Articles
Practical guides and policy updates on visas, permanent residence and koseki records for foreign residents in Japan — written by a licensed gyoseishoshi.
Married a Japanese national while living in Japan? Whether to switch to the spouse visa, and how
Married a Japanese national while on a work, student or tourist visa? Learn whether you need to switch to the spouse visa, what changes if you do, and how the change of status works.
Read article →Key points
- Getting married does not change your status of residence. If you hold a work or student visa, you can keep it, or apply to change to Spouse or Child of Japanese National.
- The spouse visa has no restriction on the type of work, but your stay then depends on your marriage. Your first period of stay is often 1 year, even if your current visa is for 3 or 5 years.
- The usual order is: register the marriage, check that it appears in your spouse's koseki, then apply for a change of status. You can apply at any time before your current period of stay expires.
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Leaving Japan for more than a year? Re-entry permits, your period of stay and what to do before you go
Going abroad for a birth, family care or work? Learn when the special re-entry permit is not enough, why your period of stay still matters, and what to do before you leave.
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Which immigration office handles your application? Tokyo bureau and branch offices by area (2026)
Shinagawa, Tachikawa, Matsudo or Kawasaki? Find which immigration office covers your address in Tokyo and nearby prefectures, and when you can apply online instead.
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Inheriting from a Japanese family member while living abroad: how to collect the koseki you need
Inheriting from a Japanese parent or spouse? Learn why you need every koseki from birth to death, who can request them from abroad, and what foreign heirs need.
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Only got a 1-year visa? What decides 1, 3 or 5 years at your next renewal in Japan
Got only 1 year on your work visa renewal? Learn what usually leads to 1, 3 or 5 years, which reasons you can fix, and how to prepare for your next renewal.
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What Approved ESI Applications Look Like: Official ISA Cases for University Graduates
From game developers to flight attendants: 25 approved ISA cases show which jobs, studies and pay levels worked for university graduates on the ESI visa.
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Anime, Fashion, Beauty and Food Jobs on the ESI Visa: Official ISA Cases from “Cool Japan” Fields
Drawing key animation, yes; only coloring backgrounds, no. ISA cases show which anime, fashion, beauty and food jobs the ESI visa covers for graduates.
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COE refused, now a new job offer? Get your previous application file before you apply again
Your COE was refused and a new employer will apply for you? Find out why it was refused and what was submitted, so the new application is consistent with your file.
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Your employer or a previous agent filed your visa application? How to find out what was submitted
Your company or a gyoseishoshi filed your visa application and you have no copies? Here is why it matters for your next application and how to get them in time.
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Married in Japan as two foreign nationals? How to prove your marriage without a koseki
Two foreign nationals who marry at a Japanese city office are not entered in any koseki. Learn which certificates prove your marriage, who can get them, and how long the records are kept.
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Have a question about your own situation?
Our articles cover general rules. For advice on your own situation, a licensed gyoseishoshi can answer your questions in writing or handle your application for you.
Questions about your own situation? Get a written answer from a gyoseishoshi (JPY 13,200, tax incl.) →