Spouse of Permanent Resident
Japan
Last updated: December 25, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$344
4-6 months
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets you live in Japan if you are married to someone with permanent residency. It is a family-based visa, not a work visa. You get full work rights—you can do any job you want, switch employers anytime, or start your own business. This visa is special because it is one of the fastest ways to become a permanent resident yourself. You only need 3 years of marriage plus 1 year living in Japan—much faster than the normal 10-year requirement. The visa is currently active and accepting applications. No plans to discontinue it.
Key Benefits
- Work without limits—any job, any industry, any hours
- Bring spouse and children as dependents
- Full healthcare access through Japan health insurance
- Travel freely with no restrictions on leaving or returning
- Fast path to permanent residency: 3 years marriage + 1 year in Japan
- Change jobs instantly without work permits
- Access to social services and public schools
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Legally married to permanent resident of Japan
- Marriage valid in both your country and Japan
- No criminal record
- All taxes and social insurance paid on time
- Stable household income
- Live together or have valid reason for living apart
- Marriage must be genuine, not just on paper
- Not in a same-sex marriage (Japan does not recognize same-sex marriages)
- No serious traffic or immigration violations
Financial Requirement
Your household needs about $19,000–$26,000 annual income. No fixed minimum, but you must show you can support yourselves. Savings and home ownership count. Lower income is possible in smaller cities.
Documents
- Marriage certificateFrom your home country with Japanese translation
- Proof of legal marriageValid in both your country and Japan
- Valid passportCurrent and valid
- Residence cardCopy of your permanent resident spouse's card
- House recordsProof you live together
- Income proofLast 2-3 years tax returns and employment letter
- Tax compliance proofProof you paid all taxes and insurance
- Relationship proofPhotos together, messages, call records, travel proof
- ID photo4cm × 3cm, recent
- Health certificateTB and HIV screening
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.