Spouse or Child of Japanese National
Spouses, biological children and special-adopted children of Japanese nationals.
The Spouse or Child of Japanese National is a Japanese family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Spouse or Child of Japanese National is for
Spouses, biological children and special-adopted children of Japanese nationals.
Eligible for permanent residence after about 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence.
Spouse or Child of Japanese National - eligibility criteria
- Married to a Japanese national (genuine, ongoing marriage), or
- Biological or special-adopted child of a Japanese national
- Marriage legally registered in Japan and home country
- Evidence the relationship is genuine and cohabiting
Spouse or Child of Japanese National cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Spouse or Child of Japanese National (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work permitted |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Eligible for permanent residence after about 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Eligible for permanent residence after about 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence.
Many applicants also compare Spouse of PR · Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident · Permanent Resident (Eijuken), Long-Term Resident · Long-Term Resident. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Spouse or Child of Japanese National pitfalls we fix
Spouse or Child of Japanese National - frequently asked questions
How much does the Spouse or Child of Japanese National cost?
The Spouse or Child of Japanese National government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Spouse or Child of Japanese National take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Spouse or Child of Japanese National lead to permanent residence?
Eligible for permanent residence after about 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence.
Can I work on the Spouse or Child of Japanese National?
Work rights: Unrestricted work permitted.
Who can apply for the Spouse or Child of Japanese National?
Spouses, biological children and special-adopted children of Japanese nationals.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority