Permanent Resident in Japan? Helping Your Spouse Secure a Visa

Married to a Non-Japanese Spouse? Here’s What You Need to Know About Spouse Visas

As a permanent resident of Japan, if you plan to marry a non-Japanese national and wish for them to reside with you in Japan, you must ensure that your marriage is legally registered both in Japan and in your spouse’s home country.

Just like Japanese nationals marrying foreign partners, permanent residents’ citizen is subject to strict immigration scrutiny. The Japan Immigration Office will closely examine your application to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not for the purpose of obtaining residency or engaging in unauthorized work. Additionally, financial stability plays a crucial role in visa approval.

Understanding the PR Spouse Visa

If you are a permanent resident in Japan and wish to bring your foreign spouse, you must complete the legal marriage process in both your home country and Japan. Afterward, you can apply for the status of “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” (永住者の配偶者等, Eijusha no Haigusha tou).

This visa allows the spouse to reside in Japan and become eligible for permanent residency after three years of stay.

Eligibility and Requirements

Who Qualifies?

• Legally married spouses of a permanent resident (not including common-law or same-sex marriages).
• Children of permanent residents born in Japan, including those born out of wedlock but legally recognised.

 

Key Requirements

• Legal Marriage: Your marriage must be officially recognized in both Japan and your home country.
• Genuine Relationship: Immigration authorities assess the legitimacy of the marriage, considering factors such as the couple’s relationship history, communication, and cohabitation.
• Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient income and financial resources to support your spouse in Japan. The income criteria of 日本人の配偶者等（Spouse of Japanese national） and 永住者の配偶者等(Spouse of PR Citizen) will be almost the same.

 

Potential Challenges in Visa Approval

Due to concerns over fraudulent marriages, the Immigration Bureau closely examines spouse visa applications. Certain situations may trigger stricter scrutiny, including:

• Significant age differences
• Short courtship periods
• Couples living separately
• Meeting through online dating apps

Financial Capacity

Immigration authorities evaluate the couple’s financial status. If the applicant has an unstable income, additional documentation may be required to prove financial sustainability.

• Business owners and self-employed individuals
• Applicants with foreign-based income

Legal Compliance

Applicants must maintain legal status in Japan. Factors that could lead to stricter scrutiny include:

• Previous student visa holders
• Adultery cases
• Involvement in nightlife businesses

Duration of Stay & Path to Permanent Residency

The PR Spouse Visa is issued for six months, one year, three years, or five years. After holding the visa for three years or more, applicants may apply for permanent residency.

For faster approvals, learn about securing a three-year visa.

 

As a permanent resident of Japan, if you plan to marry a non-Japanese national and wish for them to reside with you in Japan, you must ensure that your marriage is legally registered both in Japan and in your spouse’s home country. Just like Japanese nationals marrying foreign partners, permanent residents are subject to strict immigration scrutiny. The Immigration Services Agency will closely examine your application to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not for the purpose of obtaining residency or engaging in unauthorized work.

Required Documents for “Spouse of Permanent Resident” Visa

When applying for the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” visa (永住者の配偶者等), the following documents are typically required. Depending on your specific circumstances, immigration may request additional materials:

• Completed application form for Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書)
• Copy of the Japanese residence card (在留カード) of the permanent resident spouse
• Copy of the resident record (住民票) showing both spouses, if already living together in Japan
• Marriage certificate(s) from both countries, with Japanese translation
• Letter of explanation detailing the history of the relationship (in Japanese)
• Photographs together as a couple, messages, call records, or other evidence of relationship authenticity
• Certificate of employment and income-related documents (such as tax payment and income certificates)
• Guarantor letter and documentation from a Japanese national or permanent resident (if required)

Applicants are advised to submit documentation that clearly demonstrates the legitimacy of the marriage, the stability of the couple’s financial situation, and the intention to reside together in Japan. Applications may be denied if the immigration officer suspects a sham marriage or discovers inconsistencies in the supporting documents.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

 

Professional Immigration Consultation

Each international marriage is unique, and visa approvals depend on thorough documentation and legal compliance. Our experienced immigration attorneys will guide you through the process and help avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

CONTACT US TODAY

 

COUNTRIES:
– United States
– Canada
– United Kingdom
– Singapore

 

 

About Our Immigration Expert

Masakazu Murai – Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor

• 18 years in Investment Banking (Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley)
• Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)
• CMA (Japanese Financial Analyst License), CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• MBA in Entrepreneurship

Let us guide you on your pathway to permanent residency in Japan.