Common Concerns About International Marriage
Many couples considering international marriage feel anxious about the complex procedures and paperwork involved. We often receive inquiries about the following issues:
- Difficulty obtaining Japanese family registration (koseki) when both spouses live abroad
- Challenges explaining procedures in Japanese to relatives acting as guarantors after living abroad for a long time
- Need for English-language support when the foreign spouse doesn’t understand Japanese
- Lack of relatives in Japan to act as guarantors due to extended overseas living
- Uncertainty about how to fill out required documents
- Confusion about marriage procedures in Japan and how to proceed with spousal visa applications
International marriages bring joy but also present numerous hurdles. The complexity of visa applications and procedures in Japan can cause anxiety for couples starting their married life together. Collecting documents and filling out application forms can seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.
What procedures are necessary for international marriage?
To live together in Japan, you’ll need to obtain a spouse visa. The type of visa you should apply for depends on your situation:
- Foreign national marrying Japanese national: Spouse of Japanese National visa
- Foreign national marrying a foreign permanent resident: Spouse of Permanent Resident visa
- Foreign national marrying another foreign national on a work visa: Dependent visa
While required documents vary depending on the visa type, the basic application process is as follows:
- Officially register the marriage
- Obtain and prepare necessary documents
- Apply at the Immigration Services Agency
- Wait for the examination results
Our Success Stories
We’ve assisted many clients with spouse visa and dependent visa applications. International marriage procedures can present various challenges depending on the couple’s circumstances. Our office has successfully supported not only common cases but also unique situations, helping clients obtain the necessary permissions.
- Case 1: A couple living abroad had difficulty obtaining Japanese family registration
- We obtained it on their behalf, allowing the process to proceed smoothly.
- Case 2: A Japanese national living abroad for many years struggled to explain procedures to relatives in Japanese
- We provided explanations to relatives in Japanese, facilitating smooth cooperation.
- Case 3: A foreign spouse with no Japanese language skills requested all-English support
- We handled all procedures, including interviews, in English, providing reassurance throughout the application process.
- Case 4: A couple of foreign nationals unsure about marriage procedures in Japan
- We offered support to ensure smooth marriage registration at the city hall.
Why Consult with Us?
Many people feel confused and anxious about international marriage and visa procedures for spouses. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the complex document collection and application processes, thinking, “I don’t know where to start,” “I can’t figure out which documents I need,” or “The procedures aren’t going smoothly because neither of us is fluent in Japanese.” This can be particularly challenging for those who have lived abroad for a long time.
The difficulty increases when the foreign spouse doesn’t understand Japanese. We often receive requests like “We want everything handled in English” or “We need clear explanations and support for documents and procedures in English.” Our office excels in English communication and can conduct the entire process in English. From interviews to document explanations and client correspondence, we provide comprehensive support in English, allowing you to consult with us without worrying about language barriers.
We have assisted numerous international couples with spouse visa applications and visa applications for marriages between foreign nationals. We offer tailored advice for each client’s situation and provide thorough support from document acquisition to submission.
If you’re feeling lost about international marriage procedures or anxious because you don’t have anyone to consult nearby, please reach out to our office. We’re here to help you start your new life together with peace of mind.
Spouse Visa (Status of Residence) Support Services
Our services include:
- Consultation
- Creating personalized document checklists
- Document preparation
- Document review
- Application submission
- Post-submission correspondence with the Immigration Office
- Collecting results
Fees
- Certificate of Eligibility Application for Spouse of Japanese National/Permanent Resident Visa: 145,000 yen
- Change of Status of Residence Application to Spouse visa: 140,000 yen + 4,000 yen revenue stamp fee
(We will explain in advance if fees differ from those listed above.)
Payment Method
- 50% as a retainer fee upon contract signing
- Remaining 50% upon approval
Service Area
We offer services throughout Japan.
Application Process
- Contact us: Please contact us through our inquiry form
- Consultation: We’ll conduct an interview via Zoom or in person (Consultation fee applies but will be deducted from the application fee if you proceed with our services.)
- Contract signing + Retainer fee payment, then we begin work
- Application submission
- Correspondence with the Immigration Office as needed
- Collect results (If denied, we’ll inquire about the reasons and reapply without additional fees if the issues can be addressed)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you offer free consultations?
- We don’t offer free consultations, but the consultation fee is deducted from the application fee if you proceed with our services.
- Can you handle applications at distant locations?
- Yes. We typically apply online, but if in-person applications are necessary or preferred, we can provide estimates for travel expenses in advance.
- How long does it take to get examination results?
- The examination period varies depending on the Immigration office and individual cases, but results often come within 2-3 months.
- Can we apply for a Spouse of Japanese National visa even if both spouses live abroad?
- Yes, it’s possible to apply even if you’re living overseas.
- Can we apply for a spouse visa if we don’t speak Japanese?
- Yes, you can apply even without Japanese language skills. Our office can handle everything in English to ensure a smooth process.
- Are the procedures different for Spouse of Permanent Resident visas and Spouse of Japanese National visas?
- The procedures are similar, but required documents and conditions may differ. We’ll provide appropriate advice based on your situation.
- Can we apply for a spouse visa immediately after completing marriage procedures in Japan?
- Yes, you can apply for the visa as soon as the marriage registration is complete.
- What documents are needed for a visa application?
- Main required documents include marriage certificate, family register (koseki tohon), residence certificate (juminhyo), questionnaire, letter of guarantee, and documents proving financial status. We’ll provide a personalized list of required documents based on your visa type and situation.
- Is it possible to reapply if a visa application is denied?
- If denied, we’ll check the reasons and advise on reapplication if improvements can be made to address the issues.
- Can we apply for a Dependent visa if the spouse living in Japan is a foreign national?
- In most cases, you can apply for a Dependent visa if your foreign spouse is residing in Japan, with some exceptions depending on their visa type. Required documents and conditions vary based on the foreign spouse’s visa. We’ll create a personalized list of required documents.