FAQ

August 18, 2017

What are the requirements to maintain a spousal visa in Japan?

Spousal visas in Japan allow the holder to work freely in almost any profession.  Therefore, upon marrying a Japanese national, many foreign nationals decide to switch their visa status to a spousal visa.  The main requirement for a spousal visa is that the visa holder continue to engage in activity as a spouse.
July 28, 2017

Do foreign nationals need to file any extra documents to divorce in Japan?

As long as both parties are in agreement, divorce in Japan can be accomplished with surprisingly ease.  A Divorce by Agreement in Japan only requires both parties to sign or stamp their seal on a Registration of Divorce and submit it to the local government office.  Approximately 90% of divorces in Japan are conducted this way.
July 3, 2017

Is it possible to sue someone for engagement fraud in Japan?

Breach of a promise to marry can lead to an award of damages in Japan.  Furthermore, similar to some types of commercial contracts, promises to marry do not have to be written down to be enforceable, as long as there is enough evidence to show the existence of the promise.  In many cases for breach of a promise to marry, the promise can be proved through showing that the couple had a traditional engagement ceremony, notified family and friends or purchased rings before the promise was broken.
June 13, 2017

What is the family registration system in Japan?

The family registration system is used in Japan to register Japanese citizens from birth until death.  In this way, the family register acts as a birth certificate, death certificate, proof of marriage and proof of divorce.  It also can be used to certify Japanese citizenship.  The family register, as the name suggests, is based upon familial relationships and parents, children and spouses will all usually be listed in the same register under a shared last name.