Spouse or Child of Japanese National

For Spouse of Japanese National (Marriage-Based)

From the Japanese Spouse:

• Family register (koseki tohon), issued within 3 months
• Residence certificate (jūminhyō), issued within 3 months
• Employment certificate or income proof (payslips, tax return, resident taxation certificate)
• Passport copy

From the Foreign Spouse:

• Passport
• Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within 3 months, plain background)
• Marriage certificate (if married outside Japan)
• Japanese translation of marriage certificate (if not in Japanese)
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence/address

Joint Documents:

• Questionnaire (designated form) — detailed explanation of relationship history, how the couple met, relationship timeline, and living arrangements
• Japanese national's reference form (designated form)
• Letter of guarantee/reason for invitation (written by Japanese spouse)
• Photographs together (travel, meals, events, etc.) — lack of photos is a major red flag
• Communication records (LINE, Messenger, etc.) showing regular interaction
• Travel records (passport stamps, flight confirmations)
• Remittance records (if applicable)
• Housing documents (rental contract, proof of residence)
• Proof of cohabitation (utility bills, lease agreement, etc.)

For Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Applications (spouse overseas):

• All documents listed above, plus
• Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
• Living plan and housing arrangement details

For Change of Status Applications (spouse already in Japan):

• Current residence card
• All documents listed above

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

For COE Applications:

• Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
• All parent-child relationship documents
• Materials regarding receiving/support setup in Japan

Translation and Apostille Requirements

All documents issued outside Japan must be accompanied by a Japanese translation certified by a qualified translator. Apostille (international certification) is required for documents from countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention; other documents may require consular certification.