Japan Long-Term Resident Visa After Divorce: Requirements and Documents

Can You Stay in Japan After Divorcing a Japanese Spouse?

Foreign nationals who divorce a Japanese citizen or permanent resident may be eligible to change their residence status to Long-Term Resident (Teijusha).

This is commonly referred to as a Divorce-Based Long-Term Resident Visa (離婚定住), a category granted outside the published Long-Term Resident notification (non-notification category, 告示外定住).

Approval is discretionary and depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Divorce alone does not establish eligibility.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency generally examines the following factors:

1. Duration of Marriage

The applicant should generally have maintained a genuine marital relationship for a substantial period. Approximately three years of actual married life is an important practical benchmark, although it is not an absolute statutory requirement.

2. Financial Independence

The applicant must demonstrate sufficient income, assets, or occupational skills to maintain a stable livelihood in Japan.

3. Japanese Language Ability

The applicant should possess sufficient Japanese language ability to conduct ordinary daily life and participate in Japanese society.

4. Compliance With Public Obligations

Tax payments, social insurance obligations, and immigration compliance history may be examined.

5. Established Life in Japan

The applicant’s residence history, employment, family relationships, and social ties in Japan are also relevant.

Special circumstances, including domestic violence or the care and upbringing of children in Japan, may be considered.

Meeting these factors does not guarantee approval.

2. Required Documents

A divorce-based Long-Term Resident application generally involves an Application for Change of Status of Residence.

The following documents may be required, depending on the circumstances:

• Application for Change of Status of Residence
• Photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
• Passport and residence card
• Divorce certificate or Japanese family register reflecting the divorce
• Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)
• Employment certificate or business documentation
• Income tax returns, municipal tax assessment certificates, and tax payment certificates
• Bank statements and other financial records
• Documents demonstrating the duration and authenticity of the marriage
• Evidence of Japanese language ability, where appropriate
• Statement of Reasons (Riyusho) explaining why continued residence in Japan is necessary

Additional documents may be requested concerning children, employment, domestic violence, or other individual circumstances.

Because divorce-based Long-Term Resident status falls outside the published notification categories, there is no single standardized document checklist applicable to every case.

3. When Should You Apply?

Foreign nationals holding Spouse or Child of Japanese National or Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident status must generally notify immigration authorities within 14 days of divorce.

Divorce does not automatically terminate the existing residence status. However, remaining in Japan without engaging in qualifying spousal activities for six consecutive months or longer, without a justifiable reason, may constitute grounds for revocation.

Applicants wishing to continue living in Japan should therefore consider changing their residence status promptly.

Continental Immigration: Long-Term Resident Applications After Divorce

Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation assists foreign nationals seeking to remain in Japan after divorce.

Our services include eligibility assessments, preparation of Statements of Reasons, financial documentation, and applications for Change of Status of Residence.

As your Trusted Advisor, we provide professional immigration assistance based on each applicant’s marital history, financial circumstances, and established life in Japan.

https://en.continental-immigration.com/

 

About the Author

Masakazu Murai
Administrative Scrivener | Japanese Immigration and Highly Skilled Professional Specialist

Masakazu Murai is an administrative scrivener specializing in Japanese immigration procedures for highly skilled professionals, international executives and entrepreneurs.

Before entering immigration practice, he spent approximately 18 years in investment banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, working in capital markets, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions.

His financial background informs his immigration practice, particularly in matters involving executive responsibilities, international business operations, remuneration structures and entrepreneurial activities.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and is a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan (CMA).

Legal information current as of October 2026. Immigration eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances, applicable law and administrative practice.