Can I get a visa if I marry a Japanese citizen?

Marriage is something that serves as a gateway through which one might live with a dear one in their country of residence. If you are contemplating a union with a Japanese citizen and therefore are curious about your visa prospects, this article is here to guide you through the whole process. Although japanese marriage does give you a pathway to obtaining a visa in Japan, one must understand the specifics and the requirements involved.

Knowing About Spouse Visa

What is a Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa is alternatively known as a spouse or child of Japanese national visa, and this grants the foreign spouse of a Japanese citizen the right to reside in Japan, being a long-term resident status where the holder can live and work in Japan without those kinds of restrictions. It is normally issued for one year or three years and could be extended endlessly provided that the marriage still stands and the couple is still residing in Japan.

Related Blog: Why Foreigners Are Turning to Japanese Marriage Agencies for Lasting Relationships

Eligibility Criteria

To get a spouse visa, you must be eligible for the following conditions:

1. Legal Marriage

You have to marry a Japanese citizen lawfully. The requirements encompass marriage certification/proof of marriage.

2. Genuine Relationship

Immigration authorities will test if the marriage is genuinely entered into or not, that is, a marriage of convenience. As such, there may be interviews whereby assessing personal testimony and other forms of evidence of the relationship will determine if it is genuine or not.

3. Economic Self-Sufficiency

You or your Japanese spouse must demonstrate that you both are financially able to support yourselves. Usually, this means income statements, tax returns, and bank statements

4. State of Mind:

Applicants should not have criminal convictions or be deemed dangerous to public peace.

Application Procedure

Application for a Spouse Visa will require preparation of some documents, such as:

1. Marriage Certificate: The certificate showing that you are married to someone legally.
2. Residence Certificate: Juminhyo is proof that your spouse is residing in Japan.
3. Financial Papers: The proof of income and financial ability, pay slips, tax returns, and bank statements.
4. Identification Papers: passports, photos, and other identification papers you and your spouse possess.
5. Questionnaires and Forms: Completed application forms and questionnaires that the Immigration Office presents.

Note: Submitting an Application

Once you've obtained the collection of the documents you require, you will apply to the regional immigration office in Japan. This process involves:

1. Review and Interview: The office at the regional level will check your application and further process it by interviewing you as well as your spouse individually and asking questions about your marriage simply to find out if your marriage is actually and legally existing or just a marriage for purposes of obtaining a green card.
2. Certificate of Eligibility: In the event that your application is approved, then the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country will give you a Certificate of Eligibility, which you will use for making your application for the Spouse Visa.
3. Issuance of the visa: After getting the COE, you will apply for the spouse visa in the Japanese embassy or consulate; after being approved, you can go to Japan.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Marriage Agency

Married Life in Japan with a Spouse Visa

Rights and responsibilities

As a spouse visa holder, you enjoy other rights, such as,

1. Residency: You are entitled to remain in Japan and maintain your visa renewal so long as you are married and staying together.
2. Employment: You are allowed to work in Japan with no extra work permits required.
3. Health and Social Services: You are eligible for national health insurance and all social services Japan provides.

Renewal and permanent residency

Your spouse visa is renewable and only requires that you apply before it expires. After five years and sometimes sooner, you will qualify to apply for permanent residency. With permanent residency, you gain increased stability and are no longer required to renew any visas. The permanent resident status is commonly awarded to applicants who have had five consecutive years of residence in Japan or whose spouse is a Japanese citizen.

Potential problems and concerns

Cultural and Language Barriers

Life as a foreign spouse in Japan will come with cultural and language issues. Thus, learning Japanese and getting accustomed to Japanese culture is very useful in settling into society without hassles.

Legal Requirements

You must keep up to date with the changes in Japanese marriage law and regulations, and changes in marital status or residence. You will be declared fit for revoking your visa in case you fail to keep such changes updated.

Breakdown of Marriage

If your divorce leads to the termination of your marriage, the spouse visa may be canceled, and you could be deported from Japan if you do not otherwise qualify for another type of visa. In this case, there are consequences associated with this type of visa.

Due to marrying a Japanese citizen, foreign citizens can reach the phase of living in Japan by means of a spouse visa. For instance, this process actually demands very specific documentation and strictly adheres to its requirements, but it is your chance for building life with each other in Japan. Knowing a bit about the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and some potential challenges, you will have chances to conduct a relatively smooth journey through your life with your spouse in Japan. Being prepared and informed, you will be able to enjoy the full experience of living with your spouse in Japan.

Read it: Top Challenges in International Marriages and How to Overcome