Quick Answer
The Spouse of Japanese National visa gives you unrestricted work rights and a faster path to permanent residence (typically 3 years). You'll need a legally registered marriage, proof of genuine relationship, and your Japanese spouse typically need to demonstrate sufficient income to support the household.
Required Documents Checklist
Japanese koseki tohon (戸籍謄本) showing marriage registered
From your home country, translated into Japanese
Multiple photos from different occasions showing genuine relationship
課税証明書 and 納税証明書 for the past year
在職証明書 from employer
質問書 — how you met, relationship history, future plans
Valid passport with identity page copy
Chat logs, call history, travel records together
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal marriage | typically need to be registered in both Japan and your home country |
| Cohabitation | typically need to live together (separate addresses are a red flag) |
| Sponsor income | Sufficient to support household (no fixed minimum but ¥3M+ annual typical) |
| Genuine relationship | ISA scrutinizes for sham marriages — prepare thorough documentation |
What Happens After Divorce?
🚨 Important: Divorce and Your Visa
If you divorce, you are generally expected to notify ISA within 14 days. You cannot remain on a Spouse visa after divorce. Your options include:
1. Change to a work visa (if you have a qualifying job)
2. Apply for Long-Term Resident status (possible if you have children in Japan or lived here long-term)
3. Leave Japan before your current visa expires
Note: If you do not act within 6 months of divorce, your visa may be revoked.
Benefits of This Visa
- Unrestricted work — any job, full-time, part-time, self-employed
- Fast-track to permanent residence (3 years of marriage + 1 year residence)
- No restrictions on type of employment or industry
⚠️ Legal Notice
This is not legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration consultant (行政書士 / gyoseishoshi) for advice specific to your situation.
