日本人の配偶者等

Spouse or Child of Japanese National

FamilyContent reviewed on 2026-10-23

What it allows

For the spouse of a Japanese national, or a biological child or special adopted child of a Japanese national. The status does not limit the kind of work you may do.

Period of stay

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.

Requirements

You are married to a Japanese national, or are the biological or special adopted child of one
A genuine marriage and a stable life together; the authorities examine this · Confirm with the official source

Where this can lead

Permanent Resident

Related rulebook entries

What it is

For the spouse or child of a Japanese national, the spouse or child of a permanent resident and Long-term Resident, the person who may file the COE as proxy is a relative of the applicant living in Japan.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第四（第六条の二関係）（出入国在留管理庁掲載の抄録）別表第四（第6条の2関係） · Checked on 2026-10-22
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
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
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 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
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

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
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
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

Show 25 more

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
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
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
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 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
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

Numbers and tests

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 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
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
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

For COEs approved in August 2026 the averages were 120.9 days for Spouse or Child of Japanese National, 105.8 for Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, 93.9 for Long-term Resident, 74.1 for Dependent, 63.7 for Student and 31.6 for Cultural Activities.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分）（出入国在留管理庁）在留資格認定証明書交付処分（交付）までの日数 · Checked on 2026-10-23
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
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

Show 11 more

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
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 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
A spouse-based status (spouse of a Japanese national or of a permanent resident) can be revoked if the person has not carried out the activity of a spouse for six continuous months, unless there is a justifiable reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索現行版）第22条の4第1項第7号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
From 1 April 2027 the spouse route needs a genuine marriage lasting 5 years or more plus 3 continuous years of residence in Japan; a biological child of such a person needs 3 years of continuous residence.
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の1 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
Under the February 2026 guideline, the spouse route requires a genuine marriage of 3 years or more and 1 year of continuous residence in Japan; a child needs 1 year.
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(1) · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-02-24
The second sentence of Article 7 extends the same relief to the foreign spouse of a Japanese national when 3 years have passed since the wedding date and the spouse has had a domicile in Japan for 1 or more continuous years: the Minister may naturalize them even without the 5-year domicile and the age-and-capacity conditions of Article 5(1).
国籍法（e-Gov 法令検索）第7条後段 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For applications filed on or after 1 April 2027, the shortened route for spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents requires five years of genuine marriage and three years of continuous residence in Japan.
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 1 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01

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
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
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

Show 5 more

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
A spouse holding Dependent (as a spouse), Spouse of Japanese National or Spouse of Permanent Resident status must also report a divorce or the spouse's death within 14 days of the event.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第19条の16第3号 · 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

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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
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

How it works

When the Japanese spouse cannot file the COE inside Japan, for example because the couple already live abroad, MOFA tells the visa applicant to consult the embassy or consulate in advance, and a spouse visa application without a COE is allowed but slow and document-heavy.
Specified visa: Spouse or child of Japanese national（外務省 Visa） Necessary documents · Checked on 2026-10-22
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
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
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

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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
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
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
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

A Certificate of Eligibility for the spouse of a Japanese national needs the form, a photo, the Japanese spouse's family register, the marriage certificate from the applicant's country, proof of living costs (tax certificates or a bank record), a letter of guarantee, a household resident record, a questionnaire, 2-3 couple photos and communication records, and a return envelope.
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である場合）在留資格認定証明書交付申請 · 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

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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
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
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
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 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 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
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
Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents submit tax records for the last three years, while biological children of such persons submit one year.
永住許可申請１（日本人・永住者・特別永住者の配偶者又は実子等の方） 6 · 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
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
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
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

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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
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

Open the official page ↗ · As of 2026-10-23

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.