Spouse of Japanese National Visa
The “spouse of Japanese national visa” (commonly referred to as a “Spouse Visa”) is a type of visa granted to the spouses of Japanese nationals, i.e. non-Japanese applicants who are married to a Japanese national. Please note that this category does not apply to those who are married to a non-Japanese national; the Immigration law specifies different visa categories depending on the nationality of the applicant’s spouse – when the applicant is married to a Japanese national the “spouse of Japanese national visa (Spouse Visa)” applies, and when the applicant is married to a non-Japanese national the “dependent” visa applies (subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions). Although both visas are based on marriage, the two visas are very different.
The Spouse Visa is a very strong visa, generally stronger than all of the visas based on activities (work visa etc.). Holders of this visa are permitted to engage in all types of work, with no restrictions on work type or working hours (or may choose not to work if being supported or if there are other means of supporting his/her living). Under this visa, it is possible to apply for permanent residency earlier than work visa holders.
However, as the spouse visa is based on marriage, holders will have trouble maintaining this visa when the marriage has become unstable. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider other visa options.
Visa consulting, visa structuring and application services
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update: 2015-01-29