We receive many requests from couples who have been living abroad and wish to establish their base in Japan. Some common reasons include wanting to raise children in Japan, pursue employment opportunities, or plan for retirement life in Japan.

If couples reside overseas, I would like to explain how to apply for the so-called Spouse Visa (Status of Residence: “Spouse of a Japanese National,” and any important considerations.

 

This blog in Japanese  　配偶者ビザの申請　ーご夫婦で海外在住の場合ー

Related blog  　　　　　Spouse visa in Japan

 

 

Application Process for COE

 

When the couples are living abroad, the process for applying for a Spouse visa (residence status: “Spouse of a Japanese national”) involves several steps, as outlined below:

1. Document Preparation
2. Application to the Japanese Immigration Bureau
3. Receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility
4. Visa Issuance at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
5. Entry to Japan within three months from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility

 

 

Required Documents for Application

 

If both spouses are residing abroad, the necessary documents for the application include:

• Application form
• Full family register (koseki tohon) of the Japanese spouse
• Marriage certificate issued by the relevant authority in the applicant’s home country
• Proof of financial means to cover living expenses in Japan:
  – Copy of bank account statement
  – Employment confirmation or job offer letter (issued by a Japanese company)
• Guarantee letter
• Questionnaire
• Documentation confirming communication between spouses:
  – Photographs
  – Social media records

 

 

Differences from when the Japanese spouse resides in Japan

 

 

1. Guarantor

A guarantor is required when applying for the Spouse visa. Typically, the Japanese spouse serves as the guarantor. However, only a “Japanese resident” can act as a guarantor. Therefore, if both spouses are living abroad, it is necessary to ask for relatives to act the guarantor. Generally, parents or siblings of the Japanese spouse often fulfill this role.

 

2. Proof of Financial Means in Japan

In cases where the Japanese spouse resides in Japan and wishes to invite their spouse from abroad, documents such as municipal tax certificates and tax payment certificates are to be submitted as proof of financial means. However, if both spouses are living abroad, these documents cannot be provided. Instead, bank account statements or employment offer letters can be submitted, demonstrating financial stability in Japan.

 

Q: Is it possible to obtain a Spouse visa if a job in Japan has not been secured upon return?

Many of our clients have faced situations where employment in Japan has not been secured before their return. Finding employment, going through interviews, and receiving a job offer while still abroad can be challenging. Especially with foreign spouses, I’ve heard from clients several times that they were told by companies that they would like the Spouse Visa to be approved and then conduct the final interview after arriving in Japan.

In cases where employment in Japan has not been secured, presenting evidence of sufficient savings, having the financially stable Japanese spouse’s parents act as the guarantor, or demonstrating regular income from abroad have been successful strategies in obtaining approval for the Spouse visa.

 

3. Appointment of a representative

When the applicant resides abroad, a representative residing in Japan is required. If both spouses reside abroad, a relative can act as the proxy agent in addition to being the guarantor.

 

 

In Conclusion

In addition to the methods outlined above, another approach is for the Japanese spouse to return to Japan first and act as a representative for foreign spouse’s application for the Certificate of Eligibility. This option is suitable when there are no relatives available to act as guarantors or representative.

 

Our office has handled numerous Spouse visa applications, and we have assisted many couples in realizing their goal of moving to Japan together. Our office also handles online applications, so we can assist regardless of where you will reside in Japan. If you are considering applying for a Spouse visa, please feel free to contact us through the inquiry form.

 

 

Profile

Ami Ito　　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

 

– Spent high school years in the U.K. and graduated from a local school.
– Studied mainly intercultural communication at Sophia University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Department.
– Worked in the overseas department of SEIKO for 11 years after graduation.
– Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students, with a TOEIC score of 970 and a Class A level in the United Nations Associations Test of English.
– Serves as a board member in charge of international affairs at the Chiba Administrative Scrivener Association.
– Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Administrative Scriveners) in Chiba Prefecture capable of providing services in foreign languages.”