Introduction
For those residing in Japan under the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa after an international marriage, renewing the residency status is essential for a secure life in Japan. Many worry whether renewal is possible when the Japanese spouse, as the primary supporter, has a low income. This article explains key points regarding renewal when the supporter has a low income, based on official sources such as the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency.
What Does “Ability to Maintain Livelihood” Mean in Renewal?
When renewing the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residency status, authorities verify whether the couple can stably and continuously maintain their livelihood together. Although no specific income threshold is set by law or guidelines, applicants must demonstrate the ability to live stably in Japan, accounting for living costs and rent.
Conditions Under Which Renewal Is Approved with Low Income
Even if the supporter has low income, renewal is not automatically denied. Reviews take into account the overall circumstances, such as:
- Couple’s savings remain
- Total household income (including both spouses if both work)
- Proof and documentation of financial support from relatives or third parties
- Living situation (such as living with family and not having to pay rent)
For example, even if the Japanese spouse is unemployed, if the foreign spouse has an income or there is financial support from relatives, submitting proof (such as bank statements and support certificates) could result in approval of renewal.
Main Documents Required for Residency Status Renewal
Common documents required for renewing “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa include:
- Application form for period extension
- Recent photo (within 6 months)
- Passport and resident card
- Japanese spouse’s family register and certificate of residence
- Letter of guarantee
- Tax certificate (non/taxable) and tax payment certificate
- Documents verifying income (pay slips, withholding slips)
- Proof of savings (if needed)
- Support documents (when third-party support exists)
Depending on family structure and circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as certificates confirming household details or evidence of rent exemption when living with parents.
Precautions and Countermeasures When Income Is Low
If income falls below a certain level, simply explaining the low income may result in denial. Approval may still be possible by presenting reasonable grounds and supplemental evidence. Points such as steady household income from both spouses, regular remittances from relatives, or sufficient savings need to be clearly documented.
Examples
In the case of “Mr. and Mrs. A”, the Japanese husband’s annual income is 1.2 million yen, but the foreign wife earns 80,000 yen monthly through part-time work, and her parents provide a monthly subsidy of 30,000 yen, demonstrating stable living—renewal was approved after submitting relevant proof.
Official Information-Based Reasoning
The Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency clarify that “ability to maintain livelihood” is the main review point, and low income is considered within the total household financial situation and available support. As no strict income threshold is specified, providing evidence of stable, continuous living conditions is crucial.
Conclusion
The renewal of the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa can be approved even when the Japanese spouse has low income. However, it is important for couples to concretely demonstrate a stable household foundation with appropriate documents. Besides income, actively presenting savings and third-party support is key for a thorough review. If you are unsure, consulting a registered administrative scrivener is recommended.
