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JapanFamilyLast checked October 16, 2026

Spouse or Child of Japanese National

Nihonjin no Haigusha-tou

This status of residence covers the spouse of a Japanese national, a special adopted child, and a person born as the child of a Japanese national. The Japanese spouse usually acts as guarantor and the couple must show a genuine marriage and enough income to live on. There are no limits on the type of work holders may do. It also offers a shorter path to permanent residence.

See requirements ↓

Life in Japan

Money

3

Currency

Japanese Yen

JPY

Japanese Yen

Cost of living

69

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

5–45%

Income tax (national)

Consumption tax 10%

Plus 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax and about 10% local inhabitant tax; 45% applies above JPY 40 million.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.1

#59 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals legally married to a Japanese citizen, and biological or special adopted children of Japanese citizens.

Eligibility

  • Legal marriageSpouse

    The applicant must be the legal spouse of a Japanese national; the marriage must appear on the Japanese spouse's family register (koseki) or be proven by a marriage acceptance certificate.

  • Genuine relationshipSpouse

    The couple must show a real marital relationship, for example with photos of both spouses together, messaging or call records, and a detailed questionnaire.

  • Child of a Japanese nationalChild

    A person born as the biological child of a Japanese national, or a special adopted child, may also hold this status.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementMeans of support
  • Document checklistApplication form (Certificate of Eligibility or change of status)
  • FeesCertificate of Eligibility

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 3 more requirements
  • 12 documents
  • 6 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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