RetireJapan

I (USA) have been married to my Japanese spouse for 22 years and we plan on moving to Japan. We also have a dual national son, but he will not be accompanying us as he will be at University in the U.S.

I would qualify under the Table 2 Visa as a Spouse of a Japanese National. According to the https://www.office-kasahara.jp/visa_list_english I would be authorized a Period of Stay of 6 months, 1 year, 3 years or 5 years. According the the same link this visa is governed under Article 817-2 of the Civil Code (Act No. 89 of 1896), however I did not see any details as to the specific length of stay when I searched the details of the Article.

Am I correct in assuming there is some sort of criteria as to what the initial Visa length would be or can I select? I would prefer not having to renew every 6 months as that seems ridiculous.

In addition, I need to get a COE (Certificate of Eligibility) to be eligible for the visa and the way I read it I need someone currently living in Japan to obtain this on my behalf. Is that accurate? My wife lives with me in the U.S. so she cannot get it, but I am sure my in-laws would be able to if necessary.

As a US Citizen, when you apply for a Spouse Visa (of a Japanese National), they will grant you a period of 1 Year Stay. This is standard procedure and nothing to be concerned about.
When that 1 year comes up for renewal (formality, visit Immigration), they'll probably grant you 3 years.
When that 3 year comes up for renewal (formality, visit Immigration again), they'll probably grant you another 3 years, or it could be 5 years.

Somewhere after the first renewal (or the second renewal), you'll be entitled to make an application for Permanent Residence (PR - Eijuuken 永住権).
You have to have a Permission to Stay of greater than 1 year, with greater than 1 year remaining in order to be able to apply.

You don't Have to go the COE route. It is possible to apply without a COE, but it takes a little longer.... as they would have done all the checking for the COE...

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/vis ... index.html

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/vis ... isa10.html

"By presenting COE, the visa application at the Embassy or Consulate-General and the landing examination at the passport control will be processed smoothly. However, please note that a COE does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.

A visa application for this type of visa could be made without COE. However, the applicant will be required to submit a large amount of verification documents and it could take a long time (several months) to process."

I think COE is really for Skilled Worker's and Student's Visas, and for citizens of countries that cannot use the Visa Waiver program.

As a US Citizen, you can travel to Japan on a Visa Waiver (Temporary Visa - 90 Days Stay) and submit your application for a Spouse Visa to the local Immigration Office in Japan.
I don't think US Citizens can extend the 90 Days Stay in Japan, but if necessary, you can take a short trip and back for another Visa Waiver (Temporary Visa - 90 Days Stay). No problem.
By which time your Spouse Visa will be granted, and you just have to go to the local Immigration Office to change status.


You would want to check the required documents for a COE Application and for a Spouse of a Japanese National Visa Application, as some of the docs would have to be prepared in the US before you leave.