Obtaining the Status of Residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” for Persons Born as Children of Japanese Nationals

The status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” is not limited to spouses married to Japanese nationals. It also applies to foreign nationals who were born as children of Japanese nationals.

For example, individuals whose father or mother held Japanese nationality at the time of birth but who did not acquire Japanese nationality, or those who chose not to acquire it, as well as those whose parent-child relationship has been legally established through acknowledgment, are required to obtain a status of residence in order to live in Japan.

This page primarily targets biological children of Japanese nationals who have never acquired Japanese nationality, and explains in an easy-to-understand manner the basic framework, application routes, key examination points, and required documents for obtaining the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” from the perspective of an administrative scrivener.

1. Who Is Considered a Person Born as a Child of a Japanese National under the Status “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”?

A “person born as a child of a Japanese national” generally refers to a biological child whose father or mother is Japanese. This includes not only legitimate children but also acknowledged children born out of wedlock.

The key factor is not whether the person was born in Japan, but whether either parent held Japanese nationality at the time of birth. Therefore, individuals born overseas may also fall under this category.

Please note that although both fall under the same status of residence, applications for “spouses married to Japanese nationals” differ in examination points and required documentation, and are explained on a separate page.

Spouse of Japanese National Visa Service (Marriage Visa)

We provide detailed explanations focused on marital authenticity and financial requirements, including new applications, renewals, and reapplications after denial.

2. Why Is a Status of Residence Required for Children of Japanese Nationals? | Difference Between Japanese Nationality and Status of Residence

To live in Japan on a mid- to long-term basis, one must generally either hold Japanese nationality or possess an appropriate status of residence (visa).

Some may assume that “because one parent is Japanese, living in Japan should be automatic.” However, if Japanese nationality was not acquired or properly registered, it may be necessary to obtain a status of residence as a foreign national.

• Nationality: Legal status as a Japanese national, linked to the family register and passport system.
• Status of Residence: Permission for foreign nationals to reside in Japan, requiring renewal or change procedures.
• This page: Covers cases where biological children of Japanese nationals without Japanese nationality obtain the status “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

3. Summary of Eligible and Ineligible Cases

A “person born as a child of a Japanese national” may be eligible if the parent-child relationship can be substantiated (family register, birth certificate, acknowledgment documents, etc.). Here, we summarize common patterns.

Typical Examples That Are More Likely to Be Eligible

• At the time of birth, the father or mother held Japanese nationality (including births overseas)
• Born out of wedlock, but acknowledged by the Japanese father
• Required documents such as the parent’s family register and birth certificate are available, and the explanation of the parent-child relationship is consistent

Cases Requiring Special Attention (Careful Evidence Planning Is Crucial)

• The parent’s family register cannot be traced / entries are interrupted partway
• Variations in the birth certificate (name, date of birth, spelling, name changes), and complicated notarization/translation requirements
• The supporter’s living foundation in Japan is weak, requiring a well-structured explanation of the living plan

Examples Often Treated as Ineligible or Under a Different System

4. How to Choose an Application Route (COE Application / Change of Status)

The overall application framework generally falls into the following two routes depending on your situation. Which is appropriate depends on your current stay status, deadlines, and the receiving/support setup in Japan.

Cases Suitable for Applying from Overseas (COE)

• You are planning to relocate to Japan and start living there on a mid- to long-term basis
• You can build an explanation of the supporter in Japan, housing, and living expenses
• You want to stabilize the application schedule in Japan

Cases Suitable for a Change of Status Application in Japan

• You are already staying in Japan and want to organize your status of residence promptly based on your circumstances and remaining period of stay
• You expect to be able to prepare the required documents within a short period
• You want to proceed with schedule control while anticipating possible additional document requests from immigration

※Changing from Temporary Visitor can be more difficult depending on individual circumstances. We will propose the optimal route based on your situation.

5. Key Examination Points (Parent-Child Relationship and Living Foundation)

In examination, it is not enough to simply claim “I am the child of a Japanese national.” Immigration comprehensively reviews both substantiation of the parent-child relationship and whether life in Japan can be sustained (living foundation).

(1) Substantiation of the Parent-Child Relationship

• Consistency between the Japanese family register (the parent’s family register) and documents such as birth certificates and acknowledgment materials
• Explanatory documents if there are name changes, spelling variations, or legal name changes
• Translation, notarization, and formal requirements of overseas documents and issuing authorities

(2) Living Foundation (Support, Housing, and Living Expenses)

• Place of residence in Japan (lease agreement, explanation of planned cohabitation, etc.)
• Evidence of living expenses (supporter’s income, savings, remittances, etc.)
• Life plan after arrival (planned employment, learning/life support arrangements, etc.)

(3) Consistency of the Explanation (Application Story)

It is not uncommon for immigration to request additional materials. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we first design the order of documents and the framework of the explanation (the “story”), and compile the application in a format that makes it easier for the examiner to assess.

6. Required Documents for Persons Born as Children of Japanese Nationals When Applying for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa

Required documents may change frequently due to legal amendments, etc., so please confirm the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency website.

If you retain our services, we will propose documents that we believe will maximize the likelihood of approval, based on the required documents published on the Immigration Services Agency website and tailored to your situation.

1. Required Documents When Applying for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” via a COE Application

2. Required Documents When Applying for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” via a Change of Status Application

※For overseas documents, formats and required authentication vary by issuing authority and country. We recommend checking formal requirements as well before submission.

7. Q&A: Obtaining a Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa for Persons Born as Children of Japanese Nationals

Yes, you are eligible. Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, “a person born as a child of a Japanese national” includes not only a legitimate child (born during marriage) but also a child born out of wedlock whose parent-child relationship with the father (or mother) has been legally established through acknowledgment. The key points are that either the father or the mother held Japanese nationality at the time of the birth (or that the father died before the birth and held Japanese nationality at the time of death), and that the acknowledgment has been legally established.

In the application, we use the family register (with the acknowledgment recorded) as the core document, and combine it with related materials such as the birth certificate and a copy of the acknowledgment notification to ensure that the flow of “birth → parent’s nationality → acknowledgment → establishment of the parent-child relationship” can be confirmed without contradiction. When overseas documents are involved, inconsistencies are more likely to occur in name notation (romanization/aliases) and date formats, so we strengthen consistency by attaching an explanatory statement as needed.

The approach differs depending on why the family register “cannot be obtained/cannot be found,” but in general the key is to expand the scope of retrieval and restore continuity. Specifically, we request not only the current family register but also removed registers (joseki) and revised original registers (kaisei-genkoseki), and trace transfers of domicile and revision history to see whether we can reach the register that contains the parent-child relationship entries. If gaps still remain, we cross-check with official overseas documents such as birth, marriage, and acknowledgment records, and organize exactly which information is missing.

The critical points at this stage are variations in name notation (kanji/kana/roman letters), name changes, and date-of-birth formatting. If the documents cannot be connected as referring to the same person, the examiner is more likely to hold judgment. Therefore, we prepare explanatory materials to demonstrate “identity” as needed (a chronology memo, relationship chart, and supplemental documents), and design the package so that the examiner can follow on what basis the person is the same individual and the parent-child relationship is established.

Acquiring Japanese nationality (acquisition/restoration of nationality, etc.) and obtaining the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” are separate systems. Therefore, “there may be a possibility to obtain nationality” does not necessarily mean “you must obtain nationality first.” In practice, many cases proceed in stages—taking into account whether you need to start living in Japan immediately, the family’s overall status-of-residence planning, and time and certainty required for procedures—such as “entering and settling in Japan first under a status of residence, then considering nationality acquisition later.”

In addition, nationality procedures vary greatly by case in terms of requirements and how evidence must be prepared. On the other hand, status-of-residence applications are generally designed around proving the parent-child relationship and the living foundation (housing, support, income, etc.). At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we consider plans for schooling/employment, accompanying family members, and the timing of starting life in Japan, and after organizing “which is more realistic to pursue first—nationality or status of residence”, we propose the optimal route.

It may be possible. However, if the supporter (primary financial/overall supporter) is overseas, the examiner’s focus tends to shift toward “how the living foundation in Japan will be secured.” Specifically, it is important to explain with concrete details: (1) where you will live in Japan (whose name the residence will be under and how it will be secured), (2) how living expenses will be paid (the basis and continuity of overseas remittances), and (3) an emergency support system (whether there are relatives or acquaintances in Japan who can provide support).

If there is a supporter in Japan (such as relatives), we organize the relationship, support content, and communication system to substantiate that you can “live stably in Japan.” If support in Japan is limited, we show a living plan by combining other grounds such as savings, pensions, and planned schooling/employment. In any case, the key is how to structure the three-part set: funds, housing, and support, so we recommend designing the overall plan before preparing documents.

Yes, it may be possible. Under immigration law, the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” includes not only “a spouse of a Japanese national” but also “a special adopted child of a Japanese national.” Therefore, a foreign-national child whose special adoption with a Japanese national has been established may be able to obtain this status of residence if the requirements are met.

However, in examination, it is important not only that the adoption exists, but also that the special adoption has been validly established under Japan’s legal system, and that custody and upbringing (living foundation) in Japan are stable. Depending on the country and procedural history, the way to submit “proof of establishment” may differ—for example, court decisions, certificates of finality, and family register entries—so designing the submission package is crucial.

In addition, if the adoption is not a “special adoption” but only a regular adoption, or if the parent-child relationship is complex, it may be necessary to consider another status of residence (such as Long-Term Resident). We recommend organizing the case in light of your circumstances, including which status of residence is most appropriate.

8. Application Support Service for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa for Persons Born as Children of Japanese Nationals

1. Service Overview

This service is a specialized support service for obtaining a status of residence in Japan, intended for those who fall under “a person born as a child of a Japanese national” within the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

A biological child (legitimate child or an acknowledged child born out of wedlock) whose father or mother held Japanese nationality at the time of birth may have the possibility of acquiring Japanese nationality. However, due to circumstances such as not having acquired nationality, loss of nationality, or incomplete notification procedures, there are cases where an application must be made under the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we accurately organize the background of birth, parent-child relationship, and nationality, and substantiate it in a form that is easy for the examiner to assess, thereby filing an application designed to maximize the likelihood of approval.

We handle the following application cases.

In applications for persons born as children of Japanese nationals, the consistency among cross-border documents—such as overseas birth certificates, acknowledgment certificates, and family register-related materials—is a major examination point. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we design in advance which documents to rely on and in what order to explain them, and structure the application to avoid creating unfavorable misunderstandings.

For general marriage-based applications to obtain “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” through marriage to a Japanese national, please see the following page.

Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa Application Support Service (Marriage Visa)

We handle a wide range of cases, from first-time applications to cases with prior denials and those requiring explanations regarding income or marital history.

※ The following persons may fall under “Long-Term Resident,” rather than the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

Long-Term Resident Visa Application Support Service

We support Long-Term Resident visa applications for persons of Japanese descent and those supported by Japanese nationals, Permanent Residents, or Long-Term Residents.

2. What the Service Includes

1. Selecting and preparing the optimal submission documents based on the applicant’s circumstances
2. Building explanatory materials regarding birth, parent-child relationship, and nationality background
3. Filing the application with the Immigration Services Agency and handling related procedures (including certification/seals)
4. Responding to requests for additional documents and checking progress during the examination
5. Free re-application support in the event of a denial
6. Mid- to long-term advice with a view to future Permanent Residency and naturalization applications

3. Benefits of Hiring ACROSEED

▼See the 9 Reasons ACROSEED Is Chosen for More Details

4. Ratings on Google Reviews

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office has received high evaluations for service quality from many clients, regardless of nationality or application category.

5. Service Fees for Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa Applications for Persons Born as Children of Japanese Nationals

・There are absolutely no additional fees based on the client’s individual conditions.

・Because we provide nationwide support, clients in remote areas can retain us at the same fee.

・Payment by credit card (VISA / Master) is also available.

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?