Japan Spouse Visa

Last verified June 12, 2026 against official ISA/MOFA sources

Japan spouse visa:
Germany

Country-specific steps

Country guides cover the parts that depend on your nationality: the documents, legalisations, and consular steps. For some countries this work begins before the COE. For the overall process and the COE itself, start with the main guide.

Processing time at the consulate

Minimum 5 working days after acceptance (apply at least 3 weeks before departure).

Main mission

Embassy of Japan in Berlin; Consulates-General in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich.

Where to apply

Apply at the mission with jurisdiction over your residential address — official embassy site .

General documents

  • Valid passport (original) plus 1 photocopy of bio page; 2 empty pages required.
  • Completed and hand-signed Visa Application Form (English/Japanese).
  • One passport photo 45x35mm (recent), printed on photo paper.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (printout acceptable; original optional to submit).

Germany-specific documents

  • If not a German/EU citizen: proof of German residence (Aufenthaltstitel).
  • Some missions accept postal submission (Berlin) for initial document check; passport must be presented for visa issuance.
  • Visa fee generally waived for German citizens; others may pay at issuance.
  • Certain nationalities (e.g., Russia/CIS/Ukraine/Georgia): two forms + two photos.

Document authentication

  • No apostille/notarization for standard COE cases.

Submitting your application

  • Apply at the mission with jurisdiction; Berlin often allows walk-in; some consulates use appointments.
  • If posting to Berlin: send copies first; later present passport for visa sticker.
  • Processing typically 5+ working days; collect passport in person or via proxy with authorization.

Expert tips

  • Include reachable phone/email on the form for quick clarifications.
  • Use A4-sized copies (German missions prefer this).
  • If you're dual-national, use the passport that matches the nationality on your COE.

Common mistakes

  • Applying to the wrong mission (out of jurisdiction).
  • Forgetting a copy of the passport bio page.
  • Photo not meeting 45x35mm standard or too old.
  • Applying too close to departure; ignoring German/Japanese holidays.

Translations: German or English documents are accepted; translations not required unless specifically requested.

Sources