Spouse Visa vs Work Visa in Japan: Which One Is Right for You?

For foreign residents in Japan, one of the biggest questions is:

Should I hold a spouse visa or a work visa?

The answer depends on your marital status, career goals, stability, and long-term plans, such as permanent residency. Each visa type comes with different rights, restrictions, and flexibility.

This 2026 guide explains the key differences between the Spouse of a Japanese National visa and work visas, including eligibility, employment freedom, renewal requirements, and long-term benefits.

What Is a Spouse Visa?

Officially called:

Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等 – Nihonjin no Haigūsha-tō)

This visa is family-based, meaning it is tied to your relationship rather than a job. It is issued to foreigners who are:

• Legally married to a Japanese citizen, or

• The child of a Japanese citizen

With a spouse visa, your residence status does not depend on employment, giving more freedom and stability.

What Is a Work Visa?

A work visa (在留資格 – Zairyū Shikaku) is employment-based, granted according to your profession, skills, and employer.

Common categories include:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

• Instructor / Language Teacher (教育)

• Skilled Labor (技能)

• Business Manager / Executive (経営・管理)

With a work visa, your ability to stay in Japan is tied directly to your job and employer.

Spouse Visa vs Work Visa: Quick Comparison

Employment Freedom

Spouse Visa

• Work full-time, part-time, freelance, or start a business

• Change employers freely

• Work in any industry

Work Visa

• Work only in your approved job category

• Changing jobs often requires immigration notification (職務変更届出 – Shokumu Henkō Todokede) or a new visa

• Freelance or side work generally prohibited unless separately approved

Stability and Risk

Spouse Visa

• Valid regardless of job loss

• Must maintain genuine marriage and living together

Work Visa

• Tied to employer

• Losing your job may require new qualifying employment or switching visa types

• Prolonged unemployment risks non-renewal

Renewal and Documentation

Spouse Visa

• Renewal focuses on:

  • Proof of genuine marriage (婚姻実際証明 – Kon’in Jissai Shōmei)

  • Household income and living stability (生活安定 – Seikatsu Antei)

• Employment documents not required

Work Visa

• Renewal requires:

  • Certificate of Employment (在職証明書 – Zaishoku Shōmeisho)

  • Tax documents (源泉徴収票 – Gensen Chōshūhyō)

  • Employer details and job description consistent with visa type

Permanent Residency Advantage

Permanent Resident (永住者 – Eijūsha)

• Spouse Visa Holders: Eligible after 1–3 years of marriage; faster path if marriage is stable

• Work Visa Holders: Usually require 10 years of consecutive residence, stable income, and employment

Spouse visas often provide a significant advantage for long-term residency.

Divorce or Relationship Changes

• Spouse visa becomes invalid if the marriage ends

• Options: switch to a work visa (在留資格変更 – Zairyū Shikaku Henkō) or leave Japan

• Work visas are unaffected by marital status

Which Visa Is Better?

Choose a Spouse Visa If:

• You are married to a Japanese citizen

• You want job flexibility

• You plan to freelance or start a business

• You want a faster route to permanent residency

• You value independence from employers

Choose a Work Visa If:

• You are not married to a Japanese national

• Your career is highly specialized

• You want immigration stability independent of family

• You plan to work in a single professional field long-term

Final Verdict: The “better” visa depends on your personal situation. From freedom and long-term residency perspectives, the spouse visa often offers more flexibility and security.

Official Reference

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁 – Nyūkoku Zairyū Kanri-chō)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/