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Spouse of Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident

JapanFamily

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Which family relationships qualify?

The spouse of a permanent resident or special permanent resident (the status also covers their children born in Japan who have continued to reside in Japan).

See recorded sources

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The spouse holding permanent resident (or special permanent resident) status and residing in Japan acts as guarantor.

See recorded sources

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Evidence includes a marriage certificate issued by the authorities of the countries of the permanent-resident spouse and the applicant (a certificate of acceptance of marriage notification if registered in Japan); a questionnaire; and 2-3 snapshots of the couple together, plus SNS or call records.

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What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

Proof of stay costs consists of the latest one-year resident tax (or non-taxation) and tax payment certificates of the person paying (or bank passbook copies, a Japanese employer's offer letter, or equivalent); a letter of guarantee from the permanent-resident spouse; and the household certificate of residence of the spouse.

See recorded sources

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

Applications cover a Certificate of Eligibility for new entry, change of status, extension and acquisition of status. The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months. The official source does not state the rights attached to the status or a route to permanent residence.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Rights granted and route to permanent residence not stated on this page.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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