Japan Spouse Visa Questionnaire（質問書）: How to Prove Your Marriage Is Genuine

Japanese Immigration Law Insights | October 2026

Why Does Japanese Immigration Require a Spouse Visa Questionnaire（質問書）?

When applying for a Japanese spouse visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National), applicants are generally required to submit an official questionnaire issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The principal purpose of this questionnaire is to determine whether the marriage is genuine or has been entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

For couples in a legitimate marriage, questions about their personal relationship may feel intrusive. However, Japanese immigration authorities have historically encountered fraudulent marriages arranged to obtain residence status or unauthorized access to employment in Japan.

Consequently, the questionnaire plays an important role in assessing the authenticity of the marital relationship.

Incomplete, inconsistent, or insufficiently supported answers may lead to additional scrutiny or even refusal of the spouse visa application.

1. What Questions Does Japanese Immigration Ask?

The questionnaire examines the circumstances surrounding the relationship and marriage.

Applicants are generally asked to provide information about:

• How and when the couple first met
• How their romantic relationship developed
• Whether a wedding ceremony was held
• The language used for communication
• Whether a third party introduced the couple
• Family relationships and marital circumstances

Certain questions require factual answers, while others invite a written explanation of the relationship’s history.

The description of how the couple met, developed their relationship, and decided to marry is particularly important.

Supporting evidence, such as photographs, international travel records, telephone histories, and LINE or other messaging records, can help substantiate these explanations.

2. How Should You Complete the Spouse Visa Questionnaire?

The questionnaire should provide a clear, accurate, and consistent account of the marriage.

Certain circumstances may warrant additional explanation, including:

• A substantial age difference between the spouses
• A relatively short courtship period
• Meeting through a dating application or international marriage agency
• Multiple previous marriages or divorces
• Other circumstances raising questions about the relationship’s authenticity

Where appropriate, applicants may attach a separate written statement explaining their relationship in greater detail.

Three principles are particularly important:

Be specific. Provide accurate dates, locations, and relevant events rather than vague descriptions or guesses.

Use objective evidence. Photographs, family gatherings, wedding celebrations, travel records, and communication histories can support the written account.

Never provide false information. The Japanese spouse is required to sign the questionnaire, which warns that false statements may result in an unfavorable immigration decision or potential legal consequences.

3. What Supporting Documents Should Be Submitted?

Because the questionnaire primarily contains statements made by the Japanese spouse, objective documentation is essential.

Depending on the circumstances, supporting evidence may include:

• Photographs showing the development of the relationship
• LINE, WhatsApp, or other communication records
• Travel records and evidence of visits
• Wedding and family event documentation
• Evidence of accommodation in Japan
• Employment, income, and financial records
• Tax certificates, bank statements, and other relevant documents

The appropriate documentation varies according to each couple’s circumstances.

Applications involving unusual relationship histories or limited supporting evidence may require more extensive explanations.

Immigration authorities may refuse an application if the submitted information does not adequately establish the authenticity of the marriage, even without first requesting additional documents.

For this reason, preparing a complete and persuasive application from the outset is particularly important.

4. Continental Immigration: Professional Spouse Visa Application Support

At Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we assist international couples in preparing spouse visa questionnaires, supporting evidence, and comprehensive immigration applications.

Our approach emphasizes accurate factual explanations, consistent documentation, and practical knowledge of Japanese immigration examination procedures.

As your Trusted Advisor, we develop individualized application strategies designed to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage and address potential concerns before submission.

Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation

Japanese Spouse Visa and International Marriage Immigration Services

https://en.continental-immigration.com/

About the Author

Masakazu Murai, CFP, CMA
Administrative Scrivener | Immigration and Financial Consultant

Masakazu Murai specializes in Japanese immigration procedures, particularly spouse visa applications, and financial consulting.

Previously, he worked in investment banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, advising corporations on financing and mergers and acquisitions.

During his banking career, he also served on the Central Executive Committee of the employees’ union, contributing to workplace diversity and improvements in working conditions.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and is a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan (CMA).