Requirements and Screening Criteria for the Spouse of Japanese National Visa | Explained by an Administrative Scrivener

2. Who Qualifies as a “Spouse” under Immigration Law?

The most important factor in screening a Spouse of Japanese National visa is not only whether a legal marriage exists, but whether the marriage has substantive authenticity.

A legally valid marriage alone is insufficient. The couple must share a genuine intention to live together, aiming for a permanent mental and physical union.

Source: Supreme Court of Japan, October 17, 2002

The following points are emphasized in immigration practice:

• The marriage is currently ongoing (not divorced or widowed)
• The marriage is legally valid in both countries of nationality
• Common-law or de facto marriages are not eligible
• The couple maintains a shared marital life, generally through cohabitation

Even if a marriage is legally registered, a lack of cohabitation or insufficient evidence of marital life may result in denial of the visa. In cases of justified separation due to work assignments or caregiving, it is essential to clearly explain the reasons and continuity of the marital relationship.

3. Screening Criteria for the Spouse of Japanese National Visa as Seen from Required Documents

The screening criteria for the Spouse of Japanese National visa can be understood by reviewing the content of the required documents requested by immigration authorities. These documents generally fall into the following three categories.

① Confirmation that the Marriage Is Legally Valid

Through documents such as family registers and marriage certificates, immigration authorities confirm that the marriage is legally valid in both Japan and the spouse’s country of nationality.

② Ability to Maintain a Stable Life in Japan (Living Foundation)

For a spouse visa, authorities examine whether the household can maintain a stable and continuous life in Japan. Therefore, documents such as residence tax certificates, tax payment certificates, savings records, and employment information are required.

Income is not limited to salary income and may include business income, real estate income, pensions, and savings. However, if income is unstable or the applicant has recently changed jobs, supplementary documents explaining future financial stability become particularly important.

③ Whether the Marriage Has Substantive Authenticity

Letters of guarantee, residence certificates, questionnaires, photographs, and SNS or call records are used to determine whether the marriage is genuine and not merely a formal arrangement.

4. Key Examination Points Based on the Questionnaire

In the screening of the Spouse of Japanese National visa, the questionnaire is an extremely important document. The following points are typically reviewed.

• Whether the relationship development from first meeting to marriage is natural
• The language used between the couple and their communication style
• Past marriage history, entry history to Japan, and residence status
• Whether there is any history of deportation or overstaying
• Whether both parties’ family relationships are clearly understood

If inconsistencies are found between the questionnaire, submitted documents, or previous applications, immigration authorities will conduct a more cautious assessment of the authenticity of the marriage. Therefore, it is essential to provide accurate and consistent information.

5. Points Emphasized in Recent Examinations

In recent years, the following points have been given particular importance in the examination of Spouse of Japanese National visa applications.

• The reality of cohabitation and whether there are reasonable reasons for living separately
• The balance between household income and expenses
• Compliance with public obligations such as residence tax, pension, and health insurance
• Any past immigration violations or previous visa refusals
• Consistency of application content and clarity of explanations

6. Approved Case Examples for the Spouse of Japanese National Visa

We introduce real approved cases (client testimonials) in which applicants obtained the Spouse of Japanese National visa under various circumstances, such as new applications after international marriage, status changes from student or work visas, large age differences, short dating periods, and reapplications after previous refusals. Please review cases similar to your own situation.

1. Case of Inviting a Spouse from Overseas with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

	VOL.177 Mr. M (Tunisia)
	[Approved Case] Obtaining “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” through a COE application

2. Case of Obtaining Spouse Status through a Change of Status of Residence

	VOL.176 Ms. S (USA)
	[Approved Case] Change from Student Visa to Spouse of Japanese National Visa

3. Case of Changing from a Short-Term Stay to Spouse Status after Entry

	VOL.157 Mr. K (China)
	[Approved Case] Change to Spouse of Japanese National after Entering Japan on a Short-Term Visa

View All Approved Spouse Visa Cases

Client Reviews from Google

7. Summary: Spouse of Japanese National Visa Is Based on “Marriage + Stable Life”

The requirements and screening criteria for the Spouse of Japanese National visa are not limited to whether the couple is legally married. Immigration authorities comprehensively assess the authenticity of the marriage and the ability to maintain a stable life in Japan.

Beyond simply preparing documents in the correct format, providing a consistent and logical explanation of why the marriage is genuine and why life in Japan is sustainable is the key to a smooth examination process.

8. 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.

Nationwide 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.

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

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

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?