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What documents do I need for a Japanese spouse visa, and what should I watch out for?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 17 February 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

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）

Answer

The documents you need are the 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility), passport, photograph, certified copy of the family register, marriage certificate, certificate of residence, questionnaire, Letter of Guarantee and written explanation, among others. Screening looks at the credibility of the marriage and the couple's ability to make a living. You need to show that this is not a sham marriage, through the length of your relationship and how you came to marry.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from a couple who live outside Japan and plan to live together in Japan from next year.

Type of enquiry: status of residence (visa)
Application type: application for a Japanese spouse visa
Situation: Philippine national, female, 30 years old, married (her spouse is a Japanese national). They have been married for 3 years and she currently lives in the Philippines. Because of her husband's work, they will live together in Japan from next year.
Question: What documents do I need in order to apply for a Japanese spouse visa? And is there anything I should watch out for when applying?

What documents do I need?

As well as the application form, you need documents proving the marriage, plus the questionnaire, the Letter of Guarantee and a written explanation.

在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility)
Passport
Photograph (of the applicant)
戸籍謄本 (certified copy of the family register) (of the Japanese spouse)
婚姻証明書 (marriage certificate) (issued in the Philippines)
住民票 (certificate of residence) (of the Japanese spouse)
A marriage certificate issued by an authority of the applicant's country of nationality
質問書 (questionnaire)
身元保証書 (Letter of Guarantee)
理由書 (written explanation) (setting out matters such as the credibility of the marriage to the Japanese spouse)

Documents other than the above may also be needed, depending on your individual situation.

What is looked at in screening?

3 points: the credibility of the marriage, the couple's ability to make a living, and Japanese ability.

The credibility of the marriage
You need to prove that this is not a sham marriage. You show that the marriage is real by submitting the length of your relationship, how you came to marry, wedding photographs and the like.
The couple's ability to make a living
You need to prove that you have the financial means to lead a stable life in Japan. You submit the husband's proof of income, bank passbooks and so on.
Japanese ability
It is desirable to be able to communicate in Japanese. You can submit a certificate of passing the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, or documents showing how you are studying Japanese.

Screening for a Japanese spouse visa is strict, and anything missing may lead to a denial. Please get in touch from the stage of gathering your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I show the credibility of the marriage?

Set out the length of your relationship and how you came to marry in the 理由書, and submit wedding photographs and the like along with it.

How much income do I need?

No standard amount has been given. You show that you have the financial means to lead a stable life in Japan, using proof of income and bank passbooks.

If I live outside Japan, where do I apply?

Since the process is one of bringing you to Japan, you start with the 在留資格認定証明書交付申請.

Is it enough to gather the documents on the list?

The documents needed may differ according to your individual situation. Anything missing may lead to a denial, so please get in touch beforehand.

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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.