2025-08-26

Obtaining a spouse visa means that, compared to other types of residence status, there are no restrictions on employment, and the conditions for obtaining permanent residency are also relaxed. For this reason, it is necessary to take great care when applying. Therefore, many people choose to hire an administrative scrivener, who is a specialist in this field. Here are some important points to keep in mind when doing so.

What is a Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa is a residency status that foreign nationals residing in Japan can obtain upon marrying a Japanese national. While “spouse visa” is a colloquial term, the official designation is “Residency Status: Spouse of a Japanese National.”

Additionally, this residence status includes not only foreigners married to Japanese nationals but also foreigners who have been adopted as special children of Japanese nationals or born as children of Japanese nationals.

What makes a recommended administrative scrivener?

Obtaining a Spouse Visa has the characteristic of eliminating employment restrictions, unlike other employment-related residence statuses. Additionally, the conditions for obtaining permanent residency are also relaxed. However, the review process after application is stringent, and obtaining approval is a significant challenge.

Therefore, many people may consider entrusting the preparation and collection of documents, as well as the application process, to an administrative scrivener, who is an expert in residence status matters. However, many people may also be unsure about how to choose the right administrative scrivener from the many available options. Here, we will explain how to select an administrative scrivener.

First, many people will likely refer to the websites of administrative scriveners available online. By visiting their websites, you can learn about the specific fields they specialize in, as well as their fees (charges). Additionally, if you actually hire an administrative scrivener, there is a possibility that you will need to visit their office multiple times, so proximity to your home or workplace is an important consideration.

After reviewing the websites, select a few administrative scrivener offices that catch your interest and contact them by phone. Key points to check include how they respond over the phone, whether they are easy to talk to, and whether the content of the conversation is clear. If you find an office that stands out, it is advisable to visit them for a consultation.

If the administrative scrivener you meet matches your expectations, you may consider entrusting them with your case. Conversely, if you have concerns such as “this doesn’t feel right for me,” it is advisable to hear from other offices before deciding whether to entrust them with your case.

Additionally, if you have friends or acquaintances who have previously applied for a spouse visa, you can also choose an administrative scrivener office by hearing their experiences. There is a possibility of finding a reputable office that does not have a website.

What are the key points to consider when looking for an administrative scrivener?

There are three key points to consider when looking for a good administrative scrivener.

First, the scope of work and fees should be clearly outlined. Fees are set at the discretion of each administrative scrivener, so amounts can vary widely. While lower fees are preferable, if the client is required to collect all documents themselves, for example, the burden may be too great, resulting in poor cost-effectiveness. In other words, the fees should align with the actual work the administrative scrivener will perform.

Second, the administrative scrivener should thoroughly interview the client before starting the work. The required documents may vary depending on the client’s circumstances. An administrative scrivener’s office that takes the time to interview the client about their past and current situation can be trusted.

Third, the follow-up after the application is submitted should be thorough. If the application is denied, a “reapplication” is typically required. Considering this possibility, a legal scrivener who clearly explains in advance whether they will handle the reapplication process and whether the fees include the reapplication process can be trusted.

Summary

Obtaining a spouse visa is challenging, so it is essential to consider the possibility of a reapplication when selecting a legal scrivener’s office to handle the application. While the website may initially draw attention to the low fees, the key point is whether the scope of work performed by the legal scrivener aligns with the fee amount.