My name is Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. I specialize in international matters such as visa and naturalization applications. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, I support foreign nationals living in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization.In this article, I will explain how to handle visa procedures when you divorce or lose your Japanese spouse.
1.Visa Options to Consider After Divorce or Death of a Japanese Spouse
One option for continuing to live in Japan after divorcing or losing a Japanese spouse is to apply for a change of status to a “Long-Term Resident” visa. This status is granted to foreign nationals who meet certain conditions and are permitted to reside in Japan on a long-term basis. Eligible individuals include:①Those who wish to continue residing in Japan after divorcing a Japanese national, a permanent resident, or a special permanent resident.②Those who wish to continue residing in Japan after the death of their Japanese spouse, permanent resident spouse, or special permanent resident spouse.
2.Requirements for Obtaining a Long-Term Resident Visa
① A stable marital relationship in Japan for approximately three years or more
This applies to individuals who have lived in a marital relationship with a Japanese spouse for three years or more and have spent a certain period of that time residing in Japan.
② Having a stable and reliable source of income
It is required that the applicant has sufficient income or assets to maintain a stable life in Japan, or is engaged in steady employment.
③ Having sufficient Japanese language ability for daily life and not experiencing difficulty in carrying out ordinary social activities
④ Fulfillment of Public Obligations and Overall Immigration Compliance History
It is important that the applicant complies with Japanese laws and regulations in their daily life. For example, the payment status of taxes, pension contributions, and insurance premiums will also be subject to review.
Even in cases of divorce or the death of a Japanese spouse, it may still be possible to obtain permission to remain in Japan if the foreign national is the parent of a child who is a Japanese national (the child does not necessarily need to hold Japanese nationality ) and continues to live with and support that child in Japan. In such cases, the length of the marriage is not a determining factor.To qualify, the parent must have custody of the “biological child of a Japanese national,” and must live together with and support the child within Japan.It should be noted that if, after obtaining permission, the parent leaves the child in the care of relatives in their home country (such as the child’s grandparents) while the parent works in Japan, this may be considered a failure to provide support in Japan. As a result, the renewal of the residence status may be denied.
At our office, we conduct careful and thorough interviews to accurately understand each applicant’s individual circumstances, and we provide support tailored to their specific needs. If you are considering applying for a Long-Term Resident visa in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, or Tottori) or in any other area, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We are committed to providing full support so that you can continue living in Japan with peace of mind.
