BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–8 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years (renewable)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Renewable up to five-year status for spouses and biological children of foreign permanent residents in Japan, with unrestricted work rights.

The Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等) is Japan's status of residence for legally married spouses and biological children of foreign permanent residents. It grants unrestricted work rights — any occupation, any hours — without a separate work permit.

The status is granted for up to 5 years and is renewable. Spouses can pursue permanent residency after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of continuous residence in Japan; children after 1 year of continuous residence. Fees are ¥15,000–¥30,000 for the entry visa and ¥6,000 (in-person) or ¥5,500 (online) for renewals.

This visa is ideal for spouses and biological children of foreign permanent residents in Japan who want to live and work freely without employment restrictions.

Japan

Curious about life in Japan?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visaJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visaJPY ¥30,000
Residency extension/change (in-person)JPY ¥6,000
Residency extension/change (online)JPY ¥5,500
TotalJPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Legal marriage: Must be a legally recognized heterosexual marriage (common-law marriages and same-sex marriages are not recognized, even if legally valid in the home country).

Genuine relationship: The marriage must be legitimate and not solely for the purpose of obtaining residency.

Financial stability: The Permanent Resident spouse must demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the applicant in Japan.

For children: Must be a biological child (including legally recognized children born out of wedlock) of a Permanent Resident, born in Japan, and have continuously resided in Japan since birth. Adopted children are not qualifying.

Compliance: The applicant and the supporting Permanent Resident must have fulfilled all public obligations (taxes, insurance, etc.).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application form for Change of Status or COE

Passport and Residence Card (if in Japan)

ID photo

Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate (proving the relationship)

Letter of Guarantee from the Permanent Resident spouse/parent

Proof of the Permanent Resident's financial ability (e.g., Certificate of Employment, Tax Payment Certificate)

Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the household

Questionnaire regarding the history of the relationship (often required for spouses)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No restrictions on the type of work or activities the holder can engage in.
  • Provides a pathway to apply for independent Permanent Residency after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.
  • Allows family members to live together in Japan.
  • No government application fee for the visa itself.

Worth Knowing

  • Strict scrutiny of the legitimacy of the marriage to prevent sham marriages.
  • Status is dependent on the marital relationship; divorce or death of the spouse requires a change of status to remain in Japan.
  • Financial stability of the supporting Permanent Resident is a key factor in approval.
  • Processing times can be lengthy depending on the complexity of the case.

Application Process

1

If applying from overseas

Apply for a Certificate of qualification (COE) through a proxy in Japan, then apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.

2

If applying from within Japan

Apply for a Change of Status of Residence at the local Immigration Services Agency.

3

Submit all required documents proving the marital or parent-child relationship and financial stability.

4

Undergo immigration screening (interviews may be conducted if the relationship is questioned).

5

Receive the residence card upon approval.

Ready to see if the Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery