Even if you are already living in Japan under a different residency status, you will need to undergo a new screening process if you wish to apply for a status such as “Spouse of a Japanese National” or “Spouse of a Permanent Resident.”
For example, if you have been staying in Japan under a work-related visa, but your lifestyle changes due to marriage, you may need to apply to change your status to that of a spouse.
The word “screening” may sound intimidating to some, but the Ministry of Justice evaluates each case appropriately based on individual circumstances. By carefully checking the required documents and application procedures, you can approach the process with confidence and peace of mind.
1) Proceeding to the Residency Status Change Application
In Japan, you can only apply for residency statuses such as “Spouse of a Japanese National” or “Spouse of a Permanent Resident” after your marriage has been legally registered. Unfortunately, being engaged isn’t enough to qualify.
Also, please note that Japan does not currently recognize same-sex marriage under the law. This means that same-sex partners are not eligible to apply for these specific spouse-related residency statuses.
We understand that preparing for marriage—especially across cultures and borders—can bring up many questions and concerns. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the relevant procedures and options ahead of time.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared as you move forward.
2) Who Can Apply and What Is Being Submitted?
This procedure is intended for foreign nationals who are already living in Japan and wish to change their current residency status to “Spouse of a Japanese National.”
The application must be submitted by the foreign partner themselves, as they are the one seeking to obtain this new status based on their marriage to a Japanese citizen.
If your partner is currently living outside Japan and plans to move here, a different process—applying for a Certificate of Eligibility—is required.
For those already residing in Japan under a different visa, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” there may be no need to change your status if you plan to continue working under the same conditions.
However, if you decide to leave your job and focus on family life, you’ll need to switch to a spouse-based status, as your current visa is tied to employment.
Since the appropriate procedure depends on your specific situation, it’s important to understand the system clearly.
Taking the time to learn about your options now can help you and your partner build a more stable and comfortable life together in Japan.
3) Required Documents for Residency Status Change
Both the Japanese applicant and their foreign partner must prepare specific documents for the application process.
For the foreign partner, most of the required paperwork will be issued by their home country, and must be submitted with a Japanese translation. The translation should include the name and signature or seal of the person who translated the document. While no formal qualifications are required for the translator, it’s important that the identity of the translator is clearly indicated.
Depending on the document, obtaining it from abroad and translating it may involve considerable effort. However, with proper preparation, the overall procedure is generally straightforward.
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To apply for a change in residence status, several documents are required. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan provides a list of necessary documents on its official website, which is a good place to start.
However, it's important to note that simply submitting the listed documents may not be enough. Depending on your personal situation—such as your stay history, family structure, or employment details—additional explanations or supporting materials may be requested.
If you've gathered the documents but still feel uncertain about whether they're sufficient, it’s a good idea to consult a certified administrative scrivener. These professionals can help you determine exactly what documents are needed and how best to present your case, tailored to your specific circumstances.
4) Submitting Documents for Residence Status Application to Immigration Authorities
Once all required documents are prepared, they must be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency.
If you have a contract with a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), they can handle the submission on your behalf. In that case, the applicant—whether the foreign national or their Japanese spouse—does not need to visit the immigration office in person.
5) Submitting Additional Supporting Documents
As you proceed with your residence status application, immigration authorities may ask you to submit additional documents.
For example, they might point out that “your explanation regarding your employment history is insufficient.”
Unfortunately, you won’t always receive specific instructions like “submit this document and you’ll be fine.” Instead, it’s often up to the applicant to determine how best to clarify the issue.
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When responding to requests for additional materials, it’s important to carefully consider which documents best convey your personal situation.
This process is often most effective when done in consultation with a certified administrative scrivener or other immigration specialist. They can help you identify the most appropriate supporting materials and ensure your explanations are clear and persuasive.
Working with a professional can make your application more robust and reduce the risk of delays or misunderstandings.
★Important Notice for Those Applying on Their Own
Don’t Forget to Double-Check Before You Submit! Always Keep Copies of Your Documents.
When submitting documents to the Immigration Services Agency, it’s essential to make copies of everything you hand in. Immigration officers make their decision—approval or denial—based solely on the submitted materials.
If your application is unfortunately denied and you don’t have copies of what you submitted, it can be very difficult to understand what went wrong, making reapplication much more challenging.
This is especially true if you worked with a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) for your initial application but are unable to continue with them for a second attempt. In such cases, having your own set of documents can be an invaluable reference when planning your next steps.
Think of keeping copies not just as a precaution, but as a vital step toward peace of mind. Make it a rule: always keep a complete set of your submitted documents.
6) Completion of Procedures for Acquiring “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Residence Status
Once your change of status is approved, your new residence card—reflecting the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status—will be issued in exchange for your previous residence card.
◆Things to Keep in Mind When Changing to “Spouse of Japanese National” Residence Status
Even after marrying a Japanese national, you won’t automatically be granted the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status.
Because this status allows for broad freedoms in Japan—including the ability to work without restrictions—the immigration review process is conducted with great care.
Immigration authorities may request documents that demonstrate the reality of your married life, asking whether the relationship is genuine or merely formal.
Even if all required documents are submitted, if the content lacks specificity or depth, the application may be deemed insufficient—and could be denied.
It’s important to remember that your relationship cannot be proven through spoken explanations alone. Everything must be conveyed through documents.
That’s why it’s essential to reflect carefully on your shared journey and prepare materials that clearly express the everyday life you lead together.
1) Advice for Students Seeking to Change Their Residence Status After Marrying a Japanese National
If you are currently staying in Japan under a “Student” residence status and have married a Japanese national, it is generally recommended that you apply for a change of status after graduating or being close to graduation.
If you leave school solely because of marriage, it may be seen as prematurely ending your original purpose for staying in Japan, and immigration officers may review your application with extra caution.
In addition, poor academic performance, low attendance, or working beyond the limits of your permitted part-time job may also negatively affect your application.
Immigration authorities place great importance on stability of life and understanding of the immigration system.
That’s why it’s best to complete your student life properly before applying. Rather than rushing into the next step, taking time to organize your current situation will help lay a solid foundation for your future together.
2) Advice for Work Visa Holders Seeking to Change to “Spouse of Japanese National” Residence Status
If you are currently employed in Japan and wish to change your residence status to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” it is strongly recommended that you continue working until your application is approved.
This is because if your application is denied and you have already left your job, immigration authorities may determine that you are no longer fulfilling the purpose of your current residence status. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to being considered as residing in Japan without legal status.
Some applicants assume that once they’ve submitted the application, they can quit their job immediately. However, the screening process is thorough and can take time.
To avoid unnecessary risks, it’s best to complete the change of status procedure before making any major life changes. By maintaining your current employment and living arrangements, you can proceed with the application process steadily and with peace of mind—laying a secure foundation for the next chapter of your life.
3) Can You Obtain “Spouse of Japanese National” Residence Status While on a Short-Term Stay?
If you are currently in Japan on a short-term residence status—such as for tourism—and wish to change to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status, your application may only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
As a general rule, it is difficult to switch to a long-term residence status while on a temporary stay. In most cases, applicants are expected to return to their home country and apply for the new status from there.
Please note that the maximum period for short-term stays is 90 days, and this cannot be extended for reasons such as marriage or residence status application.
The immigration system is designed to support important life transitions like marriage, but it’s essential to approach the process calmly and with careful preparation.
If you’re unsure how best to proceed during your current stay, consulting with a certified administrative scrivener or immigration specialist is highly recommended. They can help you navigate the system and plan your next steps with confidence.
→Click Here to Learn About the Procedure for Changing Your Status of Residence
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The “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status offers greater freedom in daily life and employment compared to work visas. Because of this, immigration authorities review applications with particular care.
That’s why we strongly recommend consulting with a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) or other qualified professional. These specialists will take the time to understand your unique situation and help you determine which documents to include and how best to explain your circumstances.
Since the application is reviewed only once, thorough preparation is essential. In the process, you may be asked to share personal details about your life and relationship.
This information is important to ensure your application accurately reflects your situation. Creating a safe and supportive environment for these conversations is a key part of a successful application. By working with a professional, you can approach the process with greater clarity and peace of mind.
★When a Change of Status Is Not Approved: Steps Toward Reapplying
Even if you submit an application to change your residence status, there are cases where the result may be “not granted” or denied.
This is not uncommon, and often the reason lies in the submitted documents not fully conveying the reality of your situation. If this happens, it’s up to you to decide whether to reapply.
However, simply resubmitting the same documents and explanations rarely leads to a different outcome.
That’s why it’s important to take a step back and calmly reflect on why the application was denied, and carefully identify what may have caused the issue. Understanding the reason behind the denial is the first step toward preparing a stronger application.
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If your application to change residence status is not approved, it’s important to approach reapplication with even greater care. Immigration authorities are not legally required to explain the reason for denial, so you may not receive a clear explanation.
That’s why it’s essential to review the documents you submitted and consider what may have been missing or unclear.
This is precisely when seeking advice from a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can be especially helpful. A professional can carefully examine your previous application and your current life circumstances, helping you identify which documents to add and how to improve your explanations.
To receive approval in a single application, you may be asked to share personal details about your relationship and daily life. These conversations are a vital part of building a strong and accurate application—and are handled with care and confidentiality.
After a denial, preparing thoroughly for your next application is more important than ever. With expert support and thoughtful planning, you can take confident steps toward a successful outcome.