The Japanese Spouse Visa is essential for foreigners who are married to Japanese nationals and wish to live together in Japan. However, it’s important to understand that the visa is not granted automatically. Japanese immigration officials carefully assess the application based on multiple factors, including the authenticity of the marriage, financial stability, and the applicants’ backgrounds. In this guide, we will dive into the key requirements and points of evaluation that you should be aware of when applying for a spouse visa.
See also :
How to Apply for a Spouse Visa in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide
Essential Document Checklist for Your Spouse Visa Application
Key Requirements for a Japanese Spouse Visa
When applying for a Japanese spouse visa, three fundamental criteria must be met:
Completion of Legal Marriage Procedures
Before applying, you must ensure that your marriage is legally recognized by both Japan and your spouse’s home country. If your marriage has not been registered in one of these countries, immigration authorities may view it as incomplete, which could result in your application being denied. Some of the legal requirements in Japan include:
- Minimum marriage age: 18 for men, 16 for women.
- No current marriage to another person (bigamy).
- Waiting period: Women must wait 100 days after divorce before remarrying.
- No close blood relations between the spouses.
You must also meet the legal requirements of your spouse’s country, so make sure all international marriage paperwork is properly completed before applying.
Proof of a Genuine Marriage (婚姻の実体)
One of the most scrutinized aspects of the spouse visa application is whether the marriage is genuine. You need to demonstrate that your relationship is authentic and not a marriage of convenience or fraud. Proof of a genuine marriage includes:
- Joint living arrangements: Demonstrate that you and your spouse are living together or plan to live together.
- Photos: Include several photos showing you and your spouse together at events, with friends and family, or during everyday activities.
- Communication records: This can include emails, chat logs, and social media conversations.
- Family awareness: Ensure both families are aware of the marriage, as immigration may consider a lack of family involvement suspicious.
Immigration will thoroughly review all of this evidence to assess the authenticity of the relationship.
Financial Stability (生活基盤)
Having a stable financial foundation is crucial when applying for a Japanese spouse visa. Immigration authorities will assess whether the couple has the means to support themselves without relying on public assistance. Here are the documents and sources of income that typically count toward financial stability:
- Income certificates (納税証明書) from the Japanese spouse, showing steady employment and income.
- Bank statements showing sufficient savings.
- Proof of assets: This can include property ownership or passive income such as rent from properties.
- Employment verification: Include a letter from the Japanese spouse’s employer and recent pay stubs.
Immigration does not specify an income threshold, but couples should demonstrate that they can cover living expenses comfortably without risk of financial instability.
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Denial
Even when the above criteria are met, applications can still be denied due to various issues related to the relationship, communication, or timing of the application.
Short Relationship Duration
Japanese immigration is particularly wary of marriages that were entered into after a very short period of dating or engagement. A short relationship can raise suspicions that the marriage is not genuine, and couples in this situation should provide extra documentation, such as extensive communication logs, to prove their relationship’s legitimacy.
Significant Age Gap
While large age differences between spouses are not uncommon, they tend to draw additional scrutiny from immigration. This is because immigration authorities are aware that significant age gaps are sometimes present in sham marriages designed for visa fraud. Couples with a large age gap should be prepared to submit extra documentation proving the legitimacy of their relationship.
Lack of Communication or Shared Language
In relationships where the couple does not share a common language or relies on a third-party translator for communication, immigration authorities may view this as a red flag. Couples are expected to have a shared language for communication, whether that is Japanese, English, or another language. If a third-party translator is regularly involved, be prepared to explain why and how this impacts your daily life.
Family Opposition or Lack of Awareness
If one or both families are unaware of the marriage or actively oppose it, immigration officials may become suspicious of the relationship’s authenticity. In the immigration Questionnaire (質問書), you will be asked about the involvement of both families, and inconsistent answers may result in denial.
Only One Country’s Marriage Registration
For the marriage to be fully recognized, both Japan and your spouse’s home country must acknowledge it. If only one country has formally registered the marriage, this may raise questions about its legitimacy. It’s recommended to complete all necessary marriage registrations before applying.
Previous Marriage Overlaps or Short Time Between Marriages
If either spouse was previously married, immigration will likely scrutinize the relationship timeline. If your current relationship began before your previous marriage officially ended, or if there is little time between the two marriages, this could be seen as a red flag. In such cases, you must provide a clear explanation of the timeline to avoid suspicion.
Marriages Initiated Online or Through Dating Services
While meeting online or through a dating service is increasingly common, immigration tends to be cautious about such relationships, as they are sometimes used for marriage fraud. Couples who met online or through a service should provide extra evidence, such as detailed communication records, to demonstrate the authenticity of their relationship.
Financial Requirements for a Spouse Visa
What Counts as Financial Stability?
To secure a spouse visa, you must prove that the couple has sufficient financial resources to support themselves without becoming a burden on the Japanese public welfare system. The following types of income or assets are typically accepted as proof of financial stability:
- Regular employment income (給与収入) from either spouse.
- Savings (預金), which can be from both Japan and abroad.
- Rental income (不動産収入) or other passive income sources.
- Pensions for older applicants.
If the couple’s income is low, but they have significant savings or other assets, this may still be sufficient to meet the financial requirements. However, in general, regular income from employment is preferred.
Income Sources Considered
Immigration takes a broad approach when considering financial stability and may accept various forms of income, including:
- Salary from employment: This is considered the most stable and reliable form of income.
- Savings: Bank statements showing significant savings are also acceptable.
- Other income: Real estate, pensions, and investments can also be considered, but fluctuating income from investments may not be weighted as heavily as a steady salary.
Need expert help?
Obtaining a Japanese spouse visa requires more than just proof of marriage. Immigration authorities will evaluate the legitimacy of your relationship and your financial ability to support yourselves in Japan. By providing detailed documentation of your relationship and ensuring you meet the financial requirements, you can improve your chances of a successful application.
At Tanabe Immigration Office, our bilingual experts assist you in navigating the complexities of the spouse visa process with accuracy and speed. Whether you need help with document preparation or understanding immigration laws, we’re here to make the application process smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to get started on your path to a successful visa application!
