帰化 (naturalisation) with a foreign spouse: are documents from my spouse's side needed too?

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?

An enquiry about the certificates needed where the spouse is a foreign national with no intention to naturalise.

Are certificates about the spouse needed?

In principle, marriage certificates from the home countries of both you and your spouse are needed.

For an application for naturalisation in Japan, the screening looks not only at the applicant's own family status but also at the spouse's. To prove a marriage between people of different nationalities, official marriage certificates issued in each home country are required.

Which documents may be asked for about the spouse?

As well as the marriage certificate, the 在留カード and documents about income and residence records may be asked for.

• Marriage certificate from the spouse's home country (the original and a Japanese translation)
• Copy of the spouse's 在留カード (Residence Card) (proof that they live in Japan)
• Copy of the spouse's passport (the page with their personal details)
• Documents proving the spouse's income (certificate of employment, withholding tax slip, tax payment certificate, and so on)
• The spouse's 住民票 (certificate of residence) (proof that you live together)
• The spouse's tax payment certificate

What should I watch out for if my spouse is a foreign national with no intention to naturalise?

The validity of the marriage, the accuracy of the translation and the stability of the marriage are checked especially closely.

• Checking that the marriage is valid: whether it was validly formed under the law of each home country is checked.
• Accuracy of the translation: always attach a Japanese translation to a foreign-language document, and state the translator's name.
• Stability of the marriage: if you have lived apart for a period, or there is anything else that raises concern, you may be asked for a detailed explanation.
• Stability of your living: even if the spouse does not want to naturalise, their income situation is part of the screening.
• The spouse's cooperation: the naturalisation procedure often needs the spouse's information and documents, so getting their cooperation is important.
• Questions at the interview: you may be asked in detail about your relationship as a couple and how you live.

What is recommended?

An early advance consultation with the 法務局 (Legal Affairs Bureau), and preparing documents and translations early.

For the exact documents and procedure for an application for naturalisation, it is recommended to consult the nationality section of the 法務局 with jurisdiction over your area in advance. Different screening officers may ask for different documents, and there may be documents to submit beyond those listed above. Foreign documents can take time to obtain, so it is also important to start preparing early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• How do I obtain the overseas documents needed for 帰化 (naturalisation)?
• My family situation is complicated. How do I collect the documents from my home country?
• My spouse may be transferred abroad. When should I apply for 帰化 (naturalisation)?
• What should a person with dual nationality watch for when applying for 帰化 (naturalisation)?

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.