marriage

September 14, 2017

Does marrying a permanent resident of Japan allow the spouse to receive a visa?

There are two types of spousal visas in Japan, one for spouses of Japanese citizens and one for spouses of permanent residents of Japan, although both visas are substantially the same.  Therefore, it is possible for a foreign national to receive a visa to enter Japan even if his/her spouse is only a Japanese permanent resident.
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 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.
April 12, 2017

Is there common law marriage in Japan?

These days the practice of couples living together and acting as if they were married, without filing a registration of marriage, has increased.  This type of relationship is called a “common law marriage.”  Common law marriages in Japan come with all of the same responsibilities that a “real” marriage does, including the duty to live together, help one another and remain faithful.