【Must-Read for Chinese Nationals!】How to Obtain a Permanent Residence Visa Through Marriage?
Chinese nationals living in Japan must accurately understand their options for “status of residence.” This article clearly explains methods for residing in Japan, visas obtainable through marriage to a Japanese national, and conditions for acquiring a permanent residence visa.
Ways for Chinese Nationals to Reside in Japan
To reside in Japan, Chinese nationals must obtain a visa (status of residence) appropriate to their purpose. Examples include “Student,” “Work (Engineer/Specialist/International Services, etc.),” “Technical Intern Training,” “Specified Skilled Worker,” “Family Member of a Japanese National,” and “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.”
Since the approval criteria for each status of residence differ based on the purpose of stay, it is crucial to identify the status that aligns with your activities. Furthermore, when renewing your period of stay, factors such as the continuity of your activities, income, tax payment status, and actual living conditions in Japan will also be reviewed.
For Chinese nationals seeking long-term residence in Japan, securing a stable status of residence is particularly crucial. If you aspire to permanent residency in Japan in the future, being mindful of key review factors early on—such as income, tax payments, legal compliance, and marital/family status—will facilitate a smoother permanent residency application later.
Residence Status Obtainable Through Marriage for Chinese Nationals
A Chinese spouse married to a Japanese national can obtain the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residence status. A major advantage of this status is the absence of employment restrictions, allowing the holder to freely choose occupations within Japan.
However, simply being in an international marriage does not guarantee approval of this status. Immigration Services Agency (ISA) conducts rigorous reviews to prevent sham marriages, focusing particularly on the substance of the marriage.
Key points scrutinized include: the circumstances leading to the couple’s relationship, how they met, their usual communication methods, living conditions, income stability, and whether they cohabit. Failure to adequately document these aspects in writing may result in rejection, making thorough preparation of supporting evidence crucial.
In cases of international marriage with a Chinese national, scrutiny may be stricter due to factors like travel history, language differences, and cultural disparities. Therefore, it is vital to organize necessary documents beforehand and prepare materials that objectively demonstrate the reality of your married life.
How to Obtain a Permanent Residence Visa?
A Chinese national who obtains the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence and meets certain requirements can apply for a “Permanent Residence Visa (Permanent Residence Permit)”. A Permanent Residence Visa has no time limit on stay and eliminates the burden of renewal, offering significant advantages for Chinese nationals wishing to continue living in Japan.
Requirements for a Permanent Residence Visa generally include: at least three years of married life and cohabitation; stable income and livelihood capacity for the couple (an annual income of at least ¥3 million is desirable); no issues with tax or social insurance payments; and no history of legal violations or traffic offenses. However, even with a shorter marriage duration, permission may be granted considering factors like the presence of children or special circumstances.
Applying for a permanent residence visa requires extensive documentation. Even if the requirements are met, incomplete or flawed submissions can lead to rejection. Therefore, thorough preparation before application is crucial. Objectively demonstrating “continuity, stability, and sincerity” is key to approval.
Summary
For Chinese nationals seeking permanent residency in Japan, understanding residency statuses, properly obtaining a marriage visa, and meeting permanent residency requirements are crucial. Preparing authentic documents and explaining actual living circumstances significantly influence the outcome, necessitating careful progress.
