigration Services Agency reviews your application. If additional documents are needed, they will contact you. Applicants should apply 1–3 months after cohabitation begins to provide clear evidence of a genuine shared life.
Step 5: Approval and Status Change
If approved, your status of residence is changed to "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" without leaving Japan. You receive a new residence card reflecting your new status.
Total Timeline for Route 2: Several weeks to a few months. The advantage of this route is that you remain in Japan throughout the process and don't need to leave for a visa interview.
Route 3: Extension of Period of Stay (Renewal) — If You Already Hold a Spouse Visa
Use this route when your current spouse visa is expiring and you want to renew it.
Step 1: Gather Documents (2–4 weeks before expiry)
Collect documents similar to your initial application, plus evidence of continued marriage and stable life:
- Your current residence card
- Passport
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months, plain background)
- Recent payslips or employment certificate (yours and/or your spouse's)
- Resident taxation certificate showing current income
- Housing documents (rental contract, proof of residence)
- Utility bills showing cohabitation
- Recent photographs together
- Communication records (if applicable)
- Any other documents showing stable married life
Step 2: Renewal Application Submission (In-Person or Online)
Submit the application at a regional Immigration Services Bureau office, typically 3 months before your current visa expires. You can also submit online via the Immigration Online System.
Step 3: Immigration Examination (2 weeks–2 months)
The Immigration Services Agency reviews your application. Renewal applications are often reviewed somewhat more leniently than first-time applications, since you have a track record of prior approval.
Step 4: Approval and Renewal
If approved, your period of stay is extended. You receive a new residence card with the new expiry date.
Important Note: If processing extends past your current visa's expiry date, you can remain in Japan for up to 2 months after expiry while the decision is pending. Do not overstay beyond this grace period.
Total Timeline for Route 3: Several weeks to a few months. Apply well in advance of your expiry date to avoid any gaps in status.
Where to Submit Your Application
In Japan: Submit in-person at a regional Immigration Services Bureau office or local immigration office. Major cities have dedicated offices; find your nearest office on the ISA website.
Online: The Immigration Online System allows you to submit COE applications, change of status applications, and renewals without visiting an office. Online submission typically results in slightly lower fees (¥5,500 instead of ¥6,000 for change of status and renewal).
Overseas (Visa Application Only): After receiving your COE, apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Key Documents Checklist
For Spouse of Japanese National
From the Japanese Spouse:
- Family register (koseki tohon), issued within 3 months
- Residence certificate (jūminhyō), issued within 3 months
- Employment certificate or recent payslips (last 3 months)
- Resident taxation certificate
- Passport copy
From the Foreign Spouse:
- Passport
- Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months, plain background)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if married outside Japan)
- Japanese translation of marriage certificate (if not in Japanese)
- Current residence card (if already in Japan)
Joint Documents:
- Detailed questionnaire (relationship history, how you met, living arrangements, future plans)
- Japanese spouse's reference form
- Letter of guarantee/reason for invitation (written by Japanese spouse)
- Photographs together (travel, meals, events, family gatherings) — minimum 10–15 photos from different times and places
- Communication records (LINE, Messenger, email, WhatsApp) showing regular interaction
- Travel records (passport stamps, flight confirmations, hotel receipts)
- Housing documents (rental contract, proof of residence, utility bills)
- Proof of cohabitation (lease agreement, utility bills in both names)
- Financial documents showing household income of at least ¥2,500,000 annually (plus ¥500,000 per dependent)
For Biological or Specially Adopted Child of Japanese National
Proof of Parent-Child Relationship:
- Japanese parent's family register (koseki tohon)
- Child's birth certificate
- Acknowledgment documents (if born out of wedlock)
- Adoption documents (if specially adopted)
- All materials substantiating the parent-child relationship
Living Arrangements and Support:
- Housing documents
- Support plan and living plan
- Proof of financial capacity to support the child
- Photographs of parent and child together
For COE Applications:
- Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
- All documents listed above
Translation and Apostille Requirements
All documents issued outside Japan must be accompanied by a certified Japanese translation. Translations must be certified by a qualified translator (professional translation service, certified translator, or notarized translation). Apostille (international certification) is required for documents from countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention; other documents may require consular certification from the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Change of Status (in-person) | ¥6,000 |
| Change of Status (online) | ¥5,500 |
| Extension of Period of Stay/Renewal (in-person) | ¥6,000 |
| Extension of Period of Stay/Renewal (online) | ¥5,500 |
| Permanent Residency Application | ¥10,000 |
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | No government fee |
| Visa application at embassy/consulate | ¥0–¥3,000 (varies by nationality and location) |
Total Estimate for Initial Application: ¥6,000–¥9,500 (government fees only). If using an administrative scrivener to prepare documents, add ¥100,000–¥200,000.
Does Not Include: Professional translation services (¥5,000–¥20,000 per document), apostille or consular certification (¥1,000–¥5,000 per document), administrative scrivener fees (¥100,000–¥200,000 if hiring professional help), or travel costs for visa application at an embassy/consulate.
Planned Fee Increases (2026–2027)
The government has announced significant fee increases planned for fiscal year 2026–2027. The Cabinet approved an amendment on March 10, 2026, to raise statutory fee ceilings:
- Change of Status/Extension of Stay: From ¥10,000 ceiling to ¥100,000 ceiling
- Permanent Residency: From ¥10,000 ceiling to ¥300,000 ceiling
Projected actual fees (not yet finalized):
- Visa renewal/status change: ¥30,000–¥40,000
- Permanent residency: ¥100,000–¥200,000
These increases are expected to take effect sometime in fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 onwards), pending Diet approval. The government has indicated that fee reductions or exemptions may be available for spouses and children of Japanese nationals facing economic hardship, though details have not been finalized.
Processing Time
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application
Examination Period: Approximately 1–3 months
The Immigration Services Agency publishes monthly average processing times. The timeline depends on:
- Application completeness: Incomplete applications trigger requests for additional documents, extending the timeline significantly
- Workload at the regional immigration office: Peak seasons (spring and autumn) may cause delays
- Relationship complexity: Short relationships, income concerns, housing questions, or other red flags may trigger additional document requests
- Nationality of applicant: Some nationalities require additional documentation
If additional documents are requested, the examination period may extend well beyond 3 months.
After COE Issuance:
- Mailing to applicant: Several days to 1 week
- Visa application at embassy/consulate: 5 business days to 2 weeks (minimum 5 business days with complete documents; may take longer if problems are identified)
COE Validity: The COE is valid for 3 months (90 days) from issuance. You must apply for a visa and enter Japan within this period.
Total Timeline: Approximately 4–6 months from initial application to visa issuance.
Change of Status Application (Spouse Already in Japan)
Examination Period: 2 weeks–2 months
Factors affecting speed are the same as COE applications. Applicants should apply 1–3 months after cohabitation begins to provide clear evidence of a genuine shared life.
Advantage: You remain in Japan throughout the process and don't need to leave for a visa interview.
Extension of Period of Stay (Renewal)
Examination Period: 2 weeks–2 months
Renewal applications are often reviewed somewhat more leniently than first-time applications, since you have a track record of prior approval.
Important: If processing extends past your current visa's expiry date, you can remain in Japan for up to 2 months after expiry while the decision is pending. Apply at least 3 months before your current visa expires to avoid any gaps in status.
Known Backlogs and Delays
As of March 2026, there are no reported major backlogs specific to spouse visa applications. However, the October 2025 immigration tightening has resulted in more rigorous document requests and longer examination periods for borderline cases. Peak seasons (spring and autumn) may cause delays.