Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident - Required Documents
The Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident visa status is for the spouse of a permanent resident or special permanent resident, or for children born in Japan to a permanent resident or special permanent resident who have continued to reside in Japan since birth.
| Eligible Persons | Spouse of a permanent resident or special permanent resident, or a child born in Japan to a permanent resident or special permanent resident who continues to reside in Japan |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months |
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about how to fill out the application form, required documents, etc., please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Submitted documents will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please inform the counter at the time of application.
- You may be asked to submit additional documents during the examination process.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This is an application for those who wish to newly enter Japan under this status of residence.
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months prior to the application, facing forward with no hat and plain background, clear photo. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photo and attach it to the photo section of the application form.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and affix registered mail stamps.
4. Marriage certificate - 1 copy
A marriage certificate issued by a foreign authority of the nationality of the spouse (permanent resident) and the applicant. If the applicant holds Korean nationality or similar and a family register can be issued, it may be substituted with a foreign-issued family register showing the marriage of both parties. If reported to a Japanese government office, also submit a certificate of acceptance of marriage notification.
5. Documents proving the cost of living in Japan
- (1) Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate for the most recent 1 year of the person bearing the applicant’s living expenses — must show total annual income and tax payment status. Issued by the municipal office of the address as of January 1.
- (2) Other — if living expenses cannot be proven with document (1) due to having just entered Japan or having moved:
- a. Copy of bank passbook (web passbook screenshots or other documents showing transaction history are also acceptable)
- b. Certificate of prospective employment or job offer notification (issued by a Japanese company)
- c. Documents equivalent to the above
6. Guarantee letter from the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
The guarantor is the spouse (permanent resident) residing in Japan.
Guarantee letter form (PDF) / Guarantee letter form (English, PDF)
7. Certificate of residence (juminhyo) listing all household members of the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
Omit the Individual Number (My Number), but include all other items without omission.
8. Questionnaire - 1 copy
Required when applying as a spouse. Please download the questionnaire in the applicable language below.
Questionnaire Download (by language)
| Language | Download |
|---|---|
| Japanese | |
| English | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | |
| Korean | |
| Portuguese | |
| Spanish | |
| Tagalog | |
| Vietnamese | |
| Thai | |
| Indonesian |
9. Documents confirming communication between the couple
- a. Snapshot photos, 2~3 — showing both persons together with clearly identifiable faces. Photos retouched with apps are not accepted.
- b. Other (if available): SNS records, call records
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This is an application for those already residing in Japan under a different status of residence who wish to change to Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident. If there has been a change in your personal relationship, please apply promptly. If you are not engaging in activities based on your current status of residence, your status may be revoked.
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months prior to the application. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Marriage certificate - 1 copy
A marriage certificate issued by a foreign authority of the nationality of the spouse (permanent resident) and the applicant. May be substituted with a family register if applicable. If reported to a Japanese government office, also submit a certificate of acceptance of marriage notification.
4. Documents proving the cost of living in Japan
- (1) Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate for the most recent 1 year of the person bearing the applicant’s living expenses
- (2) Other — if living expenses cannot be proven with document (1):
- a. Copy of bank passbook
- b. Certificate of prospective employment or job offer notification
- c. Documents equivalent to the above
5. Guarantee letter from the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
The guarantor is the spouse (permanent resident) residing in Japan.
6. Certificate of residence (juminhyo) listing all household members of the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
Omit the Individual Number (My Number), but include all other items without omission.
7. Questionnaire - 1 copy
Required when applying as a spouse.
Questionnaire Download (by language)
| Language | Download |
|---|---|
| Japanese | |
| English | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | |
| Korean | |
| Portuguese | |
| Spanish | |
| Tagalog | |
| Vietnamese | |
| Thai | |
| Indonesian |
8. Documents confirming communication between the couple
- a. Snapshot photos, 2~3 — showing both persons together. Photos retouched with apps are not accepted.
- b. Other: SNS records, call records
Passport and Residence Card — must be presented at the time of application.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This is an application for those already residing in Japan as Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident who wish to extend their period of stay.
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months prior to the application. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Documents proving that the applicant’s marriage is still continuing
Marriage certificate or similar issued by the authority of the nationality of the spouse (permanent resident) and the applicant.
4. Documents proving the cost of living in Japan
- (1) Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate for the most recent 1 year of the person bearing the applicant’s living expenses
- (2) Other — if living expenses cannot be proven with document (1):
- a. Copy of bank passbook
- b. Certificate of prospective employment or job offer notification
- c. Documents equivalent to the above
5. Guarantee letter from the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
The guarantor is the spouse (permanent resident) residing in Japan.
6. Certificate of residence (juminhyo) listing all household members of the spouse (permanent resident) - 1 copy
Omit the Individual Number (My Number), but include all other items without omission.
Passport and Residence Card — must be presented at the time of application.
Reference Links
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