2025-09-03

Foreign nationals married to Japanese citizens can obtain a residence status called a “spouse visa.” While foreign nationals residing in Japan face various restrictions on working, what about those holding this “spouse visa”?

What is a Spouse Visa?

The “Spouse Visa” status of residence can be obtained by a foreign national residing in Japan who marries a Japanese citizen. Note that “Spouse Visa” is a common name; the official designation is “Status of Residence: Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”

Furthermore, this “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence includes not only foreigners married to Japanese citizens, but also foreigners who have been specially adopted by Japanese nationals and persons born as children of Japanese nationals.

Can I work with a Spouse Visa?

If a foreign national obtains a “Spouse Visa” to live with their Japanese spouse after an international marriage, there are absolutely no restrictions on employment. Similarly, if a foreign national marries someone holding a Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident status in Japan and obtains a “Spouse Visa,” there are also no restrictions on employment.

“No restrictions on employment” means the foreign national is free to choose their occupation, employment type, and working hours.

Unlike typical “work visas,” there are no restrictions on occupations based on educational background, so jobs like supermarket cashiers or factory work are possible. They can work part-time, full-time, or even become business owners. Naturally, they are not obligated to work at all, allowing them to adjust their work situation based on their circumstances.

For employers, there is the advantage of being able to hire without worrying about whether the job position aligns with the visa, unlike with a “work visa.”

There is no obligation to work under a “Spouse Visa.” However, to maintain eligibility for the “Spouse Visa,” sufficient household income to support the family is required. For example, if both spouses are unemployed and have no income, it may be judged difficult to continue living in Japan under these circumstances, potentially leading to the inability to renew the “Spouse Visa.”

Difference Between Spouse Visa and Family Stay Visa

Unlike the Spouse Visa, a foreign spouse may reside in Japan on a work-related visa, and their family members may obtain a Family Stay Visa to live in Japan.

In this case, the Residence Card will state “No Work Permitted.” However, with permission for “Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence,” they can engage in part-time work for up to 28 hours per week. Note that working in pubs, snack bars, adult entertainment establishments, etc., is prohibited.

Furthermore, generally speaking, if the annual income exceeds approximately 1.3 million yen, it may be deemed a violation of the restrictions set for “Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence,” potentially leading to the inability to remain in Japan. Therefore, great caution is necessary.

Summary

When a “Spouse Visa” is obtained, there are absolutely no restrictions regarding employment. Consequently, the foreign national holding this visa can freely decide all aspects of their employment: the type of job, the employment status, and the working hours.