How to Successfully Relocate to Japan with Your Foreign Spouse | Spouse Visa Support
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- We currently live overseas with my foreign spouse, but we plan to relocate to Japan in the future. Can we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility while remaining overseas?
“We got married abroad and have been living overseas for some time, but we would like to relocate to Japan and live there together with my foreign-national spouse in our later years.” Each year, more people are considering this option. For a foreign national married to a Japanese citizen to live in Japan, it is necessary to obtain the status of residence called “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” (commonly referred to as a spouse visa). However, a visa application requires careful handling due to statutory requirements, document preparation, and screening criteria.
On this page, ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office explains in detail the “process and key cautions for a Japan-based relocation with a foreign spouse for Japanese nationals living overseas,” which is a type of case we frequently support in practice.
- How to Apply for a Spouse Visa for Those Living Overseas
- COE Processing Time and a Typical Schedule Until Entry to Japan
- Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating to Japan with a Foreign Spouse
- Do we need to sign a housing contract in Japan in advance to live together with a foreign spouse?
- Can we obtain a spouse visa even with a low income?
- Is having a divorce history disadvantageous in screening?
- After the spouse obtains the visa, can they work immediately?
- What procedures are needed for children who will relocate together with the foreign spouse?
- If we divorce in Japan, can the foreign spouse continue living in Japan?
- After the foreign spouse relocates to Japan, what procedures should be done at the city/ward office?
- A Case Where an Overseas Couple Obtained a COE Locally and Returned to Japan
- Key Points Summary for Successfully Relocating to Japan with a Foreign Spouse
- ACROSEED’s Support System
1. How to Apply for a Spouse Visa for Those Living Overseas
If you are living overseas and plan to start living in Japan with your Japanese spouse, you must first proceed with the procedures to obtain the status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This procedure is called an “Application for a Certificate of Eligibility,” and the general flow is: the application is filed and reviewed in Japan, then the overseas spouse applies for and receives a visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad.
This procedure functions as an “application for permission to invite the spouse to Japan,” and the main points of review include the genuineness of the marriage, the living foundation in Japan (housing, income, support system, etc.), and the stability of your future life together. The application package should include evidence materials demonstrating the relationship (photos, email/message records, marriage certificate, family register, etc.), and a sincere and consistent explanation is required.
The review period is typically around 2–3 months, but it may vary depending on the season, the region, and the content submitted. To obtain approval smoothly, it is important to have a professional check the consistency of the documents and whether additional supporting materials are needed before submission.
1. What Is the Spouse Visa (Status of Residence: “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”)?
“Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” is a status of residence granted to foreign nationals who marry a Japanese citizen and reside in Japan. This status allows stable life in Japan through marriage. It applies to those who fall into the following three categories.
- A foreign national who is legally married to a Japanese citizen (the marriage registration must be accepted)
- A person born as a child of a Japanese national
- A person who became a special adopted child of a Japanese national
The biggest feature of this visa is that, unlike other work visas, there are no restrictions on occupation or employment type. You may work as a company employee, and you are also free to do part-time work, temporary work, self-employment, or freelance activities. In addition, procedures such as enrolling in social insurance/pension, signing a housing contract, and opening a bank account can be done similarly to Japanese nationals.
However, at the time of renewal, Immigration will confirm the “substance of the marriage relationship (cohabitation and living circumstances)” and “stable income.” Therefore, even after marriage, it is advisable to keep organized certain evidence materials (resident record, photos, remittance records for living expenses, etc.).
2. What Is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued after the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has confirmed in advance that a foreign national has a legitimate purpose for long-term stay in Japan. Obtaining a COE helps ensure smoother visa issuance at a Japanese embassy/consulate and enables quicker permission at entry screening.
Normally, when a foreign national lands in Japan, they must present a valid passport and visa and obtain landing permission from an immigration officer. However, by obtaining a COE in advance, most of the screening is completed within Japan, providing significant advantages such as shorter screening time and reduced risk of denial.
For the application, the Japanese spouse (a Japanese national) or a relative on the Japan side submits documents to the Immigration Services Agency as a proxy. After submission, the application is reviewed and the result is typically notified about 2–3 months later. During the review, Immigration will carefully examine the credibility of the marriage, the plan for marital life, the residence in Japan, and the ability to support the spouse.
For more details on the application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please see the page below.
![[2025 Edition] Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application Guide](https://english.visajapan.jp/images/nintei_title.jpg)
[2025 Edition] Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application Guide
An immigration law specialist thoroughly explains how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) when inviting a family member from overseas, including required documents and key cautions.
3. Who Can File the Application for a Certificate of Eligibility?
An application for a Certificate of Eligibility can be filed not only by the foreign national applicant, but also by the husband or wife (the spouse) as the filing proxy.
However, because the application must be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency while staying in Japan, either the applicant or the proxy must be in Japan.
Therefore, we often receive the question: if both spouses are overseas, does one of them have to return to Japan to file the application? The answer is NO.
This is because the filing proxy can also be a relative living in Japan, not only the spouse. In that case, the range of who can be a proxy is limited and is defined as “a relative of the person (the applicant) residing in Japan.” Under the scope of relatives in the Civil Code, this includes blood relatives within the sixth degree, relatives by marriage within the third degree, and a spouse. However, if the applicant’s own relatives or spouse are not in Japan, in practical terms the proxy may be within the third degree of relatives of the Japanese husband or wife—such as uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces. If the parents cannot do it, asking an uncle may be one possible method. That said, many people who have lived overseas for a long time are not close with relatives in Japan, and it may be difficult to ask for such help.
If you use our services, the applicant couple can remain overseas while we proceed with the application, with very little burden on your relatives in Japan. Please feel free to contact ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office for consultation.
In addition to filing a COE application, there are also cases where the foreign spouse enters Japan on a short-term stay and then successfully applies domestically to change from a short-term stay to “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National,” and receives approval.
In the above approach, the couple has the advantage of being able to come to Japan right away. However, this application requires an appropriate reason and is not an application that is always accepted. If you wish to pursue this method, we recommend consulting a professional in advance before proceeding.
For details on cases where a spouse enters Japan on a short-term stay and then applies domestically to change to “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National,” please see the page below.
Change from Short-Term Stay to a Japan Spouse Visa | General Rule, Exceptions, and Key Points on Required Documents
As a general rule, you cannot change from short-term stay (short-term visa) to a long-term status. However, in practice, it may be exceptionally permitted. Here, an immigration law specialist explains when a change to a spouse visa may be approved.
2. Processing Time for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application and the Timeline Until Entry to Japan
If you plan to invite your spouse who is overseas to Japan, you will apply for a document called a “Certificate of Eligibility,” which is issued by Japan’s Immigration Bureau.
This certificate is issued after Japan’s Immigration Bureau reviews, before your spouse enters Japan, whether your spouse qualifies under the status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.” Therefore, if you use this certificate to apply for a marriage (spouse) visa at a Japanese embassy or similar mission overseas, the visa will generally be issued within a few days.
By coming to Japan with that visa, your spouse will be granted the status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” at the time of immigration inspection.
The Certificate of Eligibility has an expiration date. In principle, it is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
You must apply for landing permission in Japan within 3 months of issuance. If the deadline passes, you may need to redo the application for a Certificate of Eligibility.
Therefore, if you have a specific time period when you want your foreign spouse to enter Japan, you must determine the timing of the COE application by counting backward from your intended entry date.
Below are the approximate timeframes required for each procedure.
2. Immigration screening period: 1 to 3 months
3. Sending the COE to the applicant overseas: 1 week
4. Visa application at the Japanese overseas mission: 1 week
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1
- Free Consultation
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We assess whether it is possible to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for the status “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National,” and identify issues that must be addressed to maximize approval chances. We do not merely tell you “possible or not,” but we specifically point out missing documents, inconsistencies, and areas that require stronger explanations.
- Main interview items: how you met through marriage, your planned cohabitation, income and savings, past residence/entry history, whether there is any divorce history, and whether relatives can provide support, etc.
- Consultation methods: (1) Phone (2) Email (3) Online (Skype / Zoom / LINE / WeChat) (4) In-person visit
- Initial advice: housing (planned address), income documents, how to prove the genuineness of the relationship, expected screening period, and an overview of the full timeline
Please contact us by phone or email first. After the consultation, we will present an estimate and an expected timeline.
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2
- Engagement of Services
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If you are satisfied with the contents, we will begin work after signing the service agreement and confirming payment.
- What we share at the time of contract: scope of work, estimated delivery timeline, division of roles, and personal information protection policy
- Process after engagement: assignment of a dedicated person → sending a document checklist → guidance on collecting materials
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3
- Preparation of Application Documents
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Based on past cases and the latest practices, we design the application package with a structure and explanation logic that we believe will increase approval probability. After the draft is completed, we will ask you to review it, and then request your signature and seal/stamp as needed.
- Main required materials (examples): questionnaire, statement of reasons, full set of application forms, family register (koseki) copy, marriage certificate, housing (planned) documents, income/tax certificates, relationship evidence such as photos and call logs, support pledge (if applicable)
- Foreign-language documents: We will add Japanese translations as necessary (we will guide you on our translation approach).
- Risk management: resolving inconsistencies, strengthening evidence, and preparing anticipated Q&A responses
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4
- Filing the Application with Immigration (Proxy Submission)
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An administrative scrivener from ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office will submit and receive documents on your behalf.
- Additional document requests: We respond promptly to inquiries and requests for additional submissions during the review.
- Status updates: We share status changes and key points as appropriate.
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5
- Sending the Certificate of Eligibility
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After approval, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be mailed from Immigration to our office. Once received, we confirm the details and inform you of important points such as the validity period (usually 3 months from the issue date).
- Enclosures: a checklist of required documents for the embassy visa application, and guidance on application form formats
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6
- Sending to Clients Living Overseas
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We send the original COE to our clients residing overseas via a trackable method such as EMS.
[In the case of electronic issuance (e-COE)]
A COE issued through the Online Residence Application System is received as a PDF with a QR code. No mailing of the paper original is required; we will send it to you by email attachment or via a download link.- On the applicant’s side, print the PDF on A4 single-sided paper (color recommended) and submit the printed copy for the visa application. Depending on the mission, you may be asked to present the PDF data (smartphone/USB).
- Check for consistency: confirm in advance that the name, date of birth, and passport number match the passport.
- Validity period: plan to complete the visa application and entry to Japan within 3 months in principle from the issuance date. If it expires, reapplication will be required.
- Confirm local requirements in advance: procedures may differ by Japanese embassy/consulate (e.g., printout only is acceptable, showing email headers of the original notice, additional documents, etc.), so be sure to check the guidance of your nearest mission in advance.
- Prepare in parallel: photos, visa application form, and required certificates (in accordance with the overseas mission’s instructions)
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7
- Visa Issuance at the Local Japanese Embassy/Consulate
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The applicant files a visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. As a guideline, visas are often issued in about 1–2 weeks, but this varies by country and season.
- Common cautions: applying and traveling within the COE validity period, responding to requests to replace documents, and making advance reservations for appointment-based counters
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8
- Entry to Japan
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Upon arrival in Japan, present your visa and COE at immigration inspection and enter Japan under the status of residence “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.” In principle, mid- to long-term residents will receive a Residence Card at the airport (or will be informed of later issuance).
- Initial procedures after entry (recommended): resident registration within 14 days, enrollment in National Health Insurance, My Number confirmation, bank account/mobile contract, and preparations to start work
- Next step: in preparation for renewal, routinely organize and keep evidence of marital life and income (pay slips, resident record, photos, etc.)
When relocating to Japan as a family, the optimal timing varies depending on your circumstances, such as your children’s school enrollment timing and the timing of signing a housing contract. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we propose a well-planned immigration application strategy so that you can enter Japan according to your desired schedule.
“We don’t have a resident record,” “Both spouses are overseas and cannot go to Japan,” “We don’t know where to start”—even in these situations, you are not alone.
For COE applications for “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” (spouse visa), a specialist will help organize your case and explain concrete steps.
We can manage the process mainly via email and online communication, and we also provide consultations in English and Chinese.
Contact us by email 03-6905-6371
See our service details and fees (Spouse Visa Application Support)
3. Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating to Japan with a Foreign Spouse
- Do we need to sign a housing contract in Japan in advance in order to live together with my foreign spouse?
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In principle, when applying for a status of residence, you will need information about the “planned place of residence.” Therefore, in many cases you should prepare the address where you plan to live in Japan (such as a lease agreement) before submitting the visa application.
In particular, the documents submitted to Immigration will be reviewed to confirm where you plan to live and whether that location is an environment where you can live together with your foreign spouse. However, some rental properties have restrictions such as “no foreign residents” or “the tenant must present a residence card,” so caution is required. Recently, the number of properties that are accommodating to foreign residents and real estate agencies that provide support has been increasing, and using such services is recommended.
- Can we obtain a spouse visa even if our income is low?
- Even if your income is low, it may still be possible to obtain the “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” status. However, the key point in the review is whether the couple can maintain a stable life in Japan. Immigration places importance on “financial support capability,” meaning whether you have a sufficient economic foundation to live in Japan.
For example, the following cases may be assessed flexibly:
• You can receive financial support from parents or other relatives (in that case, a pledge of support and proof of income may be required)
• You have a certain amount of savings (submit copies of bankbook pages and/or a balance certificate)
• You have a job offer and are expected to have higher income soon
• The foreign spouse plans to work (after obtaining the visa)The important point is whether you can clearly explain, with objective documentation, that “the couple’s life in Japan is financially feasible.” If you are concerned, consulting a professional in advance can help reduce the risk of denial.
- Is a divorce history disadvantageous in the review?
- Remarriage itself is not a problem. However, Immigration may check whether there is anything unnatural about continuity with the previous marriage or the timing of when the relationship began. If you can explain the circumstances sincerely, it should not be an issue.
- After my spouse obtains the visa, can they work immediately?
- The “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” status has no work restrictions, so your spouse can work freely. After entering Japan,
they can work not only part-time or full-time, but also as a self-employed person or freelancer. Unlike other statuses of residence (for example, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”), a major advantage is that there are no restrictions on job type or employment form.
When job hunting, it is generally sufficient to present the residence card and have the employer confirm the status of residence and period of stay. However, at the time of renewal, Immigration will check stable income and the genuineness of marital life, so we recommend keeping documents such as pay slips and a certificate of residence to prove your living situation, including employment status.
- What procedures are required for children who will relocate together with the foreign spouse?
- If the child is a foreign national, they will need an appropriate status of residence (often under “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” as a child of a Japanese national). For example, if a child was born between a Japanese national and a foreign national and does not hold Japanese nationality, you should first consider issues related to choosing or acquiring nationality. If the child can acquire Japanese nationality, it may be necessary to submit documents such as a birth notification and a notification of reservation of nationality (where applicable).
If the child has Japanese nationality, completing resident registration and health insurance enrollment upon entry will help ensure a smooth start of life in Japan. Also, depending on the area, public schools may provide “Japanese language supplementary classes” or “learning support classes” for children who are not fluent in Japanese.
- If my foreign spouse and I divorce in Japan, can my spouse continue living in Japan?
- If the foreign spouse holds the “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” status and you divorce, in principle they cannot continue living in Japan long-term on the same status. After divorce, it may be necessary to consider changing to another status of residence such as “Long-Term Resident.”
In cases where there are family circumstances—such as raising a minor Japanese child with the former spouse—special consideration may be given. In such cases, the key points in the review include evidence of child custody/parenting and proof of a stable living foundation.
Even if there are no children, depending on the person’s history of residence and degree of settlement in Japan, there are cases where it is possible to obtain “Long-Term Resident” status.
If you wish to remain in Japan after divorce, it is important to consult a professional early and take appropriate measures based on your situation.
- What procedures should the foreign spouse complete at the city/ward office after relocating to Japan?
- After the foreign spouse enters Japan, they must complete resident registration within 14 days. Resident registration is done at the city/ward office of the municipality where you live by presenting the residence card and passport. After that, you will enroll in health insurance (National Health Insurance), obtain/confirm your My Number, and if necessary enroll in the National Pension as well. Completing these procedures enables you to use public services in Japan.
In addition, many cases require presentation of a certificate of residence and/or My Number to sign a mobile phone contract or open a bank account, so it is recommended to complete these procedures as early as possible. More municipalities are also establishing multilingual consultation counters, and some offices can provide support in languages such as English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
4. Case Studies: Couples Living Overseas Obtained a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Locally and Returned to Japan
When both spouses live overseas and plan to return to Japan, the key points are communication methods, delivery methods, and deadline management in order to proceed with the COE application from abroad. In this section, we introduce case studies where applicants obtained a COE through an overseas application and successfully connected it to their return to Japan.
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VOL.136 Mr./Ms. E (France) |
| [Approval Case] Example of Obtaining “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” by Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Overseas |
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Client (from Google Reviews) |
| [Approval Case] Example of Obtaining “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” by Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Overseas |
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Client (from Google Reviews) |
| [Approval Case] Example of Obtaining “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” by Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Overseas |
Click here for the full list of cases from clients who obtained a Japan spouse visa
5. Key Points Summary to Successfully Relocate to Japan with a Foreign Spouse
As in this case, many people wish to live together in Japan with their foreign spouse after an international marriage. However, a spouse visa application is not “marriage = automatic approval.” It is reviewed from many angles, including background circumstances, the genuineness of the relationship, and the couple’s living foundation.
In particular, in recent years, stricter measures against sham marriages have raised the review threshold compared to before. Even when a couple has a genuine relationship, there are not a few cases where applications are denied due to incomplete documents or insufficient explanations.
If you feel “I don’t know where to start” or “I’m not sure what documents are needed,” we encourage you to consult a professional as early as possible. Based on nearly 40 years of experience and abundant case studies, ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides optimal support tailored to each client’s situation.
“We don’t have a resident record,” “Both spouses are overseas and cannot go to Japan,” “We don’t know where to start”—even in these situations, you are not alone.
For COE applications for “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National” (spouse visa), a specialist will help organize your case and explain concrete steps.
We can manage the process mainly via email and online communication, and we also provide consultations in English and Chinese.
Contact us by email 03-6905-6371
See our service details and fees (Spouse Visa Application Support)
6. Support System of ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
A spouse visa application is not only about collecting documents. It is essential to proactively align the entire set of materials by anticipating the points Immigration is likely to check.
From the initial planning stage, our office identifies potential risk factors and provides end-to-end support—covering submission order, supporting documents, and the overall strategy for the Statement of Reasons.
Established in 1986, with over 40,000 cases
We apply long-term examination trends and corporate-standard know-how directly to your application.
Learn moreExperienced specialists with 10+ years are involved in key judgments
We understand the examination points and can provide consulting that reduces denial risk.
Learn moreThe judgment behind a 99.9% approval rate (2024)
If we determine approval is extremely unlikely, we will tell you honestly.
Learn moreNationwide support: Managed mainly via email and online. Clients outside the area receive the same quality of support.
Multilingual support: Consultations available in English and Chinese.
Clear progress tracking: Check application status and required documents through an online system.
Support for difficult cases: Extensive experience with cases likely to face closer scrutiny, including re-applications after denial.
Transparent fees: Clear fee structure designed to minimize unexpected additional charges.
Support even after a denial: If denied, we provide a free re-application and thorough support until approval.
Information security: We properly manage personal information under operations based on ISO27001.
View the full list of 9 reasons why ACROSEED is chosenACROSEED’s Track Record
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ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
Representative Administrative Scrivener
Makoto Sano
1998 Graduated from Aoyamagakuin University
2001 Registered as an administrative scrivener
He has Over 20 years of experience as an international administrative scrivener, specializing in foreign employment consulting and residence procedures for foreign residents in Japan.
Click here to see information about his business achievements
Click here to see books he has authored
Pages Often Read Together When Applying for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National
![[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa) Application Guide](https://english.visajapan.jp/images/haigusha_title.jpg)
[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa) Application Guide
An administrative scrivener explains the requirements for obtaining a spouse visa (marriage), working under a spouse visa, applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa, what happens in the event of divorce under a spouse visa, required documents, and more.
![[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National Renewal Procedures Guide](https://english.visajapan.jp/images/spouse_renewal_title.jpg)
[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National Renewal Procedures Guide
Renewal procedures for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa). An administrative scrivener explains the required document checklist, how to avoid denial cases, and key points to prove eligibility for obtaining a 3-year or 5-year period of stay.
Applying for Permanent Residency from a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National
At ACROSEED, we have a proven track record not only with first-time spouse visa applications, but also with cases that were denied multiple times when filed by the applicant alone, as well as procedures for those with past legal violations or a history of overstaying—across a wide variety of situations.
For More Detailed Questions About the Spouse Visa System
Please explain the requirements for obtaining a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National in detail
Periods of stay for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Differences between 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years
Required documents & Statement of Reasons for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Key examination points and preparation tips (Latest Edition)
How to invite a foreign spouse living overseas to Japan with a COE
Can we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility while both spouses remain overseas?
Changing from a short-term visa to a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: General rules and exceptions
How to change from a student/work visa to a spouse visa
My spouse visa application was denied (COE not issued). Can I re-apply?
Since opening our practice in 1986, we have been involved in consulting on visa applications for foreigners for nearly 40 years as an immigration lawyer.
Telephone consultation, email consultation, online consultation, and consultation at our office are available.
