SPOUSE VISA TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE

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Permanent Residency for Spouses of Japanese Nationals – Your Complete Guide

Spouses of Japanese nationals enjoy a more accessible pathway to permanent residency in Japan. This framework is designed to ensure family stability while easing standard requirements for eligible applicants, including those holding a “spouse visa” or other residence statuses such as highly skilled professionals and educators.

Why Apply for Permanent Residency?

Gaining permanent residency as a spouse of a Japanese national offers numerous advantages:

Indefinite Stay: No need for visa renewals, even in the event of divorce or the spouse’s passing.
Financial Security: Access to housing and business loans that are often restricted to permanent residents.

Unlike naturalization, permanent residency allows you to retain your original citizenship while enjoying unrestricted residence in Japan.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following key conditions:

National Interest Alignment: A stable marriage with a Japanese spouse, at least one year of continuous residence in Japan, and adherence to tax and public obligations.
Guarantor Requirement: Typically, the Japanese spouse acts as a guarantor, ensuring legal compliance and financial support if needed.

Additional Considerations

Residency Duration: A minimum of three years of marriage and one year of residence in Japan is generally required.
Continuous Stay: Prolonged overseas travel can impact eligibility, so extended absences should be avoided.
Financial Compliance: Consistent tax and pension payments are essential. Business owners or self-employed spouses may need to submit three years of tax records.

Application Process & Professional Assistance

The review process can take up to 15 months due to meticulous document verification. In recent years, stricter scrutiny has become the norm.

Expert Guidance: Navigating complex requirements can be challenging, especially for business owners and highly skilled professionals. Our experienced team provides tailored support, helping clients avoid delays and secure successful approvals—even in cases of prior rejections.

Meet Our Expert

Masakazu Murai

With 18 years of experience in investment banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Masakazu Murai has advised over 500 entrepreneurs and senior executives. He also played a pivotal role in promoting workplace diversity, advocating for foreign professionals and women.

Specializing in financial and immigration consulting, Murai holds the following qualifications: