VISA Information
Visa Q&A List - VISA Information
What will my Visa be After Divorce?
I have been married to my Japanese husband for two years and have a child with Japanese nationality. However, my husband and I are having quarrels everyday, so I want to get a divorce from him. Is it possible for me to continue to stay in Japan after divorce?
As you know, if a foreigner gets married to a Japanese and is having a stable life, he or she can obtain a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa and then, three years after marriage, there will be a possibility to apply for a “Permanent Residence” visa.
However, as well as there being an increase in the number of international marriages, there is also an increase in the number of international divorces. There will be no problem for those who have a qualification with which to obtain a working visa, but for those who are not qualified for a working visa, in the worst case scenario they must return to their home country.
Since they cannot hold a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa after divorce, they have to change their visa status. However, for a foreigner like you who has a child with Japanese nationality, you can apply for a “Long Term Resident” visa.
Although you are required to report to the Immigration Office certain changes in your life, including whether you have a job and a guarantor, many single-mothers are granted a “Long Term Resident” visa and live continuously in Japan.
Advisor: NIITSU Kyohei (Immigration Lawyer)
