Long-Term Resident Visa: Changes After Divorce: The Complete Guide 2025

The Long-Term Resident Visa is a residence status for foreigners who settle in Japan for various reasons. If a foreigner with a Long-Term Resident Visa gets divorced, it may be necessary to change their residence status. In 2025, we will explain in detail the changes to the Long-Term Resident Visa after divorce, based on the latest information. We recommend that you grasp accurate information and use Check Visa Eligibility to confirm the possibility of changing your status of residence.

Basic Requirements for Changing a Long-Term Resident Visa After Divorce

If a foreigner with a Long-Term Resident Visa gets divorced, it may be necessary to change their residence status. In particular, if you have obtained a Long-Term Resident Visa as a spouse of a Japanese national or a spouse of a permanent resident, you will need to change your status of residence after the divorce. The new status of residence will vary depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Necessity of Changing Status of Residence After Divorce

If you have obtained a Long-Term Resident Visa as a spouse of a Japanese national or a spouse of a permanent resident, you will need to change your status of residence after the divorce. After the divorce, the basis for the original status of residence is lost, so it is necessary to obtain a new status of residence. The new status of residence will vary depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Types of Status of Residence That Can Be Changed

The types of status of residence that can be changed include, firstly, "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services", secondly, "Business Manager", thirdly, "Specified Skilled Worker", and fourthly, "Permanent Resident". The new status of residence will be determined by the applicant's educational background, work experience, annual income, Japanese language ability, etc.

Application Procedures for Changing Status of Residence After Divorce

The application procedure for changing the status of residence after divorce is the same as for a normal application for changing the status of residence. Prepare the application documents and submit them to the Immigration Bureau. The application documents include a divorce certificate, residence card, passport, and documents required for the new status of residence.

Preparation of Application Documents

The application documents include a divorce certificate, residence card, passport, and documents required for the new status of residence. The documents required for the new status of residence will vary depending on the new status of residence. For example, if you are changing to an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, you will need an employment contract, educational background certificate, work experience certificate, etc.

Application Procedures and Screening Period

The application procedure is to submit the application documents to the Immigration Bureau. The screening period is usually about 1 to 3 months. During the screening period, you can stay in Japan with your original status of residence, but depending on the screening results, your status of residence may be revoked or you may be subject to deportation.

Latest Trends and Points to Note Regarding Changes in Status of Residence After Divorce in 2025

In 2025, the screening of changes in status of residence after divorce for Long-Term Resident Visas tends to be stricter. In particular, the reasons for the divorce and the possibility of obtaining a new status of residence tend to be more strictly scrutinized. It is important to grasp accurate information and make appropriate preparations.

Stricter Screening and Importance of Application Preparation

In 2025, the screening tends to be stricter, and the reasons for the divorce and the possibility of obtaining a new status of residence will be more strictly scrutinized. To make a successful application, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for the divorce and prove the possibility of obtaining a new status of residence. In particular, it is important to prepare the documents required for the new status of residence perfectly.

Importance of Consulting a Specialist

Changing your status of residence after a divorce is a complex procedure that requires specialized knowledge. In particular, it is recommended that you seek advice from a specialist regarding the selection of a new status of residence and the preparation of application documents. By receiving advice from a specialist, you can increase the chances of a successful application.

First, a Free Visa Assessment (Eligible Check)

If you are considering changing your status of residence after divorce with a Long-Term Resident Visa, we recommend that you first receive a free visa assessment (Eligible Check). An expert will analyze your situation in detail and tell you the correct status of residence change procedures and the possibility of obtaining it.

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