Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

For Spouse Applicants (New Entry from Abroad)

When a spouse of a permanent resident applies to enter Japan for the first time, the permanent resident sponsor submits a Certificate of Eligibility application. Required documents include:

1. Application form — Certificate of Eligibility application form
2. Photograph — One 4 cm × 3 cm photograph meeting specified standards
3. Return envelope — Pre-addressed envelope with postage for return by registered mail
4. Marriage certificate — Issued by the applicant's home country or Japan's municipal office. If the applicant is Korean or holds another nationality with family registers, a family register showing both parties' marriage may be submitted instead
5. Financial documents — Proof that the permanent resident sponsor can support the applicant's living costs in Japan:
   • Most recent 1 year of resident tax certificate and tax payment certificate showing total annual income and tax payment status
   • If recently arrived in Japan or after relocation, alternative documents such as bank account statements, employment offer letters, or similar proof of financial capacity
6. Guarantor documents — The permanent resident sponsor serves as the guarantor:
   • Completed guarantor form (available in Japanese and English versions)
   • Resident record showing all household members, with personal number omitted
7. Questionnaire — Completed questionnaire available in multiple languages (English, Chinese simplified/traditional, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian)
8. Evidence of marital relationship — Documents demonstrating genuine marital interaction:
   • 2–3 snapshot photographs showing both parties clearly, without app-based filters or editing
   • SMS/SNS records or call logs showing ongoing communication

Important notes on documents:

• All documents issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of submission
• Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by certified Japanese translations
• The applicant's name on the Certificate of Eligibility must match the passport exactly

For Spouse Applicants (Status Change — Already in Japan)

If the spouse is already in Japan on a different visa status and wishes to change to "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident," the documents are similar to the Certificate of Eligibility application but with these additions:

1. Status change application form — Instead of a Certificate of Eligibility form
2. Passport and residence card — Must be presented (not just submitted)
3. Marriage certificate, financial documents, guarantor documents, questionnaire, and marital relationship evidence — Same as above

For Child Applicants (New Entry from Abroad)

When a child born in Japan to a permanent resident applies to enter Japan (or when a child born overseas to a permanent resident applies), the permanent resident parent submits a Certificate of Eligibility application. Required documents include:

1. Application form — Certificate of Eligibility application form
2. Photograph — One 4 cm × 3 cm photograph (not required for children under 16)
3. Return envelope — Pre-addressed envelope with postage
4. Birth certificate — Issued by the country where the child was born, or Japan's municipal office if born in Japan
5. Financial documents — Proof of the permanent resident parent's ability to support the child (same as spouse applications)
6. Guarantor documents — The permanent resident parent serves as guarantor (same as spouse applications)
7. Questionnaire — Completed questionnaire
8. Proof of relationship — Documents establishing the biological relationship between parent and child (birth certificate, family register, or similar)

For Child Applicants (Status Change or Acquisition — Already in Japan)

Children already in Japan on a different status or born in Japan to a permanent resident may apply for status acquisition or change. Documents are similar to the Certificate of Eligibility application.

Translation and Apostille Requirements

• All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by Japanese translations
• Translations must include the translator's name and date
• Apostille certification is typically required for documents issued by foreign governments (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and family registers)
• Documents issued by Japanese municipalities do not require apostille