Introduction

For foreign nationals living in Japan, the renewal procedure for statuses such as “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” greatly affects both family and future life. Many holders of this status are concerned about whether having children is advantageous in the renewal process, or if not having children is a disadvantage. This article explains, based on official sources from the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency, whether there are differences in renewal review depending on whether you have children.

Overview of Spouse Status and Review Criteria

The “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” and “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” statuses are reviewed according to guidelines by the Ministry of Justice. The review focuses on whether the couple actually lives together and has a stable life, the payment of taxes and social insurance, appropriate employment, and the realities of their life. The applicant and the spouse may both need to submit documents such as residence certificates, tax certificates, and letters of guarantee.

Key Points for Renewal with or without Children

When children are present, additional factors are considered:

• For children of compulsory education age, the fact that they are attending school may be reviewed.
• Having children may serve as supporting evidence that the family’s life base is well established in Japan.
• Not having children does not disadvantage you; as long as the marriage is ongoing and stable, the basic review criteria do not change.

Family Life Reality as Assessed in Review

According to guidelines and official information, the most important factors are: the couple lives together, shares expenses, maintains a stable income and tax record, among others. Whether or not you have children is not a mandatory condition, but is evaluated as supporting evidence that the family is living a stable life in Japan.

Example Cases

Case 1: Mr. A, a Japanese national, and Ms. B, his foreign spouse, have no children and live together as a couple. Both work; their income, tax and social insurance records are in order. As their cohabitation and stable household were confirmed, the renewal for 3 years was approved without issue.

Case 2: Ms. C, a Japanese national, and Mr. D, her foreign spouse, have one elementary school-aged child. When renewing the spouse’s status, their child’s school attendance documentation was submitted. As stable family life was proven, a 5-year renewal was granted.

Points to Note When Renewing

• Special circumstances, such as living apart or decreased income, do not automatically mean disapproval if supporting documentation is provided.
• Applications can be made starting three months before status expiry.
• Prepare documents (residence certificates, tax and payment certificates, guarantee letter, information on the Japanese spouse) in advance.
• For families with children, materials such as the child’s school certificate or health insurance copy may be helpful to show actual family life.

Conclusion

The presence or absence of children is not a direct criterion for approving or denying renewal of the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status. Nonetheless, having children can serve as evidence of stable family life in Japan, which may be viewed favorably. The critical requirements are the continuation of an authentic marital relationship and stable household. Be sure to consult the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency’s latest guidelines, and seek professional advice if uncertain.