Spouse visa in Japan: requirements and what is checked

Spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident: periods of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months, the documents asked for and what can end the status.

Reviewed on 2026-10-26

Which statuses are there?

“Spouse or Child of Japanese National” (日本人の配偶者等) covers the spouse of a Japanese citizen, a special adoptee of a Japanese citizen, and a person born as the child of a Japanese citizen.

“Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” (永住者の配偶者等) covers the spouse of a permanent resident or special permanent resident, and such a person’s child who was born in Japan and has stayed continuously since. Both statuses are granted for 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.

Which documents for the spouse of a Japanese national?

For a certificate-of-eligibility application, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) asks for the Japanese spouse’s family register extract showing the marriage, with a certificate of acceptance of the marriage notification if it is not yet recorded, and a marriage certificate issued by the authority of the applicant’s home country.

To show living costs, the ISA asks for the supporter’s most recent 1-year resident-tax certificate and tax payment certificate. If they cannot show the funds, alternatives such as a bank passbook copy or a job-offer notice are accepted. The Japanese spouse is expected to act as guarantor and must live in Japan.

Couples prove the relationship with 2 to 3 unedited snapshots showing both clearly, plus other records such as SNS or call logs, and a questionnaire. Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months, and foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.

What about the spouse of a permanent resident?

The ISA checklist for the spouse of a permanent resident has 9 items. They include the marriage certificate, the permanent-resident spouse’s resident record with every household member and the My Number omitted, a guarantee letter from that spouse, and proof of contact between the couple.

The relationship questionnaire runs to 8 pages and must be signed by the spouse in Japan. The ISA warns that a false entry can lead to disadvantage in the review or even criminal liability.

What does the office check at renewal and change?

At renewal the Japanese spouse’s family register extract must still show the marriage. A spouse who pays their own living costs submits their own tax certificates, and the spouse of a permanent resident submits a document proving that the marriage continues.

As of 2026-06, the ISA’s guideline says whether there is a “reasonable ground” to approve a change or renewal is at the Minister’s discretion, weighing activities, conduct, finances, tax and notification duties. Failure to pay taxes is a negative factor, and so is a long absence abroad under a re-entry permit unless there is a justifiable reason.

A person staying as a Short-term Visitor can have status changed only for unavoidable special circumstances, which limits switching to a spouse status after entering as a visitor.

Divorce, the spouse’s death and inactivity

The status can be revoked if the holder continuously fails to carry out activities as a spouse for 6 months or more without a legitimate reason. Someone staying as a spouse must notify the ISA of a divorce or the spouse’s death within 14 days; online filing needs no supporting documents. Failing to notify is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen.

The ISA publishes cases of changes to Long-Term Resident after a marriage ended, and gives no numeric test. In the cases published in 2017-03, the 7 approved cases had marriages of about 3 years to about 11 years 5 months, and 3 of the 6 refused cases involved marriages under 3 years.

Permanent residence, fees and processing time

Spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents do not have to meet the good-conduct and independent-livelihood requirements for permanent residence. The spouse route needs a genuine marriage of 3 years or more plus 1 continuous year in Japan under the guideline of 2026-02-24, rising to 5 years of marriage and 3 years in Japan for filings from 2027-04-01.

A certificate of eligibility is free and valid for 3 months. Standard processing periods are 1 to 3 months for a certificate, 1 to 2 months for a change of status and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension.

From 2026-10-01 the counter fee for a change of status or extension depends on the period granted. For 1 year or longer it is 33,000 yen for exactly 1 year, 48,000 yen for over 1 up to under 3 years, 64,000 yen for 3 up to under 5 years and 75,000 yen for 5 years or more.

Official source

Rulebook entries on this topic

What it is

The status 'Spouse or Child of Japanese National' covers the spouse of a Japanese citizen, a special adoptee (tokubetsu youshi) of a Japanese citizen, and a person born as the child of a Japanese citizen.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」この在留資格に該当する方 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The status 'Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident' covers the spouse of a permanent resident or special permanent resident, and a child of such a person who was born in Japan and has stayed continuously since.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」この在留資格に該当する方 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 'Long-term Resident' status is for people the Minister of Justice allows to reside for a period he specifies in consideration of special reasons; ISA's examples include resettled refugees, third-generation Nikkei and Japanese left behind in China.
在留資格「定住者」この在留資格に該当する方 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Dependent status covers the spouse or child of a person holding one of the listed work, culture or student statuses, who carries out daily-life activities while being supported by that person.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When acquiring status without landing (for example a baby born in Japan), a person may stay up to 60 days from the birth without a status, and must apply for acquisition within 30 days of the event if they will stay longer.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の二第一項・第二項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Naturalization takes effect on the date the Minister's permission is announced in the Official Gazette (Kanpo).
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第十条第二項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The status covers a child of a permanent resident or special permanent resident only if born in Japan and continuously resident since; ISA's page has no separate child checklist, and for a baby born in Japan the acquisition application takes a document proving the birth.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」この在留資格に該当する方 / 在留資格取得許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The categories of Long-term Resident that can be granted on entry are fixed in advance by Ministry of Justice Notice No. 132 of 1990 (the teijusha notification), whose most recent amendment is dated 28 October 2021 (Notice No. 220).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号） · Checked on 2026-10-22

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In item 6 of the Long-term Resident notification, 'minor' means under 18 since 1 April 2022 (previously under 20), so a person who is 18 or older can no longer newly enter as an unmarried minor natural child, although existing holders who leave under a re-entry permit are unaffected.
在留資格「定住者」冒頭の注意書き · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2022-04-01
ISA's photo specification for residence applications is 4 cm high by 3 cm wide, the applicant alone, facing front with no hat and no background or shadow, sharp, taken within the 6 months before the filing date, with the name written on the back unless printed on the form.
提出写真の規格写真のサイズ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA guidance for Dependent children moving to Long-term Resident after high school says the 4x3 cm photo must be taken within 3 months before filing.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ提出資料（２）写真 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The statutory definition of Spouse or Child of Japanese National is a Japanese national's spouse, a special adoptee, or a person born as a child of a Japanese national; the Table sets no age or marital-status limit for the child, unlike the Long-term Resident category for minor natural children.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident the statutory child test is that the person was born in Japan to a permanent resident (or special permanent resident) and has continued to reside in Japan; a child born abroad does not qualify, and there is no age or marital-status cap for the Japan-born child.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's guideline on special permission to stay describes a positive marriage factor as a legal marriage, excluding a sham or purely formal registration made to avoid deportation, with a considerable period of cohabitation, mutual cooperation and support, and a marriage that is stable and mature, for example with children.
在留特別許可に係るガイドライン第２２（１）ウ · Checked on 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

By statute, Dependent status is not available to dependants of diplomats, officials, Specified Skilled Worker (i) holders, technical intern trainees or short-term visitors.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）別表第一の四の表 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the landing standards ordinance, a Dependent applicant must be supported by a holder of a Schedule I-1 or I-2 status, Cultural Activities, or a Student status limited to higher-education study (university or equivalent, technical college, specialised college, or night-time graduate school; Japanese-language-only courses excluded).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（平成2年法務省令第16号）法別表第一の四の表の家族滞在の項の下欄に掲げる活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a COE or landing application, Long-term Resident is limited to the categories the Minister has pre-announced by notification, while Dependent (Schedule I-4) activities must also satisfy the standards set by Ministry of Justice ordinance.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第七条第一項第二号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Long-term Resident COE for an unmarried minor natural child supported by a permanent resident, long-term resident, Japanese-spouse, PR-spouse or special permanent resident requires entry before the child turns 18; a child who is 18 on entry cannot enter under this status regardless of the COE's validity.
在留資格「定住者」（未成年で未婚の実子である場合）留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An adopted child under 6 years old supported by a Japanese national, permanent resident, long-term resident or special permanent resident can apply for Long-term Resident.
在留資格「定住者」（６歳未満の養子である場合）申請区分 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Nikkei third-generation applicants (adults) who want a 5-year period must show Japanese ability: 6 months of instruction at a notified Japanese-language institution, B1-level proof (for example JLPT N2, or N3 with 104+ total points, or BJT 400+), or at least 1 year of education at a school under the School Education Act.
在留資格「定住者」（日系３世）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 (8) · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Nikkei fourth-generation scheme admits people aged 18 to 35 with an annual quota of 4,000, and participants may not bring family members.
日系四世の更なる受入制度対象となる日系四世の方 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person staying as a Short-term Visitor can have status changed only for unavoidable special circumstances, which limits switching to a spouse status after entering as a visitor.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十条第三項ただし書 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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For permanent residence, only spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents (and similar) can be eligible for the reduced fee, and they must also meet the hardship and humanitarian criteria.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The notification applies to holders of Dependent (spouse activity only), Spouse of Japanese National (spouse capacity only) and Spouse of Permanent Resident (spouse capacity only); Long-term Resident and child categories are not covered.
配偶者に関する届出手続対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Holders of Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese, Spouse of Permanent Resident and Long-term Resident status have no restriction on type of work under immigration law.
就労資格の在留諸申請に関連してお問い合わせの多い事項について（Ｑ＆Ａ）令和８年７月Ｑ１ · Checked on 2026-10-22
For work beyond what the blanket permission allows, Dependent holders need an individual permission; among its requirements, the activity period must not exceed half of the granted period of stay.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
As a general rule, ISA grants no outside-status permission for activity at premises operated as adult-entertainment businesses or specified late-night entertainment businesses, or for work in the related non-shop sex-entertainment, video-transmission and telephone-introduction businesses; the narrow Dependent-only pachinko exception is covered in its own entry.
資格外活動許可について１資格外活動許可の要件（一般原則） · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent child who finished compulsory education in Japan and has graduated (or is due to graduate) from a Japanese high school may be able to change to Long-term Resident if they entered Japan under 18, have stayed in Dependent status continuously (a status that is Dependent-eligible, such as Student, also counts), have a job secured (required when working beyond the 28-hour weekly permission), and are meeting public obligations such as address registration.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ「定住者」の在留資格への変更対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
As an alternative, a Dependent child who graduated from a Japanese high school, entered under 18, has a job offer and whose supporter stays on as guarantor may change to Designated Activities; those who transferred into a Japanese high school also need JLPT N2-level Japanese.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ「特定活動」の在留資格への変更対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline treats failure to pay taxes as a negative factor, and says large or long-standing arrears of taxes or legally required premiums such as national health insurance are handled the same way when they are judged malicious.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline accepts household-level livelihood: independent livelihood is met if the household as a unit has stable means, and even someone who is a public burden is weighed against humanitarian reasons for allowing stay.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン５ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent or notified Long-term Resident who later stops meeting age or support requirements after entering Japan is not automatically refused renewal.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
By statute, a spouse or child of a Japanese national, a permanent residence permit holder or a special permanent resident does not have to meet the good-conduct and independent-livelihood requirements for permanent residence.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条第二項ただし書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline in force (24 Feb 2026) expects the applicant to be holding the longest period of stay that the Enforcement Regulations set for their current status, among its 'benefit to Japan' conditions.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年２月２４日改訂）１法律上の要件（３）ウ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The revised guideline (applying from April 2027) treats B1-level Japanese ability as a consideration for permanent residence, except for cases such as highly skilled professionals and their families, people with 6+ years of Japanese primary or secondary schooling, and children of permanent residents born in Japan whose raising parent has B1.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２５（８）日本語能力 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
Lawful residence is required for naturalization: the address in Japan must be legitimate, so the person must hold a proper status of residence.
帰化について（東京法務局）２帰化の一般的な条件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The livelihood condition is judged at the level of relatives sharing a livelihood, so an applicant with no income can qualify through the assets or skills of a spouse or other relatives.
帰化について（東京法務局）２帰化の一般的な条件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Legal Affairs Bureau also expects naturalization applicants to have Japanese ability sufficient for daily life (conversation, reading and writing) and to be integrated into Japanese society, for example through 10 or more years of residence.
帰化について（東京法務局）２帰化の一般的な条件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A foreign child of a Japanese national (not an adopted child) who has a domicile in Japan can be naturalized without the 5-year, age and livelihood conditions; an adopted child needs 1 year of domicile and to have been a minor under their home-country law at adoption.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第八条第一号・第二号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A child born to a Japanese father or mother is a Japanese national by birth (subject to the rule that some children born abroad who also hold a foreign nationality lose it unless a retention notification is filed), and a child under 18 acknowledged by a parent who was Japanese at the child's birth and still is (or was at death) can acquire Japanese nationality by notifying the Minister of Justice.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第二条第一号・第三条第一項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Foreign children have no legal school-attendance obligation in Japan, but if the family wants public compulsory school, the child is accepted free of charge on the same basis as Japanese children.
外国人の子等の就学に関する手続について（就学事務Ｑ＆Ａ） 13 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a Japanese-style marriage between a foreigner and a Japanese, each party must meet the marriage requirements of their own home-country law (such as age and being single), which is why the foreign party has to supply a certificate of legal capacity to marry.
国際結婚、海外での出生等に関する戸籍Ｑ＆Ａ（法務省民事局） Answer 2 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA states that there is no age limit for entering as a Dependent as long as the person is supported, so an adult child can qualify as a dependant of a work or study status holder.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q48 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's Dependent page names only holders of listed work, culture and student statuses as supporters; Long-term Resident, Spouse of Japanese National and Spouse of Permanent Resident holders are not in that list, so their family members use other statuses.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a Certificate of Eligibility, the Long-term Resident status is limited to the groups the Minister has fixed in advance by notification, so a 'non-notified' (kokuji-gai) Long-term Resident case cannot be obtained through the COE route.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請審査基準 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Among ISA's published approved cases for a post-divorce change to Long-term Resident, the divorced spouse had a Japanese child, held parental authority and had a record of caring for and raising the child, and also had a steady income.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について別添 1 認められた事例 1・4 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Domestic violence by the former spouse is the main recurring ground in the approved cases: a marriage that had effectively broken down because of violence, or a divorce caused by it, was approved even without a child, after about 3 years of marriage in the shortest approved case.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について別添 1 認められた事例 2・4・5・6 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A bereaved spouse was also approved in ISA's published cases: a man whose special-permanent-resident wife died after about 6 years of marriage, who needed to continue running his own business and had income from it.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について別添 1 認められた事例 3 · Checked on 2026-10-22
In ISA's published refused cases the marriages were short or not genuine in practice: living together for under 3 months, a marriage of about 1 year 11 months, or only about 1 year 3 months of real married life, and others involved long absences abroad of about 1.5 to 1.75 years or a criminal conviction.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について別添 2 認められなかった事例 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a Nikkei third-generation applicant the guarantor is normally a Japanese national or permanent resident living in Japan; the applicant's home-country criminal record certificate is required, and the Japanese-ability proof for a 5-year period does not apply to minors.
在留資格「定住者」（外国人（申請人）の方が日系３世である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Online filing is open to everyone for Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident and Long-term Resident, but for Dependent only when the supporter's own status is within the online scope.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）オンラインで申請可能な在留資格 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A foreigner can use the online system only if they are a mid-to-long-term resident aged 15 or over, and a spouse, child or parent may file for them only in principle if the applicant is under 16 or cannot apply because of illness or similar reasons; the last day of the stay period cannot be filed online.
在留申請のオンライン手続対象 / 利用可能な期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The special re-entry permit is not available to those whose status is under revocation proceedings, those under an exit-confirmation hold, those with a detention order, holders of Designated Activities pending a refugee claim, or people the Minister has designated for public-safety reasons; they must obtain an ordinary re-entry permit.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）対象外 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's change-and-renewal guideline treats a long absence abroad under a re-entry permit (including the special re-entry permit) as a negative factor unless there is a justifiable reason, so extended absence can count against a renewal.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン３現に有する在留資格に応じた活動を行っていたこと · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the 6-month spousal-inactivity revocation, ISA lists as examples of a justifiable reason a long departure under a re-entry permit because of a relative's illness abroad, besides domestic violence, separation for child-rearing while sharing a livelihood, and pending divorce mediation or litigation.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q78 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The 6-month revocation for not acting as a spouse covers only the spouse holders: Spouse of Japanese National excluding the Japanese national's child and special adoptees, and Spouse of Permanent Resident excluding the child born in Japan to a permanent resident, so children are not caught by it.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q78 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Because a status obtained through false statements or false documents can be revoked, a sham marriage used to obtain a spouse status exposes the person to revocation; the Act expressly reaches status obtained by submitting documents containing false entries.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第22条の4第1項第1号〜第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A spouse who lives apart from the partner is not automatically at risk: ISA lists separation for child-rearing or other unavoidable reasons while the couple still share a livelihood, domestic-violence evacuation, and divorce mediation or litigation as examples of a justifiable reason.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q78 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA gives as examples of a justifiable reason a divorce mediation about child custody and a divorce suit disputing that the Japanese spouse is at fault, so a spouse in such proceedings can keep the status even though the marriage is ending.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q118・Q119 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who divorced but did not notify ISA and then remarried another Japanese national is judged individually at renewal, and the missed 14-day notification can carry a fine of up to 200,000 yen under Article 71-5.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q99 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Long-term Resident whose status rests partly on being a spouse, such as the spouse of a Nikkei person, has no divorce or bereavement notification duty, because the status is granted on a wider basis than the spousal identity alone.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q93 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A domestic-violence victim who does not report a change of address in order to hide from the perpetrator is given by ISA as an example of a justifiable reason, so the revocation ground for not reporting a new address within 90 days of moving out need not apply to that case.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q120 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A parent of a Highly Skilled Professional (or of their spouse) can come under Designated Activities only if living with the professional whose household income at entry is at least 8,000,000 yen, and if the parent is there to raise a child under 7 or to help with a pregnant spouse or the pregnant professional.
在留資格「特定活動」（高度専門職外国人又はその配偶者の親・特別高度人材外国人又はその配偶者の親）在留資格認定証明書交付申請要件 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Parents of a Highly Skilled Professional and of the professional's spouse cannot both be admitted under this category at once: if a parent on either side already holds notification item 34, a parent on the other side is not eligible.
在留資格「特定活動」（高度専門職外国人又はその配偶者の親・特別高度人材外国人又はその配偶者の親）要件 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The accompanying type of domestic worker for a Highly Skilled Professional must be employed by the professional, who has no other domestic worker and an expected household income after entry of at least 10,000,000 yen; the worker must be paid at least 200,000 yen a month, be 18 or over, be able to hold daily conversation in the employer's language, and have worked for the professional continuously for at least one year before entry.
在留資格「特定活動」（高度専門職外国人の家事使用人・特別高度人材外国人の家事使用人）在留資格認定証明書交付申請（入国帯同型）/ 要件 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional may work under Designated Activities only while living together with the professional and earning at least what a Japanese would, and separation during the stay means the permitted work activity is no longer allowed.
在留資格「特定活動」（高度専門職外国人の就労する配偶者・特別高度人材外国人の就労する配偶者）概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the spouse of a Japanese national, Article 7 lets the Minister allow naturalization even without the 5-year residence and age conditions if either 3 years of residence plus current domicile, or 3 years since marriage plus 1 year of domicile, is met; the good-conduct, livelihood, single-nationality and constitution conditions still apply.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第7条 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Legal Affairs Bureau guide tells applicants who hold a driving licence to submit a driving-record certificate, warns that traffic violations can affect a naturalization application, and tells applicants to report any violation of law, traffic offences included, to the bureau officer promptly after filing.
帰化許可申請のてびき（令和8.4）運転記録証明書 / 申請した後の注意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Because a spouse of a Japanese national or PR is exempt by statute from the independent-livelihood requirement, the guideline does not ask them to meet it, but it can still weigh negatively if the household is on public assistance or likely to be, with no special circumstance.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２の５（７）ウ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
The family-circumstances type of domestic worker for a Highly Skilled Professional has the same employment, no-other-domestic-worker, 10,000,000 yen household-income, 200,000 yen monthly-pay, age-18 and daily-conversation requirements, but instead of prior employment it requires that at entry the professional has a child under 13 or a spouse who cannot do daily housework because of illness or similar.
在留資格「特定活動」（高度専門職外国人の家事使用人・特別高度人材外国人の家事使用人）在留資格認定証明書交付申請（家庭事情型）/ 要件 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Numbers and tests

A Dependent holder who wants to earn income by employment, or by self-employment whose working hours can be objectively verified, for up to 28 hours a week needs a blanket permission to engage in activity outside status, and only the application form is required.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 28-hour weekly limit applies to the combined hours of all outside-status activities a person is permitted to do, whether under blanket or individual permission.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the permanent residence guideline in force (revised 24 Feb 2026), as an exception to the general 10-year residence rule, a spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident needs a genuine marriage of at least 3 years and at least 1 continuous year of residence in Japan; their natural child needs 1 year of continuous residence.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年２月２４日改訂）２原則１０年在留に関する特例（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Long-term Resident can use the shortened permanent-residence route after 5 years of continuous residence in Japan under the Long-term Resident status.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年２月２４日改訂）２原則１０年在留に関する特例（２） · Checked on 2026-10-22
General naturalization requires continuous residence (domicile) in Japan for 5 years or more up to the time of application, and the residence must be lawful.
帰化について（東京法務局）２帰化の一般的な条件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The general naturalization conditions also require being 18 or older and an adult under the person's home-country law, good conduct, ability to live without hardship, loss of other nationality, and no history of violent anti-constitutional activity.
帰化について（東京法務局）２帰化の一般的な条件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A foreigner married to a Japanese national who has lived in Japan (domicile or residence) continuously for 3 years or more and currently has a domicile in Japan may be permitted naturalization, at the Minister's discretion, even without meeting the 5-year residence and age conditions.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第七条前段 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Alternatively, a spouse of a Japanese national can be naturalized if 3 years have passed since the marriage date and they have lived in Japan (domicile) for 1 year or more continuously.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第七条後段 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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ISA gives no numeric test for a post-divorce change to Long-term Resident; in its seven published approved cases the marriage lasted from about 3 years to about 11 years 5 months, whereas three of the six refused cases involved marriages under 3 years (about 1 year 11 months, about 3 months and about 2 years 1 month).
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について別添 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the permanent-residence guideline, a single exit of half a year or more, or a combined absence of 2 years and 6 months or more, within the past 10 years, without a reasonable reason is generally assessed negatively, because residence in Japan is expected to be actual.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２の５（６） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
For a Dependent application, ISA asks for documents showing the supporter's occupation and income: an employment certificate or business licence plus a resident-tax certificate and a tax-payment certificate (one is enough if it shows both total income and tax payment), or, if the supporter has no earnings, a bank-balance certificate or a scholarship-award certificate. No minimum yen amount is stated.
在留資格「家族滞在」提出書類扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Nationality Act's general residence condition for naturalization is 5 or more years of continuous domicile in Japan; that is the statutory text, whatever stricter administrative practice the Ministry applies.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第5条第1項第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The October 2026 permanent-residence guideline tests income as household income continuing above the average income of Japanese households of the same size (a test spouses and children of Japanese, permanent or special permanent residents are exempt from by statute); it states no yen figure on its own page, counts dependants abroad in the household size, adds an allowance for households of 5 or more, and leaves out earnings of Dependent-status family members.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２の４（２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01

Periods

The period of stay granted under 'Spouse or Child of Japanese National' is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Enforcement Regulations set the periods of stay for both 'Spouse or Child of Japanese National' and 'Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident' at 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則（昭和56年法務省令第54号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The period of stay for 'Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident' is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Long-term Resident is granted 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, or an individually designated period not exceeding 5 years.
在留資格「定住者」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the Enforcement Regulations, people admitted under the pre-announced Long-term Resident notification get 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months, while others get an individually designated period of up to 5 years.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則（昭和56年法務省令第54号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The period of stay for Dependent status is individually designated by the Minister of Justice, up to a maximum of 5 years.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Enforcement Regulations provide that the period of stay for Dependent status is whatever period up to 5 years the Minister designates for each person.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則（昭和56年法務省令第54号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Statutorily, the period of stay for every status other than diplomat, official, Highly Skilled Professional (type 2) and permanent resident cannot exceed 5 years.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二条の二第三項 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Nikkei fourth-generation entrants under the additional-acceptance scheme stay under the Designated Activities status for at most 5 years in total.
日系四世の方への手引き（令和５年１２月２８日改訂）６日系四世受入れサポーターについて · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a Certificate of Eligibility application is 1 to 3 months.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a change-of-status application is 1 to 2 months.
在留資格変更許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a period-of-stay extension application is 2 weeks to 1 month.
在留期間更新許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The special re-entry permit (the no-application kind) lasts one year from the day of departure, or until the period of stay ends if that comes first, and applies to holders with a period of stay over 3 months who carry a valid passport and residence card.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The two-year special re-entry permit applies only to special permanent residents; ordinary permanent residents and holders of the family statuses get the one-year period.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
An ordinary re-entry permit, single or multiple-trip, is granted for a validity within the current period of stay and at most 5 years (6 years for special permanent residents), is issued the same day, and must be applied for before leaving Japan.
再入国許可申請再入国許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A residence card issued to a holder whose status has a fixed period of stay (all family statuses except permanent resident) remains valid until the end of the period of stay; the 2026 card revision did not change this.
特定在留カード交付申請についてＱ４－３ · Checked on 2026-10-23
A permanent resident's residence card (the status has no end date) issued on or after 14 June 2026 is valid until the 10th birthday after issue (5th birthday if under 18); cards issued up to 13 June 2026 were valid for 7 years from issue (for children under 16, until the day before the 16th birthday).
特定在留カード交付申請についてＱ４－３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
A Legal Affairs Bureau states that naturalization takes, at the shortest, about one and a half years from the first consultation to the decision, with an interview about 2 to 3 months after the application is accepted for the applicant and the spouse, and the bureau handles any home-country renunciation by phone and mail.
帰化手続のながれについて（水戸地方法務局）帰化手続のながれ · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a permanent residence application is 4 to 6 months, there is no administrative appeal route, and an applicant whose period of stay runs out while the application is pending must separately file a renewal before the expiry date.
永住許可申請標準処理期間 / 申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under ISA's earlier residence card design, the card of a child under 16 whose status has a fixed period of stay expires on the earlier of the end of the period of stay or the day before the 16th birthday (for cards issued from 1 November 2023).
「在留カード」はどういうカード？在留カードの有効期間（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-23

Deadlines

A Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months from issue; if you do not apply to land within that time it loses effect.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A 在留資格認定証明書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An extension can be filed before the stay period ends, and from 3 months before expiry for those holding a period of 6 months or longer.
在留期間更新許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If an extension or change application is filed before expiry but not decided by the expiry date, the person may stay on the old status until the decision or until 2 months after the original expiry, whichever is earlier; this does not apply to people whose granted period was 30 days or less.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十条第六項（第二十一条第四項により在留期間の更新にも準用） · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person with Dependent (spouse activity only), Spouse of Japanese National (spouse capacity only) or Spouse of Permanent Resident (spouse capacity only) status must notify ISA within 14 days of divorce or the spouse's death.
配偶者に関する届出手続概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A newly arrived mid-to-long-term resident must report their residential address to the municipality within 14 days of settling on it.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第十九条の七第一項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permanent residence guideline revised on 1 October 2026 applies to applications filed on or after 1 April 2027; only its income provisions (Part 2, 4(2)) and not-a-public-burden provisions (Part 2, 5(7)) also reach applications filed from six months before the revision date that are still pending on it.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第６適用時期・既存のガイドラインの整理 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
A person who holds both Japanese and foreign nationality must pick a single nationality: by age 20 if dual nationality arose before age 18, or within 2 years if it arose after 18.
国籍法（昭和25年法律第147号）第十四条第一項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change-of-status application may be filed from the moment the reason for the change arises until the end date of the current period of stay.
在留資格変更許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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When a Japanese national marries a foreigner abroad under the foreign country's formalities, the marriage certificate copy with a Japanese translation must be reported to a Japanese mission or the home-registry municipality within 3 months of the marriage.
国際結婚、海外での出生等に関する戸籍Ｑ＆Ａ（法務省民事局） Answer 4 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the Immigration Control Act, a mid-to-long-term resident who changes address must report the new address through the municipality within 14 days of moving, and a report made with a municipal move-in notification counts as the immigration notification.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第19条の9第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who leaves on the special re-entry permit while an extension or change application is pending must return by the earlier of 2 months after the old period of stay ended or 1 year from departure, and collect the result before the 2 months run out, or they become an overstayer.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q61 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Which permanent-residence guideline applies depends on the filing date: the 24 February 2026 text for filings up to 31 March 2026; the same text for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 except that the income provisions of the October 2026 guideline apply; and the October 2026 guideline for filings from 1 April 2027.
永住許可（入管法第22条）お知らせ（令和８年１０月１日掲載） · Checked on 2026-10-22

Fees

Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility costs nothing.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The old fee for a change of status or extension was a flat 6,000 yen at the counter; the revised fee now depends on the length of period granted.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Counter fee for a change or extension granting a period of 3 months or less is 10,000 yen, over 3 up to 6 months is 18,000 yen, and over 6 months but under 1 year is 25,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Counter fee for a change or extension granting exactly 1 year is 33,000 yen, and for over 1 year but under 3 years is 48,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Counter fee for a change or extension granting 3 years up to under 5 years is 64,000 yen, and for 5 years or more is 75,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Online applications are cheaper: 10,000 yen (3 months or less), 15,000 (to 6 months), 21,000 (under 1 year), 27,000 (1 year), 42,000 (under 3 years), 56,000 (3 to under 5 years) and 65,000 yen (5 years or more), plus a separate payment-processing fee.
Fees for residence procedures for foreign nationals will be revised from October 1, 2026 (ISA leaflet, English) Regarding the Revision of Residence Permission Fee Amounts · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Permanent residence permission costs 200,000 yen at the counter from 1 October 2026, up from 10,000 yen before.
外国人の在留手続に関する手数料が改定されます（リーフレット）永住許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
People who qualify for a fee reduction (those in hardship close to welfare-eligible level who also need humanitarian consideration) pay 10,000 yen for a change or extension regardless of the period granted; the online system does not handle reductions, so the application must be filed at the counter.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01

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A permanent-residence applicant who qualifies for the fee reduction pays at most 20,000 yen.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等に関するQ&A 問９ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
An application for acquisition of status (for example for a baby born in Japan) costs nothing, in contrast to change and extension applications which carry a stamp fee.
在留資格取得許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A reissue application for a residence card lost or stolen costs nothing, but it must be filed within 14 days of learning of the loss (a separate explanation document is needed if later) and requires a photo.
紛失等による在留カードの再交付申請手数料 / 申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change-of-address notification must be made within 14 days of moving into the new residence and costs nothing.
【住居地に変更があったとき（引っ越したとき）】住居地変更の届出申請期間 / 手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Japanese visa fee abroad, set by a Cabinet order effective 1 July 2026, is about 15,000 yen for a single-entry and 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa, paid in local currency, and no fee is charged if the visa is refused; fees may differ by purpose and nationality.
Visa Fees Visa Fees · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-07-01
A re-entry permit costs 4,000 yen for a single trip or 7,000 yen for multiple trips at the counter (3,500 and 6,500 yen when filed online); applications received by 31 March 2025 still paid the older 3,000 and 6,000 yen.
再入国許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Ministry of Justice states that applying for naturalization costs nothing, and that it sets no standard processing period and no administrative appeal route; the application is filed in person (by a legal representative if under 15) at the bureau for the applicant's address.
帰化許可申請（法務省）手数料 / 標準処理期間 / 不服申立方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 2026 amending law raises the statutory fee ceilings to 100,000 yen for change of status, 100,000 yen for extension and 300,000 yen for permanent residence, with the actual amounts left to a Cabinet order that varies by period of stay, taking effect by a date set by Cabinet order no later than 31 March 2027, and JESTA by 31 March 2029.
改正法の概要（ＪＥＳＴＡ（電子渡航認証制度）の創設、在留資格の変更許可等に係る手数料の額の上限額の引上げ等）手数料関係 · Checked on 2026-10-22

How it works

The Japanese spouse is expected to act as the guarantor (mimoto hoshonin) and submit a guarantee letter, and must live in Japan.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Every certificate issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of submission, and documents in foreign languages need a Japanese translation attached.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permanent-resident spouse living in Japan is expected to serve as the guarantor and submit the guarantee letter.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For applications made through the online system, the fee must be paid by convenience-store or bank payment; revenue stamps are no longer accepted, while counter applications still use revenue stamps.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等についてオンライン申請に対する許可又は交付手数料の納付方法の変更について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Before revoking status for the 6-month spousal-inactivity ground, the Minister must give due consideration to offering the person a chance to apply for a change of status or permanent residence.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の五 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For most revocation grounds the Minister designates up to 30 days for the person to leave Japan, and must hold a hearing in which the person or a representative can state their case and submit evidence.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の四第七項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The spouse notification can be filed online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no supporting documents; it can also be brought to a regional immigration office together with the residence card, or sent by mail.
配偶者に関する届出届出方法 · Checked on 2026-10-23
ISA publishes cases of approved and refused changes from spouse status to Long-term Resident (after divorce or death), and says similar facts can still lead to a different result because each case is judged on its overall circumstances.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Naturalization is applied for in person and in writing by the applicant (or a legal representative if under 15), who must go to the application office (the Legal Affairs Bureau) themselves.
帰化について（東京法務局）３帰化許可申請の方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When a family relationship has already arisen while the person holds another status such as Student or a work status, ISA tells them to apply promptly for the change, because staying on without doing the activities of the old status can lead to revocation.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格変更許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person on a work status who marries a Japanese national and applies for a change to Spouse of Japanese National needs the Japanese spouse's family register entry (plus the notification acceptance certificate if the entry is missing) and a marriage certificate issued by the foreign embassy in Japan or home authority.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q50 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a couple registered the marriage in Japan first and the applicant's home country will not issue a marriage certificate, ISA lets the applicant submit a free-form written explanation of why the certificate cannot be provided.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q51 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A baby born in Japan to a Dependent family files for status acquisition with proof of birth; submitting a juminhyo is only recommended, but it puts the registered address on the new residence card and removes the need for a separate municipal address notification.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格取得許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent in Japan may file a COE application for their own child who is abroad with the other parent, because a relative can act as representative for the application.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q49 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's application forms for the family statuses are grouped by letter: the change and renewal form marked 'T' is used for Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident and Long-term Resident, while 'U (other)' is used for Designated Activities.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ提出資料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a change or renewal the applicant's passport and residence card must be shown to the officer, and this is required even when someone else such as an authorised agent files the papers for the applicant.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Since April 2022, applicants aged 18 or over must file change, renewal and similar residence applications themselves, except through an approved agent such as a registered lawyer or administrative scrivener.
在留資格変更許可申請申請提出者 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2022-04-01
A Certificate of Eligibility application cannot be posted: ISA does not accept it by mail and applications are filed in person at the immigration office with jurisdiction over the intended residence (or the host's location for an agent).
在留資格認定証明書交付申請申請先・受付時間・相談窓口 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Immigration counters accept residence applications on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., though some procedures have specific days or hours.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請受付時間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
To use the special re-entry permit the traveller must carry a valid passport and, for mid-to-long-term residents, the residence card, and must tell the immigration inspector on departure that they intend to return, by ticking the re-entry box on the departure record.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）みなし再入国許可の手続 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person leaving under the special re-entry permit cannot extend its validity from abroad, and if the person plans to stay abroad more than one year after departure, they must instead apply for an ordinary re-entry permit at their local immigration office before leaving.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q57 · Checked on 2026-10-22
After filing for naturalization, the applicant must promptly tell the Legal Affairs Bureau officer about a planned departure from Japan (including a planned return) and about returning, as well as address, status, job or marital-status changes and any legal violation including traffic offences.
帰化許可申請のてびき（令和8.4）申請した後の注意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
When a mid-to-long-term resident leaves Japan other than under a re-entry permit, ceases to be a mid-to-long-term resident, or dies, the residence card must be returned to the immigration authorities.
「在留カード」はどういうカード？「在留カード」の返納 · Checked on 2026-10-23
After a divorce notification the person can stay until the period of stay ends, and need not file a change of status at the same time, but staying 6 months or more without acting as a spouse and without a justifiable reason makes the status revocable, so ISA expects an early change to a suitable status.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q98 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the Japanese spouse files the divorce notification with ISA without the foreign spouse's agreement, ISA says that any revocation procedure that starts will consider how the notification came about, and a procedure does not automatically end in revocation.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q98 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA stresses that a published approved case does not guarantee the same result, because change of status is judged individually on the activities, residence record and need to stay; there is no published numeric test on marriage length, custody or income.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Naturalization consultations are by appointment only at the Legal Affairs Bureau for the applicant's address, with the required documents prepared beforehand; the motive statement must be handwritten by the applicant (no word-processed or ghost-written copy), and every document is submitted in an original and a copy.
帰化相談（初回相談）を希望される方へ（東京法務局）帰化相談は予約制です · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the applicant's home country allows renouncing nationality before naturalization, the Legal Affairs Bureau officer guides the applicant through the renunciation procedure by phone and mail, with no visit needed, and a permitted applicant receives a Gazette notice and an ID certificate.
帰化手続のながれについて（水戸地方法務局）国籍の離脱手続 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Before filing, a spouse applicant must complete ISA's self-check sheet for the family statuses and is asked to attach it to the application; ISA warns that a single 'No' makes refusal likely but that no 'No' does not promise approval.
永住許可申請１（配偶者・実子） · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who acquires status without landing, such as a baby born in Japan to a permanent resident, can apply for permanent residence by acquisition within 30 days of birth, with no fee.
永住許可申請申請期間 / 手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guarantor for a permanent residence application is normally a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident living in Japan.
永住許可申請申請書・必要書類・部数 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's procedure pages give no administrative appeal route for a refused Certificate of Eligibility, change of status or extension; the page entry is simply 'none', so a person refused would need to re-apply with stronger evidence or consult a lawyer about a court challenge.
在留資格変更許可申請不服申立方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Penalties

The status of a Spouse of Japanese National or Spouse of Permanent Resident holder can be revoked if they continuously fail to carry out activities as a spouse for 6 months or more without a legitimate reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の四第一項第七号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Failing to make the notification is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第七十一条の五第三号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Status can be revoked if a newly admitted mid-to-long-term resident fails to report their residential address within 90 days of landing or permission, without a legitimate reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の四第一項第八号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The questionnaire must be signed by the spouse in Japan, and ISA warns that a false entry can lead to disadvantage in the review or even criminal liability, so applicants should check every answer before submitting.
質問書（認定・変更用）注記 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The residence card must be carried at all times and shown on request by immigration officers or police; not carrying it can lead to a fine of up to 200,000 yen, and refusing to show it to imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q1～Q79） Q34 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Lists and tables

ISA lists five application sub-categories for Long-term Resident: Nikkei third generation, spouse of a Nikkei second generation, spouse of a Nikkei third generation, unmarried minor natural child supported by a permanent/long-term/Japanese-spouse/PR-spouse/special-PR person, and adopted child under 6.
在留資格「定住者」各申請区分 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a COE application as the spouse of a Japanese national, ISA requires the Japanese spouse's family register extract showing the marriage; if the marriage is not yet recorded, a certificate of acceptance of the marriage notification must be added.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The foreign applicant must also submit a marriage certificate issued by the authority of their home country.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
To prove the means to cover living costs, ISA asks for the supporter's most recent one-year resident-tax (taxable or non-taxable) certificate and tax payment certificate showing total income and payment status; a single certificate that shows both is accepted.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the tax certificates cannot show the living-cost funds (for example shortly after arrival or after moving), ISA accepts alternatives such as a bank passbook copy, an employment-scheduled certificate or a job-offer notice from a Japanese company.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA asks couples to prove their relationship with 2 to 3 unedited snapshots showing both of them clearly, plus other records such as SNS or call logs, in addition to a questionnaire form.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a child born in Japan applying as the child of a Japanese national, ISA requires either a certificate of acceptance of the birth notification or of the acknowledgement notification (the latter only if filed with a Japanese office).
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の実子・特別養子である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a special adoptee, the applicant submits either a certificate of acceptance of the special adoption notification or a certified copy of the Japanese family court's adoption ruling together with a certificate of finality.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の実子・特別養子である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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At renewal, a spouse applicant who pays their own living costs must submit their own resident-tax and tax payment certificates (a single certificate showing both total income and payment status suffices) rather than the Japanese spouse's.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
At renewal, the Japanese spouse's family register extract must still show the marriage with the applicant.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a COE as spouse of a permanent resident, the couple's marriage certificate issued by the authority of the applicant's country and the permanent-resident spouse's country is needed (and the Japanese notification acceptance certificate if the marriage was reported in Japan).
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
At renewal, a spouse of a permanent resident must submit a document proving that the marriage continues.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent COE application needs one document proving the family relationship with the supporter: a family register extract, a marriage notification acceptance certificate, a marriage certificate copy, a birth certificate copy, or equivalent.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A copy of the supporter's residence card or passport and documents showing the supporter's occupation and income are required: an employment certificate or business permit plus resident-tax and tax payment certificates (one certificate showing both total income and payment status is enough).
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the supporter has no work income (for example a student), a deposit balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate stating amount and period can be submitted instead.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Nikkei third-generation COE application requires proof of the Japanese grandparent (family register or removed register), plus the applicant's criminal record certificate from the home country.
在留資格「定住者」（日系３世）在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Among the published approved cases of switching to Long-term Resident after a marriage ended, features included being the custodial parent of a Japanese child with a record of caring for the child.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について１認められた事例 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Among the refused cases were those where the applicant had a criminal conviction (fraud and injury), or where cohabitation in the marriage lasted less than 3 months.
「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について２認められなかった事例 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's guideline says whether there is 'reasonable ground' to approve a change or renewal is judged at the Minister's discretion, and activity/standing, conduct, finances, tax, employment conditions and notification duties are all weighed.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a Certificate of Eligibility as the spouse of a permanent resident, ISA requires the permanent-resident spouse's resident record (juminhyo) showing every household member, with the My Number omitted and all other items left unabridged.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's official checklist for the permanent-resident-spouse COE has nine line items: application form, 4x3 cm photo, return envelope, marriage certificate, living-cost documents, guarantee letter, the PR spouse's juminhyo, questionnaire, and proof of contact between the couple.
「永住者の配偶者等」に係る提出書類一覧（在留資格認定証明書交付申請用）在留資格認定証明書交付申請用 · Checked on 2026-10-23
To show the living-cost funds for a permanent-resident spouse's COE, ISA asks for the supporter's most recent one-year resident-tax certificate and tax payment certificate, accepting a single certificate that shows both total income and payment status.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the tax certificates cannot show the living-cost funds (for example shortly after arrival or after moving), a permanent-resident-spouse applicant may instead submit a bankbook copy, a job-offer certificate or notice of informal hiring from a Japanese company, or something equivalent.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permanent-resident-spouse COE package includes ISA's relationship questionnaire, offered in Japanese plus ten other language versions (Chinese in simplified and traditional script); ISA revised the form on 6 June 2017 and asks applicants to submit the new form.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The questionnaire asks, in eight pages, about both spouses' identity and employer, how and when they met and any introducer, the language they use together and any interpreter, the two witnesses to a Japanese marriage registration, any wedding ceremony, previous marriages, visits to each other's country, past deportations, and relatives who know of the marriage.
質問書（認定・変更用）質問書（認定・変更用） · Checked on 2026-10-23
For proof of contact between the couple, ISA asks for two to three unedited snapshots that clearly show both of them, and allows social-media records or call records as additional material; this is the same relationship evidence as for a Japanese-national spouse.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permanent-resident spouse is expected to act as guarantor and submit the guarantee letter, which ISA offers as a download in Japanese and English.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a change of status from another status to Spouse of Japanese National, the Japanese spouse's family register must show the marriage (or be paired with a marriage-notification acceptance certificate), and the foreign marriage certificate, living-cost documents, guarantee letter, juminhyo, questionnaire and relationship evidence are also required.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent renewal needs the application form, one photo, the passport and residence card shown, one proof of family relationship (family register, marriage notification certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate or equivalent), a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and the supporter's occupation and income documents.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of status from Student or a work status to Dependent uses the same documents as renewal: the supporter's proof of relationship, residence card or passport copy, and occupation and income certificates, plus showing the applicant's passport and residence card.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the Dependent's supporter has no work or business income, such as a student, ISA accepts a deposit balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate stating the payment amount and period as proof that the family can be supported.
在留資格「家族滞在」提出書類扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Item 1 of the notification covers people temporarily staying in a listed group of Asian countries whom UNHCR has recognised as needing international protection and recommended to Japan (third-country resettlement), if they can adapt to Japanese society and are expected to hold a job, plus their spouses, children, parents and unmarried siblings; sub-item ロ also covers relatives of an already admitted person who remain in the country of temporary stay and can support one another.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 3 of the notification covers the biological child of a person born as a child of a Japanese national (people already covered by item 1 or 8 excluded), as long as that child is of good conduct.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 4 of the notification covers the biological child of the biological child of a person who was born as a child of a Japanese national and once held Japanese nationality with a family-register entry in Japan, again subject to good conduct.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第4号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 5 of the notification covers three kinds of spouse: (イ) the spouse of a Spouse-of-Japanese holder who was born as a Japanese national's child; (ロ) the spouse of a Long-term Resident with a period of one year or more, other than a person admitted or changed to the item 3 or 4 status, who is dealt with in ハ; (ハ) the spouse, if of good conduct, of such an item 3 or 4 person who holds a Long-term Resident period of one year or more.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第5号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 6 of the notification covers the unmarried minor biological child, living on that parent's support, of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident (イ) or of a Long-term Resident with a period of one year or more (ロ); ハ separately covers such a child, if of good conduct, of a Long-term Resident admitted or changed under item 3, 4 or 5-ハ, and ニ covers a child supported by the foreign spouse (Spouse-of-Japanese or Spouse-of-PR status) of a Japanese national, permanent resident, special permanent resident or Long-term Resident.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第6号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 7 of the notification covers the adopted child under 6 of a Japanese national, a permanent resident, a Long-term Resident with a period of one year or more, or a special permanent resident, who lives on that person's support.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第7号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Item 8 of the notification covers people who stayed on in China after the confusion following 9 August 1945 and held a Japanese family register on 2 September 1945 (イ), people born there later to two such parents (ロ), people named in the China-returnee support law's regulations (ハ), relatives joining a returnee settled in Japan (ニ: spouse, child under 18, certain disabled unmarried child and others), and adopted or pre-marriage children who lived with and were supported by イ-ハ persons from before age 6 (ホ).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号）第8号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a COE as the spouse of a Nikkei second-generation person who works for a company, ISA asks for the second-generation spouse's juminhyo, resident-tax and tax-payment certificates and employment certificate, a guarantee letter normally from the second-generation spouse, the home-country marriage certificate, the questionnaire and relationship snapshots.
在留資格「定住者」（日系２世の配偶者）日系２世の方が会社等に勤務している場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the Nikkei second-generation spouse is self-employed, the COE application replaces the employment certificate with a copy of the spouse's tax return and, if any, a copy of the business licence, and ISA says self-employed people must prove their own occupation.
在留資格「定住者」（日系２世の配偶者）日系２世の方が自営業等である場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the Nikkei second-generation spouse has no job, the COE application relies on a copy of a bankbook (a printed web-bank statement showing the transaction history is acceptable) instead of employment proof.
在留資格「定住者」（日系２世の配偶者）日系２世の方が無職である場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the spouse of a Nikkei third-generation person the COE document set mirrors the second-generation spouse set, with the guarantor normally being the third-generation spouse and one extra item: the applicant's own birth certificate issued by their home-country authority.
在留資格「定住者」（日系３世の配偶者）日系３世の方が会社等に勤務している場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a COE for an unmarried minor natural child supported by the Spouse-of-PR spouse of a permanent resident, ISA asks for the supporter's tax certificates and juminhyo, proof of the supporter's job or means, a guarantee letter, a free-form reason statement why support is needed, the child's birth certificate and any recognition certificate.
在留資格「定住者」（未成年で未婚の実子）永住者の配偶者の方が扶養する場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When a Nikkei child is supported by a Long-term Resident, three further items are required: the child's criminal record certificate, public documents proving the grandparents and parents existed, and public ID proving the applicant's identity.
在留資格「定住者」（未成年で未婚の実子）「永住者」、「定住者」又は「特別永住者」の方が扶養する場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a COE for an adopted child under 6 supported by a Japanese national, ISA asks for the Japanese adopter's family register (plus the adoption notification certificate if the register does not show it), juminhyo, tax certificates, proof of the adopter's job or means, a guarantee letter and the child's home-country birth certificate.
在留資格「定住者」（６歳未満の養子）日本人の方が扶養する場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For an adopted child supported by a permanent resident, long-term resident or special permanent resident, ISA requires a free-form reason statement and a certificate issued by the home-country authority proving the adoption was completed, in addition to the supporter's tax, residence and income documents.
在留資格「定住者」（６歳未満の養子）「永住者」、「定住者」又は「特別永住者」の方が扶養する場合在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
At the first renewal as a Nikkei third-generation person, ISA again asks for the grandparent's family register, the applicant's juminhyo, the higher earner's tax certificates and employment certificate, the guarantee letter, the criminal record certificate (only if never submitted to immigration), the grandparents' and parents' marriage certificates, the parents' and applicant's birth certificates and, for a 5-year period, Japanese-ability proof.
在留資格「定住者」（日系３世）初めて在留期間の更新申請を行う場合在留期間更新許可申請（初回） · Checked on 2026-10-23
From the second renewal onward, a Nikkei third-generation person no longer has to submit the grandparent and parent family-relationship documents, only the juminhyo, the higher earner's tax certificates and job proof, guarantee letter, criminal record certificate if never submitted, and the Japanese-ability proof for a 5-year period.
在留資格「定住者」（日系３世）２回目以降の在留期間の更新申請を行う場合在留期間更新許可申請（２回目以降） · Checked on 2026-10-23
A renewal as the spouse of a Nikkei second-generation person requires evidence that the marriage continues, the applicant's juminhyo, the tax certificates and employment certificate of the second-generation spouse or the higher earner, the guarantee letter, and Japanese-ability proof if a 5-year period is wanted.
在留資格「定住者」（日系２世の配偶者）日系２世の方が会社等に勤務している場合在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Renewal for an adopted child under 6 supported by a Japanese national needs the adopter's family register, the adopter's tax certificates, the child's juminhyo, proof of the adopter's job or means, and a guarantee letter, with the passport and residence card shown.
在留資格「定住者」（６歳未満の養子）日本人の方が扶養する場合在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A COE application includes a return envelope (standard-size, addressed, with simple-registered-mail postage stamps); ISA's pages do not state a yen amount for the stamps, so the figure depends on the postal rate.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's online system accepts seven kinds of application: Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, extension, acquisition of status, certificate of employability, and a re-entry permit or permission for activity outside status only when filed together with a change, extension or acquisition.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）申請可能な申請種別 · Checked on 2026-10-23
ISA's Designated Activities page describes the status as activities the Minister designates for each individual and links named sub-categories, including domestic workers, working holiday, EPA nurse and care-worker candidates and their families, long-stay for tourism with spouse, Highly Skilled Professional spouses and parents, digital nomads with spouse and children, and graduates' job-search; the page gives these as examples, not a closed list.
在留資格「特定活動」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau's list (updated 4 September 2026) asks for five years of resident-tax certificates and tax payment certificates, proof that resident tax was paid on time unless withheld from pay, income tax payment certificates for three years if a return is required, and the same for the spouse or others sharing the household budget.
帰化許可申請書に添付する書類（その他の国籍・地域の方）（東京法務局）納税に関する各種証明書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The same Tokyo list requires two years of pension and health-insurance premium payment proof (and proof they were paid on time), a five-year driving-record certificate issued within 2 months, residence history on the juminhyo, and a copy of the residence card.
帰化許可申請書に添付する書類（その他の国籍・地域の方）（東京法務局）社会保険の納付証明書 / 運転記録証明書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Naturalization applicants whose spouse, child or parent is or was a Japanese national must bring that person's Japanese family register extract, and papers on marriages, divorces, births, recognitions and adoptions made in Japan (notification-content certificates), together with home-country birth, marriage and divorce certificates with translations.
帰化許可申請書に添付する書類（その他の国籍・地域の方）（東京法務局）身分関係を証する書面 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Employment and income proof for naturalization is an employment certificate with the latest month's pay slip or salary certificate for employees, licences for sole traders, company registration for directors, and for those with savings a balance certificate and bankbook copy; the spouse's documents are needed too.
帰化許可申請書に添付する書類（その他の国籍・地域の方）（東京法務局）資産・収入に関する各種証明書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident applying for permanent residence submits the marriage proof (family register extract and foreign marriage certificate, or marriage certificate for PR spouse), the whole household's juminhyo, proof of occupation, and three years of tax records for the applicant and the supporter, whereas a biological child submits one year.
永住許可申請１（配偶者・実子）提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the national tax record, the PR application asks for tax payment certificates (type 3) for withholding income tax, income tax, consumption tax, inheritance tax and gift tax, and for the last two years of public-pension and public-health-insurance premium proof for the applicant and the supporter (one year for biological children of Japanese, permanent or special permanent residents).
永住許可申請１（配偶者・実子） · Checked on 2026-10-22

Recent changes

From 1 October 2026 the fees for change of status, extension and permanent residence permission were revised, and they apply to applications filed on or after that date.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Applications received by 30 September 2026 still pay the old fee even if permission is granted on or after 1 October 2026.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The 2026 fee increase follows Act No. 32 of Reiwa 8 (2026), passed by the Diet on 29 May 2026 and promulgated on 5 June 2026, which raised the statutory ceiling on change, extension and similar fees and also created the JESTA electronic travel authorisation.
令和８年入管法等改正について · Checked on 2026-10-23
Residence card photos are now required for everyone aged 1 or older for cards issued on or after 14 June 2026; before that only people under 16 were exempt.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格変更許可申請提出書類（写真） · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-06-14
From 1 October 2026 only Dependent holders (not students) can get an individual permission to work at amusement-hall shops such as pachinko parlours, subject to extra conditions and the same combined 28-hour weekly cap.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
The permanent residence guideline revised on 1 October 2026 raises (for applications from 1 April 2027) the spouse exception to a genuine marriage of at least 5 years plus at least 3 years of continuous residence in Japan, and the natural-child exception to 3 years.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第３原則１０年在留に関する特例１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
Until 31 March 2027 a person holding a 3-year period of stay is treated as holding the longest period for the permanent residence guideline.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年２月２４日改訂）（注１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-03-31
If a permanent resident's status is revoked or changed to a non-permanent status, a spouse holding Spouse of Permanent Resident loses the basis for that status and must change to another status such as Long-term Resident, while the child holding Permanent Resident or Spouse of PR status is not affected.
永住許可制度の適正化Q＆A Q14 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Show 5 more

For a Dependent child who grew up in Japan, the Designated Activities to Long-term Resident change requires a Japanese high-school graduation or higher, 5 or more years in work-purpose Designated Activities or a work status (study at a Japanese university or specialist school counts toward the 5 years), a job, independent livelihood and compliance with notification duties.
高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を考えている外国籍を有する方へ注２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
On 27 March 2026 the Justice Minister announced that from 1 April 2026 naturalization review requires, in principle, 10 or more years of residence for the 'integration into Japanese society' criterion and checks tax and social-insurance payment over a longer period, framed as a use of ministerial discretion on top of the 5-year statutory condition.
法務大臣閣議後記者会見の概要（令和８年３月２７日）帰化の審査の厳格化 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-04-01
The one-time carve-out for people holding a 3-year period on 31 March 2027, modelled as rules: the person must have a 3-year period on that date, the permanent-residence application must be their first filed on or after 1 April 2027, and the decision must come before the 3-year period expires; they are then treated as holding the longest period.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）注４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
ISA's official outline of the 2026 amending law lists only two changes: the creation of JESTA, an electronic travel authorization, and raising the statutory fee ceilings; it lists no change to revocation grounds, change-of-status criteria or the My Number card, so no family-status rule appears altered by this Act.
改正法の概要（ＪＥＳＴＡ（電子渡航認証制度）の創設、在留資格の変更許可等に係る手数料の額の上限額の引上げ等）概要 · Checked on 2026-10-23
In the June 2026 revision of the change-and-renewal guideline, a note was added that ISA may base the decision on information about tax and similar obligations that other agencies provide at ISA's request; the guideline does not state a start date other than the June 2026 revision.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７納税義務等を履行していること（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22

Information only. Not legal advice and not an official service. Check the official source and consult the Immigration Services Agency or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) before you decide.