How to Bring Your Overseas Spouse to Japan｜A Guide to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application
Introduction
To bring a spouse you married overseas to Japan and live together, the common approach is to obtain a 「Certificate of Eligibility (COE)」. With a COE, the issuance of a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate goes smoothly, and the procedures after arriving in Japan also proceed without trouble.
This article explains the flow of the COE application when bringing an overseas spouse to Japan.
This article is based on the Immigration Control Act and publicly available information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
What Is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE is a document by which the Minister of Justice certifies in advance, before arrival in Japan, that 「the applicant will engage in activities corresponding to a status of residence in Japan」. When bringing an overseas spouse to Japan, the party in Japan (often the Japanese spouse) acts as a proxy and files the COE application with the regional immigration services bureau in Japan.
Advantage：Obtaining a COE in advance simplifies the visa examination at the Japanese embassy/consulate and makes the landing examination smoother. It is the standard route when bringing someone from overseas.
The Process from Application to Arrival in Japan
- Prepare the documents for the COE application on the Japan side
- The Japanese spouse or another proxy submits the COE application to the regional immigration services bureau
- Examination (the standard processing period is roughly 1 to 3 months; it may vary depending on the case)
- Once the COE is issued, send it to the spouse overseas
- The spouse applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in their country of residence
- Once the visa is issued, the spouse comes to Japan and receives a residence card at the airport
Main Required Documents
The following documents are needed for the COE application.
| Category | Main Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of marriage | The Japanese spouse’s family register (koseki) showing the marriage, and the foreign spouse’s marriage certificate from their home country |
| Basic application documents | Application form for the Certificate of Eligibility, photographs, questionnaire |
| Living situation and income | The Japanese spouse’s certificate of residence (juminhyo), documents showing occupation and income (certificate of employment, tax payment certificates, etc.) |
| Substance of the relationship | Snapshots of the couple, materials showing how the relationship developed |
Documents obtained overseas must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. For a detailed list of documents, please see 「List of Required Documents for the Spouse Visa」.
Points Emphasized in the Examination
In cases of bringing someone from overseas, because the couple has spent a period living apart, the substance of the marriage is verified more carefully.
- The course of events from first meeting to marriage (specifically, in the questionnaire)
- The actual state of contact and visits during the period of living apart (messages, travel history, etc.)
- The basis for daily life after arriving in Japan (housing, income prospects)
For proving the substance of the marriage, 「How to Avoid Being Suspected of a Sham Marriage」 is also a helpful reference.
Points to Note
- The COE has a validity period. After it is issued, proceed promptly with the visa application and arrival procedures.
- The issuance of a COE certifies eligibility for a status of residence; it does not 100% guarantee the issuance of a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate.
- Obtaining and translating overseas documents can take time, so early preparation is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I obtain a spouse visa without a COE? A. There is also a method of applying for a visa directly at the Japanese embassy/consulate, but obtaining a COE makes the examination smoother and is the more common approach.
Q. Is the application made by the Japanese spouse in Japan? A. Yes. In most cases, the Japanese spouse or another proxy applies to the regional immigration services bureau in Japan.
Q. How long is the examination period? A. It is standardly around 1 to 3 months, but it varies depending on the case and the time of year. Apply with ample time to spare.
Our Office’s Support
Bringing a spouse from overseas involves wide-ranging preparation, including document collection, translation, and proving the substance of the marriage. The Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office provides consistent support from the COE application through to arrival in Japan.
- A 98% approval rate track record
- Languages supported: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English
- Free initial consultation