Hello. I'm Nakajima, in charge of Applying for Relationship-based VISA.
Someone who have spousal visa may want to get a divorce. The marriage not always go well… especially in Japan, it takes a lot of time to adopt themselves to Japan’s social custom so most of you feel uneasy.
This article is for someone who wish to live in Japan after divorce.
○About Visa qualification after divorce
・ Spouse or Child of Permanent Residence
You will lose the spousal status if you get divorced, which means you do not fulfill
the requirement of Spouse or Child of Permanent Residence Visa. If you wish to
continue to live in Japan, you must change your Visa.
・ Dependent
You will lose the dependent status if you get divorced, which means you do not
fulfill the requirement of Dependent Visa. If you wish to continue to live in Japan, you must change your Visa.
※ You will NOT lose your Visa if you have Permanent Residence.
○About Visa procedure after divorce
・ Spouse or Child of Permanent Residence
Most of them change their Visa to “Long-Term Residence.” Long-Term Residence
Visa is issued when the Immigration Bureau permits their residence in
consideration of special circumstances.
Taking their previous activities, their economic situations, etc. into consideration,
the judge was made comprehensively.
・ Dependent
There are many cases that the person wishes to change to working Visas such
as “Engineer/Specialists in Humanities/International Services” or “Business
Manager.” In order to change to Working Visas, you must meet educational or
financial requirements. Please check the requirements and find an appropriate
Visa.
○Please report the Divorce
If you get divorced (or lost your spouse), you must report it within 14 days from the date it occurred. There are 3 reporting methods:
① Go directly to the Immigration Bureau
② Send the copy of the notification and your residential card to the Immigration
Bureau by mail
③ Report it with the Internet notification system
If you neglect this obligation, it will affect your Visa renewal. You may obtain just 1 years of period of stay even if you are supposed to obtain 3 years if you have reported it correctly. Please do not forget this report.
Changing spousal visa to other visa is often difficult, because in many cases they are not employed. The Immigration Bureau tends to focus on the financial situation. You must prove yourself that you can continue your life in Japan independently. It is a good idea to find a job or save money before you get a divorce.
In this situation, the calm judgement is very important. Please consider your future and do not rush to give an answer.
We can help find your best way with you, please contact us.
Thank you for reading.
