Introduction

Obtaining the status of “Permanent Resident” in Japan is a major goal for many foreign nationals. However, many wonder whether it is possible to apply for permanent residency if they have no income of their own and rely solely on their spouse’s income. This article explains, based on official government sources, whether you can apply for permanent residency under such circumstances, how to prove your eligibility, and important points to note.

Basic Requirements for Permanent Residency

Main Criteria for Permanent Residency

The main requirements for permanent residency are as follows:

• Good conduct
• Sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living
• The applicant’s permanent residency is deemed to be in the interests of Japan

However, for spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, the requirement for independent living is relaxed.

Is It Possible to Apply with Only Your Spouse’s Income?

In conclusion, “it is possible to apply for permanent residency even if you have no income and rely solely on your spouse’s income.” According to the Ministry of Justice guidelines, spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents are exempt from the strict independent living requirement, and as long as the household as a whole has a stable income, the application may be approved.

In practice, the review focuses on the “household income,” including both the applicant and their spouse. If the spouse has a stable job and the household has enough income to sustain life in Japan, the application can proceed smoothly.

How to Prove Income

Required Documents

The main documents required to prove income at the time of application include:

• Taxation certificates and tax payment certificates (for the past 1 or 3 years)
• Spouse’s employment certificate and payslips
• Copies of bankbooks (if necessary)
• Statement of reasons (explaining that the household is supported by the spouse’s income)

If the spouse is a company employee, an employment certificate is required; if self-employed, a copy of the tax return, etc., is needed.

Household Income Guidelines

There is no official minimum amount, but in practice, an annual income of at least 3 million yen for a single person, plus 500,000 yen per dependent, is often cited as a guideline. For example, if supporting a spouse and one child, an annual income of 4 million yen or more is desirable.

Key Points and FAQs

1. If the Spouse’s Income Is Unstable

If the spouse’s income is unstable or the household income does not meet the guideline, the application may be denied. Therefore, it is important to prove that the spouse has a stable and continuous income.

2. Fulfilling Public Obligations

Fulfilling public obligations such as paying taxes and social insurance premiums is also important. Any unpaid or overdue payments should be resolved before applying.

3. Application Tips

• When applying from a Spouse Visa, the marriage must have lasted for at least 3 years, and the applicant must have resided in Japan for at least 1 year.
• Prepare documents according to the latest Ministry of Justice guidelines.
• In the statement of reasons, clearly explain that the household is stably supported by the spouse’s income.

4. Example Case

For example, Ms. A (age 30, Korean national) is married to a Japanese national and is a full-time homemaker. Her spouse is a company employee earning 4 million yen annually. Although Ms. A has no income of her own, she submitted her spouse’s income certificates and taxation documents, and her application for permanent residency was approved. This was because the household income was stable.

Conclusion

Even if you rely solely on your spouse’s income, you can apply for permanent residency in Japan as long as your household income is stable. The review focuses on the stability of household income and fulfillment of public obligations, so be sure to prepare the necessary documents and check the latest guidelines. If you have any concerns, consult a specialist or administrative scrivener.