Japanese Spouse Visa: The Complete Guide 2026

Married to a Japanese National: The Visa That Changes Everything

Have you found love in Japan — or in France — and are you now married to a Japanese national? The Spouse of Japanese National visa (日本人の配偶者等 nihonjin no haigūsha tō, or "Spouse of Japanese National") is arguably the most advantageous visa you can obtain. No activity restrictions, no need for an employer sponsor, and a fast track to permanent residency.

But make no mistake: even if you are sincerely married, Japanese immigration will examine your file carefully. Japan is actively fighting against sham marriages, and the procedure requires proving that your relationship is genuine. We guide you step by step.

The Advantages of the Spouse Visa

Complete Freedom of Activity

This is the main advantage of this visa: no restriction on professional activity. Unlike work visas that limit you to a sector or type of position, the spouse visa allows you to:

• Work in any field (catering, tech, education, commerce, crafts...)
• Work full-time or part-time, without any limit on hours
• Be employed or self-employed
• Create your own business (without needing a Business Manager visa)
• Not work at all if you wish
• Work in normally restricted sectors (bars, entertainment, etc.)

In terms of professional freedom, the spouse visa is almost equivalent to permanent residency. This is a huge advantage compared to all other work visas.

Other Advantages

• No need for an employer sponsor: your marriage is your "guarantee"
• Easier access to credit: mortgages, credit cards — Japanese banks prefer spouses of Japanese nationals to work visa holders
• Accelerated permanent residency: accessible after only 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan (instead of 10 years for other visas)
• No points required: no need for a diploma, a certain salary, or professional experience

The Conditions for Obtaining the Visa

Main Condition: Being Legally Married

The marriage must be legally recognized by both France and Japan. In concrete terms, this means:

• Marriage in France: the French civil marriage is recognized by Japan. You will then have to register it in the Japanese koseki (family register) via the Japanese embassy in France or directly at the Japanese city hall of your spouse.
• Marriage in Japan: the Japanese marriage is a simple administrative formality — you submit a form (kon'in todoke) to the city hall. No mandatory ceremony. You will need to provide a certificate of capacity to marry (obtained at the French consulate in Tokyo or Osaka).

Important: the PACS (civil solidarity pact) is not recognized by Japan. Only civil marriage entitles you to the spouse visa. Same-sex unions are also not recognized for this visa in 2026, although the debate is progressing in Japan.

Proving That the Relationship Is Real

Japanese immigration takes the fight against sham marriages very seriously. You will need to provide evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuous:

• Photos of the couple: photos together on different occasions (wedding, vacation, daily life, with respective families). Plan for at least 10-20, varied and over a period of time.
• Communication history: screenshots of conversations (LINE, WhatsApp), call history, email exchanges — especially if you had a period of distance
• Proof of cohabitation: joint lease, bills in the same name/address, bank statements showing a joint account or regular transfers
• Letter relating your story: how you met, the evolution of your relationship, your plans. This is often the most personal and scrutinized document.

The Application Procedure

Scenario 1: You Are in France and Your Spouse Is in Japan

This is the most frequent case. The procedure takes place in two stages:

1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

Your Japanese spouse submits the CoE application to the immigration office nearest to your future home in Japan. Documents to provide:

• CoE application form
• Applicant's (your) ID photo
• Copy of your passport
• Extract from the Japanese family register (koseki tōhon) of the spouse — this is THE key document, it proves the marriage
• Marriage certificate (if married outside of Japan)
• Tax certificate of the Japanese spouse (income certificate from the previous year)
• Employment certificate of the spouse or any document proving their income
• Letter of guarantee (hoshōsho) signed by the Japanese spouse, committing to support you financially
• Couple questionnaire: detailed form about your relationship (circumstances of the meeting, frequency of contacts, etc.)
• Photos of the couple
• Proof of communication if period at a distance

Timeframe: 1 to 3 months. The CoE is sent to your spouse in Japan, who will send it to you...

Recommended Guides

• Tokyo Expat Guide 2026
• Japan Administrative Checklist
• Osaka Expat Guide 2026