Spouse Visa vs Work Visa in Japan: Which Is Better?

Foreign residents in Japan often face an important question when planning their long-term stay:

Should I hold a spouse visa or a work visa?

Each option offers different rights, restrictions, and levels of flexibility. The “better” choice depends on your personal situation—marriage status, career goals, stability, and future plans such as permanent residence.

This guide compares the Spouse of a Japanese National visa and Work visas in Japan, explaining eligibility, employment freedom, renewal conditions, and long-term benefits.

What Is a Spouse Visa?

A spouse visa is officially called:

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

It is issued to foreign nationals who are:

• Legally married to a Japanese citizen, or

• The child of a Japanese citizen

This visa is status-based, meaning it is tied to your family relationship rather than your job.

What Is a Work Visa?

A work visa in Japan is a job-specific status of residence (zairyū shikaku – 在留資格) granted based on your profession, skills, and employer.

Common work visa categories include:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
  (gijutsu / jinbun chishiki / kokusai gyōmu – 技術・人文知識・国際業務)

• Instructor
  (kyōiku – 教育)

• Skilled Labor
  (ginō – 技能)

• Business Manager
  (keiei / kanri – 経営・管理)

Work visas are employment-based, meaning your right to stay depends on your job and employer.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSpouse VisaWork VisaVisa typeFamily-basedEmployment-basedJob restrictionsNoneRestricted to approved job typeJob changesFreeRequires notification or new approvalUnemployment allowedYesLimitedSelf-employmentAllowedOften restrictedPart-time / freelanceAllowedUsually restrictedPath to permanent residenceFasterSlowerDependence on employerNoYes

Employment Freedom

Spouse Visa

With a spouse visa, you may:

• Work full-time or part-time

• Change jobs freely

• Work in any industry

• Become self-employed or freelance

• Start a business

There are no job category restrictions.

Work Visa

With a work visa:

• You may work only within your approved job category

• Changing jobs may require:

  • Notification to immigration
    (shokumu henkō todokede – 職務変更届出)

  • Or a new visa application

Freelance or side work is often prohibited unless separately approved.

Stability and Risk

Spouse Visa Stability

A spouse visa is not affected by job loss. Even if you resign or are laid off, your residence status remains valid as long as:

• Your marriage is genuine

• You continue living as a married couple

Work Visa Risk

A work visa is tied to your employer. If you lose your job:

• You must find new qualifying employment within a limited period

• Prolonged unemployment may risk non-renewal

Renewal and Documentation

Spouse Visa Renewal

Renewal focuses on:

• Proof of genuine marriage
  (kon’in jissai shōmei – 婚姻実際証明)

• Household income and living stability
  (seikatsu antei – 生活安定)

Employment documents are not mandatory.

Work Visa Renewal

Renewal requires:

• Employment certificate
  (zaishoku shōmeisho – 在職証明書)

• Tax documents
  (gensen chōshūhyō – 源泉徴収票)

• Employer information

• Job description consistency with visa type

Permanent Residence Advantage

Permanent residence is called:

Permanent Resident
(eijūsha – 永住者)

Spouse Visa Holders

• Eligible to apply after 1–3 years of marriage

• Residency period can be shorter if the marriage is stable

Work Visa Holders

• Usually require 10 consecutive years of residence

• Includes long employment history and stable income

This is one of the strongest advantages of a spouse visa.

Divorce or Relationship Change

• If a marriage ends, the spouse visa becomes invalid

• You must:

  • Change to a work visa
    (zairyū shikaku henkō – 在留資格変更)

  • Or leave Japan

Work visas are not affected by marital status.

Which Visa Is Better?

Spouse Visa Is Better If:

• You are married to a Japanese citizen

• You want job flexibility

• You plan to freelance or start a business

• You want faster permanent residency

• You value independence from employers

Work Visa Is Better If:

• You are not married to a Japanese national

• Your career is highly specialized

• You want immigration stability independent of family status

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

Final Verdict

There is no universally “better” visa—only the one that best fits your life situation.

However, from a freedom and long-term residency perspective, the spouse visa offers significantly more flexibility and security than a work visa.

Official Reference

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