If you wish to bring your foreign spouse to Japan and live together, you must obtain one of three residence statuses (visas). Here, “spouse” means a partner in a legally recognized marriage; fiancés and same‑sex partners are not included.
1)Spouse or Child of Japanese National (commonly known as the “Japanese spouse visa”)
This is the residence status (commonly referred to as a visa) that applies when a Japanese national brings their foreign spouse to Japan.
2) Dependent (commonly known as the “family visa”)
This is the residence status (commonly referred to as a visa) that applies when a foreign national brings their foreign spouse to Japan.
3) Long-Term Resident (Residence Status, commonly known as the “long-term resident visa”)
Individuals with long-term resident status can sometimes bring their foreign spouse to Japan under the same category. More details about “Long-Term Resident” are explained in a separate section.
→Click Here for Information on the “Long-Term Resident” Status
4) Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
This is the residence status (commonly referred to as a visa) that applies when a person holding permanent resident status in Japan brings their foreign spouse to live in Japan.
◆About the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Residence Status
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National status of residence allows foreign nationals who are married to Japanese citizens, or their biological children, to live in Japan. It is commonly referred to as the “Japanese spouse visa.”
Unlike typical work visas, which restrict employment to specific fields, this status permits holders to engage in almost any type of work in Japan.
→Click here to learn more about the application process for the “Spouse of Japanese National” visa.
●Who Is Eligible for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Residence Status?
There are many different forms of marriage. Some couples maintain long-distance relationships, while others may choose to live apart due to personal circumstances.
However, when applying for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status, it is generally expected that the couple lives together and supports each other in daily life.
This requirement exists because the immigration authorities need to confirm that the marital relationship is genuine and substantive.
To demonstrate this, you should prepare documents that show you are actually living together. If living together is not possible due to unavoidable reasons, it is important to submit a written explanation clearly outlining those circumstances.
●Couples Who Should Take Extra Care When Applying for Residence Status
In immigration procedures, what matters is not just the legal formality of marriage, but whether the relationship is rooted in real, shared daily life.
Couples who fall into the following categories may be asked by the immigration authorities to submit detailed written explanations about the history and circumstances of their marriage.
・Couples Who Are Not Living Together
・Couples with a Significant Age Difference
・Couples Who Met Through Arranged Marriage Services
・Couples Who Met Online Through a Dating Platform
・Couples Whose Japanese Partner Is Unemployed or Working Part-Time
・Couples Where One or Both Partners Have Multiple Previous Divorces
・Couples Who Dated for a Short Time Before Marriage
・Couples Who Did Not Hold a Wedding Ceremony
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In cases like these, the documents submitted alone may not be sufficient to fully convey the authenticity of your relationship.
As a result, immigration authorities may request additional evidence—or in some cases, may not grant approval. A certified immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi) can help by conducting a thorough preliminary interview, identifying potential concerns from the immigration office’s perspective, and advising you on what supplementary documents may be needed to strengthen your application.
If you have any doubts or special circumstances, we encourage you to consult with a professional early in the process.
→Click here to learn more about the application process for the “Spouse of Japanese National” visa.
★Changing to the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Residence Status
If you are already residing in Japan under a different visa status and have married a Japanese national, changing to the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status requires a separate procedure called the Application for Change of Status of Residence.
Unlike so-called “work visas,” this status is not affected by changes in employment, such as company closure or career shifts.
Furthermore, if you wish to apply for permanent residency or naturalization in the future, the requirements are generally more relaxed compared to other visa types.
If you are married to a Japanese citizen, we strongly recommend considering a change to the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status.
→Click Here to Change Your Current Visa to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”
◆What Is the “Dependent” Residence Status?
If your family member already holds a valid residence status in Japan and you wish to live together with them, you may be eligible to reside in Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence.
●Who Is Eligible for the “Dependent” Residence Status in Japan?
The “Dependent” residence status allows the spouse or child of a foreign national who is already living in Japan—such as someone staying for work or study—to live together with them in Japan.
●Are Dependents Allowed to Work in Japan?
In principle, those with a “Dependent” residence status are not permitted to work in Japan. However, if you wish to work, you may apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.
With this permission, you may be allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.
Please note that working without this permission, or exceeding the permitted hours, may be considered unauthorized employment and could lead to serious consequences.
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While living in Japan, it’s perfectly natural to want to earn some income or gain work experience.
However, when applying for permission to engage in activities outside your current residence status, you must clearly explain why the job is necessary in your particular situation.
If you’re unsure how to write the application or explain your reasons effectively, it’s a good idea to consult a certified administrative scrivener (Gyōsei-shoshi). They can help you prepare the required documents and offer advice tailored to your circumstances.
●Key Points to Keep in Mind About the “Dependent” Residence Status
The “Dependent” residence status is based on the residence status of your family member living in Japan. Therefore, if that family member loses their residence status in Japan, your own “Dependent” status may also be revoked.
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If you are living in Japan and wish to bring your family from overseas to join you, you may be able to apply for a “Dependent” visa on their behalf.
However, whether the application is approved will largely depend on whether you can demonstrate a stable life in Japan and your ability to support your family members once they arrive.
If you feel unsure about how to prepare the application or explain your situation in the required documents, we recommend consulting a certified immigration specialist, such as a Gyōsei-shoshi (Administrative Scrivener). They can provide personalized advice and help you prepare the necessary paperwork based on your specific circumstances.
→Click Here for Procedures Related to the “Dependent” Residence Status
◆What Is the “Long-Term Resident” Status ?
There are various types of residence statuses for living in Japan, and among them, the “Long-Term Resident” status is granted to foreign nationals who have special circumstances that justify a longer stay.
If your spouse holds a “Long-Term Resident” status and you wish to live together in Japan, you may be eligible to apply for a residence status known as “Long-Term Resident (Designated under Public Notice No. 5)”.
This status is based on your marital relationship with the long-term resident. Therefore, if your spouse loses their “Long-Term Resident” status, your own “Long-Term Resident (Public Notice No. 5)” status may also be revoked.
Please note that residence cards for this category simply state “Long-Term Resident”, without indicating the specific designation under Public Notice No. 5.
→Click Here for Information on the “Long-Term Resident” Status
◆What Is the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” Status?
This residence status is available to foreign nationals who are married to someone holding a “Permanent Resident” status in Japan.
For example, if your spouse is already living in Japan as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to stay in Japan under the status of “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.” Holders of this status are allowed to work freely in Japan without restrictions on job type or working hours. This means you can choose from a wide range of employment options—from part-time jobs to full-time positions—depending on your preferences and circumstances.
This status is treated similarly to the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status in terms of work eligibility and residency rights.
→Click Here for Information on the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” Status
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When applying for a residence status such as “Long-Term Resident (Public Notice No. 5)” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,”you must clearly explain to the immigration authorities—through written documentation—that you are genuinely married to the person in question.
This is not just a formality; it is a crucial step to sincerely convey the authenticity of your relationship. If the documents you submit are incomplete or fail to adequately demonstrate your marital bond, unfortunately, your application may be denied. If you're unsure how to write your explanation or worried whether your documents are sufficient, we recommend consulting a certified immigration specialist, such as a Gyōsei-shoshi (Administrative Scrivener).
They can help you prepare the necessary paperwork and guide you in how to present your situation clearly and appropriately. They are here to support you—so you can take the next step with confidence and peace of mind.
◆Residence Statuses That Do Not Allow You to Bring a Spouse to Japan
Unfortunately, if you hold one of the following residence statuses, you are not permitted to bring your spouse to live with you in Japan.
- Specified Skilled Worker (i)
- Technical Intern Training
- Temporary Visitor
- Trainee