Japan Spouse Visa Change of Status | Documents Checklist
Japan Spouse Visa Change of Status: Required Documents Checklist
Documents Required When a Foreign National Marries a Japanese Citizen in Japan
Foreign nationals already residing in Japan under a work visa, student visa, or another eligible residence status may apply to change their status to Spouse or Child of Japanese National.
The procedure is called an Application for Change of Status of Residence.
The following checklist distinguishes documents generally required by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency from additional supporting evidence that may be necessary depending on the couple’s circumstances.
1. Basic Application Documents
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Applicant’s photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Official Spouse Visa Questionnaire
- Letter explaining the circumstances of the application, where appropriate
- Letter of Guarantee signed by the Japanese spouse
The applicant must also present their valid passport and residence card.
2. Documents Concerning the Foreign Spouse
- Marriage certificate issued by the relevant foreign authority, with Japanese translation where necessary
- Passport
- Residence card
- Employment income and tax records, if relevant to household financial support
Depending on the circumstances, additional documents may include:
- Personal history or résumé outlining education and employment
- Graduation certificate or certificate of enrollment
- Evidence of Japanese language proficiency, such as a JLPT certificate
- Withholding tax statements (Gensen Choshu Hyo)
- Municipal tax payment certificates
- Documents Evidencing Income Earned Overseas（EX/FormW2, Form-SSA, T4 ect）
Academic records and Japanese language proficiency certificates are not standard mandatory documents for every spouse visa application. They may be useful where the applicant’s personal history or immigration circumstances require further explanation.
3. Documents Concerning the Japanese Spouse
- Family register (Koseki Tohon) showing the marriage
- Municipal residence record (Juminhyo) covering all household members
- Municipal inhabitant tax assessment or exemption certificate and tax payment certificate, generally for the most recent year, for the person supporting the applicant financially
Additional financial evidence may include:
- Certificate of Employment
- Recent salary statements, such as the preceding three months
- Employer information or company website
- Copy of the Japanese spouse’s passport
- Savings and other financial records
4. Additional Documents for Business Owners
Where the Japanese spouse operates a company or is self-employed, immigration authorities may require additional evidence of the business and household finances.
Relevant documents may include:
- Company’s Certificate of Registered Matters
- Most recent balance sheet and income statement
- Summary of Statutory Reports, including withholding tax statements
- Business tax returns and evidence of executive compensation, where applicable
The precise documentation depends on the business structure and financial circumstances.
5. Evidence of a Genuine Marriage
Applicants must demonstrate that their marriage is genuine and continuing.
Supporting evidence may include:
- Two or three photographs clearly showing the couple together
- Wedding photographs and pictures taken with family members
- Telephone and video call records
- Email, messaging application, and social media communication records
- Records of financial transfers between spouses, where relevant
The evidence should be consistent with the information provided in the official questionnaire.
6. Housing and Financial Support Documents
Additional documents may be useful to establish the couple’s intended living arrangements and ability to support themselves in Japan.
Examples include:
- Photographs of the marital home
- Residential lease agreement
- Real estate registration documents, if the property is owned
- Bank statements or savings records of the household’s financial supporter
7. Additional Documents for Individual Cases
Depending on the circumstances, supplementary written statements may be obtained from:
- Parents or other family members
- Friends familiar with the couple’s relationship
- Relatives residing in Japan
- Employers or workplace supervisors
These statements are not ordinarily required in every application but may help explain unusual circumstances or address concerns regarding the authenticity of the marriage.
Important Considerations
The documents required for a Japanese spouse visa change-of-status application vary depending on the applicant’s residence history, financial circumstances, and marital relationship.
Submitting the standard checklist does not necessarily mean that the application is sufficiently documented. Immigration authorities may request further evidence during the examination process.
Applicants should review the current official requirements and prepare additional supporting documents where their circumstances justify them.
Continental Immigration: Spouse Visa Change-of-Status Support
Continental Immigration Administrative Scrivener Corporation assists foreign nationals who wish to change their existing residence status to Spouse or Child of Japanese National.
Our services include reviewing immigration history, preparing application forms and questionnaires, and organizing evidence of marriage and financial stability.
As your Trusted Advisor, we provide professional immigration support tailored to each application.
https://en.continental-immigration.com/
Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer, 東京都行政書士会 港支部 副支部長
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
