Spouse Visa Renewal Rules:
Expiration & Step-Up to Longer Periods
Expiration = same as "driving without a license"!
If you forget to renew, you become an overstayer (illegal resident) and face deportation.
"I forgot" is no excuse.
Period Step-Up
"1 year" is typical at first.
With continued compliance, the period gets longer with each renewal.
For those aiming for Permanent Residency (PR)
To obtain permanent residency, holding a stay period of "3 years or more" is a mandatory requirement.
*Even minor violations can result in a shorter period.
Daily conduct matters greatly.
If you wish to stay in Japan after the expiration, you must complete the renewal procedure.
Forgetting puts you in overstay status, which constitutes illegal residency and is grounds for deportation as well as a criminal offense.
Never forget to renew before the expiration date!
Step-Up of Stay Periods
Spouse visa periods can be 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.
First-time grants are typically "1 year." With good immigration status, the period gradually increases.
At each renewal, your immigration compliance is reviewed. You need to live in accordance with the law every day.
*Even minor violations, while not resulting in denial, can lead to a shorter period.
Relationship to Permanent Residency
Mandatory requirement for PR application
To apply for permanent residency in the future, you must currently hold a visa with a period of "3 years or more."
Even if you meet all other requirements...
Permanent residency will NOT be granted with a "1-year" visa!
Summary
First, never let your visa expire. And daily law-abiding conduct leads to future "3-year and 5-year visas," and ultimately "permanent residency."