[From June 23, 2025] New Required Document
Philippine nationals applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan must now submit a TB Non-Disease Certificate. This includes spouse visa (Spouse of Japanese National) applicants.
- ▶Only issued by Japan-government-designated Panel Clinics (IOM Manila / NHS / St. Luke's)
- ▶Valid for 180 days from chest X-ray date
- ▶General hospitals cannot issue this. Book a Panel Clinic appointment early to match your COE schedule.
What is the Spouse Visa (Spouse of Japanese National)?
The "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" residence status allows a Philippine national married to a Japanese citizen to reside long-term in Japan. To bring your spouse to Japan for the first time, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) must be obtained first — then a visa is applied for, and entry follows.
This page lists Philippine documents commonly requested for the COE application. The responsible immigration office's current checklist and case-specific instructions control.
Required Philippine Documents — Checklist
Timing Your Document Preparation
Receiving authorities may impose issue-date limits, so there are two risks: getting records too early and getting them too late. Confirm the current limit with the responsible immigration office.
PSA Documents and CENOMAR Validity
- · PSA marriage and birth certificates: typically within 1 year of issue
- · CENOMAR: typically within 6 months of issue at most destinations
- → Work backwards from your planned COE application date to time the retrieval
TB Certificate Validity (New Requirement)
- · Valid for 180 days from the chest X-ray date
- · Aim to have the exam about 5–6 months before your planned COE application
- · Panel Clinics require appointments — they may be fully booked weeks ahead
- → Book the Panel Clinic appointment before you start the PSA documents
Timing depends on whether you need an electronic PSA record and e-Apostille, a separate SECPA paper record, or both. Confirm the required format before ordering and coordinate it with the TB certificate timeline.
Do Documents Differ for New vs. Renewal Applications?
New Application (Certificate of Eligibility)
For bringing a spouse from the Philippines to Japan for the first time. PSA marriage cert, PSA birth cert, CENOMAR, and TB certificate (from June 2025) are typically required.
Change of Status (Short-Stay → Spouse Visa)
For a spouse already in Japan on a tourist or short-stay visa. Similar documents to a new COE application are often required.
Residence Period Renewal
Renewing an existing spouse visa. PSA documents may be required again for the first renewal. Requirements vary by immigration office.
※ Required documents vary by immigration office and case officer. Always confirm with the immigration authority or a qualified professional before applying.