What are the steps for bringing a spouse living abroad to Japan?

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

What is this enquiry about?

A summary of the procedure for people who have married internationally and want to bring a spouse living abroad to Japan.

Procedures are needed both in Japan and abroad, so it takes time and effort. It is important to start preparing early.

Step 1: What do we apply for in Japan?

The Japanese spouse in Japan files the 在留資格認定証明書 (COE) application.

First, the Japanese spouse in Japan files an application for a 在留資格認定証明書 (Certificate of Eligibility, COE) with the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau). It is the document on which entry to Japan by the spouse abroad depends.

Main documents needed (to be prepared on the Japanese side)

• 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility)
• The Japanese spouse's certified copy of the family register (showing the fact of the marriage)
• The Japanese spouse's certificate of residence (showing all household members, with the relationship and the registered domicile stated)
• The spouse's (foreign national's) marriage certificate (issued by an authority in their home country; a Japanese translation is needed)
• Photographs of the couple's faces (taken within the last 3 months)
• Questionnaire (a document setting out in detail how the couple met, how they came to marry, whether they live together, and so on)
• Documents proving communication between the couple (photographs, letters, emails, records of social media exchanges, and so on)
• The Japanese spouse's Letter of Guarantee (submitted together with a certificate of employment, proof of income, tax payment certificate, certificate of bank balance, and so on)
• Documents about housing (lease agreement, certificate of registered matters for a home you own, and so on)
• Other documents requested in individual cases

As a rule, originals must be submitted. Documents in a foreign language must always have a Japanese translation attached, stating the translator's name. If you apply online, copies such as PDFs can be used. If there is anything unnatural or contradictory in the application form or the questionnaire, screening may take longer or the application may be denied. The guarantor is expected to have an address in Japan and a stable income.

Step 2: What do we apply for abroad?

With the 在留資格認定証明書 that has been issued, apply for the 査証 at the Japanese embassy or consulate-general in the country concerned.

Once the 在留資格認定証明書 has been issued, the spouse in Japan sends it to the spouse abroad. The spouse abroad then takes that certificate and applies for the 査証 (visa) at the Embassy of Japan or the Consulate-General of Japan.

Main documents needed (to be prepared abroad)

• Visa application form
• Passport (with enough validity remaining)
• Photograph (taken within the last 3 months, in the specified size)
• The 在留資格認定証明書 sent from Japan (the original)
• Marriage certificate issued by an authority of the spouse's country (with a Japanese translation attached)
• Other documents requested individually by the embassy or consulate-general of Japan

The documents needed and the procedure may differ by country and region. Also, even if the 在留資格認定証明書 has been issued, a 査証 is not always granted. The embassy or consulate-general carries out its own screening, and an interview may be held.

Steps 3 and 4: What do we do after entering Japan?

Enter Japan on the 査証, then obtain the 在留カード and register the address at the municipal office.

Once the 査証 has been granted, use it to enter Japan. At immigration inspection, present your passport and 査証 and follow the instructions of the immigration inspector.

After entering Japan, promptly carry out the procedure at the municipal office for the issue of the 在留カード (Residence Card) and registration of your address. With this, the spouse has a formal status of residence and address in Japan.

What should we watch out for to keep things running smoothly?

The keys are giving accurate information and submitting enough evidence to back up the marital relationship.

• Accurate information: Please state accurate information based on the facts in the application documents. False statements are a cause of denial
• Submitting enough evidence: To prove the genuineness of the marital relationship and a stable base for daily life, submit as much objective documentary evidence as you can
• The language barrier: If Japanese ability is not high, you may be asked for documents showing the state of communication (such as a JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) pass certificate)
• Past entry and residence history: If the applicant or the Japanese spouse has a past history of entry or residence, please declare the details accurately. If there has been overstaying or illegal work, screening becomes stricter
• Differences in culture and customs: In the questionnaire and elsewhere, you may be asked to explain specifically how the couple communicate and how they will live together
• If the application is denied: Find out the reason for the denial, and consider whether you can apply again

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• Can I keep living in Japan after my Japanese spouse has died?
• Does living apart from my spouse count against me when I renew my spouse visa?
• My spouse visa was denied. What should I show when I apply again?
• What is the Japanese spouse visa? What it lets you do, and what to watch for

This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.