Picking up where my marriage guide left off this Is once again only mine and my spouses experience. I recommend calling your local Immigration and double checking all requirements.

Step 1

Your Japanese spouse will need to get a few Japanese municipal documents. First of which Is a form called a Koseki which lists your Japanese spouses family information including any children and you the spouse. Following getting the Koseki you will need to get another document called a Shotokushourmeisho If you are not currently employed your spouse will need to get theirs. This document lists the prior years tax information To the Japanese government. Both the Koseki and Shotokushourmeisho can be picked up at your local city hall.
The last municipal document Is a Zaishokushomeisho. This document shows all information about your current employer such as how long you have worked for them when you started what your salary Is. Once again If you are not employed your spouse will need to get theirs. You will get this document from you or your spouses employer.

Step 2

Upon completing the previous 3 municipal documents your spouse will need to print and fill out a letter of guarantee this Is To show they are willing to support you. The last thing you will need to fill out Is a Application for change of status. This form needs To be completed and turned In so that the rest of the paperwork can be processed.

Now that all the above paperwork Is complete you will need to gather a few personal effects. This Is not required but It helps To make the whole behind the scenes process smoother for you. The personal effects should be a few letters that you and your spouse have previously written to each other over the course of your relationship and a few pictures of you together. If you don’t want to part with the letters photocopies are okay. Gather up all the paperwork, letters and pictures your passport, Alien registration card ” All you need Is the number If you have not yet received your card ” and head to your
local Immigration office In your prefecture.
Step 3

Once at your local Immigration office turn In all the documents stated prior as well as your marriage certificate along with translated copy. If all goes well they will have you fill out your name and address on a postcard to notify you later. When you receive the postcard In the mail about 1-3 months later head to a post office and pick up a Shuunyuu Inshi ( Revenue Stamp ) for 4,000 Yen. This Is used To pay for the visa transfer to a spouse visa.
Report to Immigration before the deadline stated on the postcard with your Passport, Alien Registration Card, Stamp and before mentioned postcard.

With all of that they should pop In your new shiny visa within a few minutes and your on your new life in Japan. In my instance I did not have to do a interview with the immigration office this is not always the case. I recommend not stressing about the interview If you do have one as you will make It worse for yourself. Just tell the truth and you will breeze by.

I do not condone getting married for only the intention of a Visa and I have NOT made this Guide for people to do so I am aware people will use this guide with that intent. All I can do Is state my regards and say their Is other options then fake marriage and you make It harder for real marriages To work in Japan.

List of required documents

1. Marriage Certificate
Translated marriage certificate

2. Koseki

3. Shotokushourmeisho

4. Zaishokushomeisho

5. Letter of guarantee

6. Application for change of status

7. Alien registration card ” Or # ”

8.Shuunyuu Inshi ( Revenue Stamp )

List Of Local Immigration Office’s