Eligibility Quiz
Requirements
Who Qualifies
The "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident" status applies to the following individuals:
Spouses:
- A foreign national in a legal marriage to a person holding permanent resident status or special permanent resident status
- The marriage must be genuine and ongoing — not a marriage of convenience
- Unlike the "Spouse of Japanese National" visa, marriage to a foreign permanent resident does not automatically allow the spouse to apply from abroad without meeting specific financial and relationship criteria
Children:
- A child born in Japan to a permanent resident or special permanent resident who continues to reside in Japan
- The child must be a biological child — adopted children are explicitly excluded
- Children born overseas do not qualify for this status, even if one parent is a permanent resident
Critical Disqualifiers
- Divorce or death of the permanent resident spouse — The status is contingent on the marital relationship. If the spouse dies or the marriage is dissolved, the applicant must notify immigration within 14 days and may need to change to a different status to continue residing in Japan
- Loss of permanent resident status by the sponsor — If the permanent resident spouse loses their status, the applicant's status may be affected (though a child's status will not be automatically revoked if a parent loses permanent residency after the child has obtained the status)
- Separation or extended absence — Prolonged separation or frequent returns to the home country without the applicant's spouse may complicate renewal applications, as immigration authorities assess the genuineness of the marital relationship
- Adopted children or children born overseas — These do not qualify under this pathway
Period of Stay
The "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident" status grants a period of stay of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months, determined by immigration authorities based on factors such as:
- The stability and duration of the marital relationship
- The applicant's family structure and living situation
- Tax and social insurance payment history
- Overall assessment of the applicant's integration into Japanese society
The period of stay is not indefinite — holders must renew their status before expiration. The maximum period available is 5 years.
Conditions & Warnings
Children born overseas to permanent residents do not qualify for this status — only children born in Japan qualify. Adopted children are also excluded.
This status is contingent on the marital relationship. If the permanent resident spouse dies or the marriage is dissolved, you must change status or leave Japan within 14 days.
Major fee increases are expected by March 31, 2027. Status change/extension fees may rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000–¥70,000. Consider applying before the new fee structure takes effect if eligible.
As of February 2026, permanent residency requirements have become stricter. Even past unpaid taxes or social insurance (even if later paid) can disqualify applicants. Ensure all current payments are up to date.
Prolonged absence from Japan without explanation may complicate renewal applications, as immigration authorities assess whether you maintain actual residence in Japan.
Qualifications
Fees
Current fee as of April 1, 2025. Major increases expected by March 31, 2027 (estimated ¥30,000–¥70,000 for status change/extension). Certificate of Eligibility application has no fee.