Introduction
When applying for a spouse visa, the required documents differ slightly depending on the type of procedure. Understanding the three types—Certificate of Eligibility for inviting a spouse from overseas, Change for switching within Japan, and Extension for renewing the period of stay—will make your preparation go more smoothly.
This article organizes the required documents for each type in checklist form.
This article is based on information published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Required documents are subject to change, so before applying, be sure to check the latest document list on the official website.
The Three Application Types
| Type | Procedure | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| COE | Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application | Inviting a spouse residing overseas to Japan |
| Change | Change of Status of Residence | A person in Japan on a student or work status switching to a spouse visa |
| Extension | Extension of Period of Stay | Renewal for a person already residing on a spouse visa |
Main Documents Required in Common
Regardless of the type, the following documents generally form the basis.
- Application form (the format corresponding to the procedure)
- Photograph (specified size)
- Family register of the Japanese spouse (showing the fact of marriage)
- Certificate of residence listing all members of the household of the spouse (Japanese national)
- Questionnaire (the format prescribed by the Immigration Services Agency)
- Snapshots of the couple (showing both together, with faces identifiable)
- Snapshots and materials demonstrating the relationship
Key point: The questionnaire is the document at the heart of the review. How to write it is explained in detail in 「How to Write the Spouse Visa Questionnaire」.
Additional Items and Notes by Type
COE (when inviting from overseas)
- Marriage certificate from the foreign spouse’s home country (proof that the marriage is established in the partner’s country)
- Materials showing that the marriage of both parties is validly established
- Attach a Japanese translation to overseas documents
For the overall flow of inviting from overseas, please see 「Inviting an Overseas Spouse to Japan｜COE Application Guide」.
Change (when switching within Japan)
- Current residence card
- Passport
- Materials showing the activity status under the current status of residence (for a student, the status of enrollment or graduation, etc.)
When switching from a student or work status, it is also checked whether there are any problems with the current residence status (such as exceeding permitted activities outside the status).
Extension (when renewing the period of stay)
- Current residence card
- The most recent tax certificate and tax payment certificate
- Materials showing that the marital relationship and cohabitation are continuing
For an extension, whether 「the marriage is ongoing」 is confirmed once again. If living separately, materials explaining the reason (such as a single-person work assignment) are required.
The Importance of Documents Proving Income and Livelihood
For a spouse visa, whether the couple can live stably in Japan is also examined. Be sure to prepare materials proving the income of the Japanese spouse or of the couple (tax certificate, tax payment certificate, savings, etc.). Even if income is low, it is important to concretely demonstrate the outlook for livelihood through savings, support from relatives, and the like.
Pre-Application Checklist
- Does the family register reflect the fact of marriage
- Was the questionnaire prepared without contradictions
- Were multiple snapshots of the couple prepared
- Were materials proving income and livelihood prepared
- Was a Japanese translation attached to overseas documents (in the case of a COE)
- Was the latest official document list confirmed
Our Office’s Support
Spouse visa documents span a wide range—family register, income, and the substance of the marriage. The Kaneko Hidetaka Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office provides support from selecting the documents appropriate to each type through to preparing them.
- A track record of a 98% approval rate
- Languages supported: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, English
- First consultation free