I’m the representative of Kisaragi Immigration Support Office.
In my twenties, I lived in several countries, working in agriculture and the tourism industry, and had many opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences inspired me to support foreign nationals taking on new challenges in Japan, which led me to become a certified immigration legal specialist (Gyoseishoshi).
I am a registered member of the Aichi Prefecture Administrative Scriveners Association (Registration No. 22200630).
Many foreign nationals working in Japan wish to bring their families to the country. However, many people feel uncertain about the conditions under which they can bring their families and which status of residence they need to obtain. It is particularly important to properly understand what the “Dependent Visa” system entails and the rules regarding employment and period of stay.
This article focuses on the topic of “What is a Dependent Visa,” providing detailed explanations of the scope of eligible family members, the period of stay, whether employment is permitted, and the types of application procedures. Understanding how the system works will help you prepare to welcome your family to Japan with confidence.
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence that allows foreign nationals residing in Japan to bring their family members to the country.
While there are other statuses of residence for bringing family members to Japan, such as “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” “Long-Term Resident,” and “Designated Activities,” this article focuses specifically on the “Dependent Visa.”
Eligible Family Members for Dependent Status are Spouses and Children
The Dependent Visa is limited to the spouses and children of foreign nationals residing in Japan. It is not possible to bring parents or siblings to Japan under this status of residence.
Additionally, those who obtain a Dependent Visa are expected to live under the financial support of the foreign national who serves as their sponsor after entering Japan. Spouses or children who plan to support themselves independently are not eligible for this status.
Which Statuses of Residence Allow You to Bring Family Members to Japan?
Foreign nationals residing in Japan hold statuses of residence that correspond to their specific activities. Among these, only certain statuses of residence allow individuals to bring their spouses or children to Japan under a Dependent Visa.
Specifically, this includes 15 types of work-related statuses of residence and 2 types of non-work-related statuses of residence. The following sections provide detailed explanations of each status of residence.
Work-Related Statuses of Residence
The following 15 work-related statuses of residence allow individuals to bring their family members to Japan under a Dependent Visa:
Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, and Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
Work-related statuses of residence are premised on income-generating activities and stable living foundations, making it relatively easier to obtain approval for bringing family members.
Please note that spouses and children of foreign nationals residing under “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” or “Technical Intern Training” are not eligible for Dependent Visas.
Non-Work-Related Statuses of Residence
Among non-work-related statuses of residence, only “Cultural Activities” and “Student” allow individuals to bring their spouses or children to Japan under a Dependent Visa.
Because these statuses do not involve income-generating activities, the審査 of living funds and ability to provide financial support is relatively strict when bringing family members.
In the case of a Student visa, only students enrolled in universities, junior colleges, graduate schools, colleges of technology, or specialized courses at vocational schools are eligible. Those attending Japanese language schools or general courses at vocational schools cannot bring their families.
Please note that among non-work-related statuses of residence, “Trainee” and “Temporary Visitor” are not eligible for Dependent Visas.
Japanese Nationals, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Residents
When bringing a foreign spouse who is married to a Japanese national or their children to Japan, they can obtain the status of residence called “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.”
When a permanent resident brings a foreign spouse to Japan, “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” can be obtained. Additionally, children of permanent residents who are born in Japan and continue to reside there can also obtain the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” status of residence.
When bringing children of permanent residents who are living abroad to Japan, or when long-term residents have their spouses or children reside in Japan, they become eligible for the “Long-Term Resident” status of residence.
Activities Permitted Under a Dependent Visa
Foreign nationals residing in Japan under a Dependent Visa must stay in accordance with the rules established by the Immigration Control Act. If they wish to engage in work or activities outside the permitted scope, they must obtain prior permission from the Immigration Services Agency.
The following sections explain the specific residency rules for Dependent Visas, including the period of stay and whether employment is permitted.
Period of Stay
The period of stay for a Dependent Visa is “a period not exceeding five years as designated by the Minister of Justice for each individual foreign national.”
This period is linked to the sponsor’s status of residence and is set based on the expiration date of the sponsor’s period of stay. Therefore, if the sponsor’s period of stay is short, the dependent’s period of stay will similarly be shorter.
Employment Up to 28 Hours Per Week is Permitted with Authorization
Individuals holding a Dependent Visa are not permitted to engage in employment as a general rule.
However, if they obtain a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted from the Immigration Services Agency, they may work within the limit of 28 hours per week.
This working hour restriction must be adjusted to ensure that no matter which day of the week is used to define the start of the week, the total does not exceed 28 hours. Since the limit does not reset across months or years, it is advisable to inform your employer in advance when taking on part-time work.
Industries Where Employment is Permitted Under a Dependent Visa
When obtaining a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under a Dependent Visa, a “comprehensive permission” is generally applied, which has few industry restrictions and allows freedom in choosing a workplace.
Therefore, it is possible to work part-time in a wide range of industries, such as convenience stores and restaurants.
However, work involving adult entertainment businesses or illegal activities is prohibited, and engaging in such work will result in penalties for violating the permission to engage in activities outside one’s status of residence.
Working Without Permission or Exceeding Hours Constitutes Illegal Employment
Working under a Dependent Visa without obtaining permission to engage in activities outside one’s status of residence, or working beyond the 28-hour weekly limit, constitutes illegal employment.
For example, intentionally working beyond the time restrictions may result in criminal or administrative penalties.
In serious cases, there is a possibility of revocation of the status of residence or deportation, so caution is necessary.
To obtain and maintain a Dependent Visa, it is necessary to continuously meet the established requirements throughout the period of stay.
The following sections provide detailed explanations of the main requirements for obtaining a Dependent Visa.
Being Under Financial Support
To obtain a Dependent Visa, it is a prerequisite that the applicant (spouse or child) be under the financial support of the foreign national (sponsor) who is bringing them to Japan.
This “financial support” refers to a state of living with economic assistance for living expenses, housing costs, and other necessities.
Therefore, the foreign national serving as the sponsor is required to have stable income or sufficient savings to support the family’s living expenses.
Being a Spouse or Child
A Dependent Visa can only be obtained by those who are the sponsor’s spouse or child.
Children include biological children as well as illegitimate children and adopted children, and even adult children are eligible if they are under the financial support of their parents. On the other hand, the sponsor’s parents or siblings are not eligible for this status of residence.
A spouse refers to someone in a legally valid and ongoing marriage, and does not include divorced or widowed individuals, common-law partners, or same-sex marriage partners whose marriage was established abroad.
Engaging in Daily Activities
The activities permitted under a Dependent Visa are “daily activities as a spouse or child receiving financial support.”
Daily activities refer to actions necessary for maintaining a stable life with the sponsor, such as family life and attending school.
As a general rule, engaging in income-generating work is not permitted, and if employment is desired, a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted must be obtained. Working without obtaining this permission may result in being considered illegal employment.
The Sponsor Must Have Sufficient Financial Resources
When bringing family members to Japan under a Dependent Visa, the sponsor’s financial resources are an important consideration in the審査 process.
The審査 primarily examines income and occupation to determine whether there is a sufficient economic foundation to maintain daily life. The required amount varies depending on the number of family members being supported, and if there are dependents outside of Japan, their number is also taken into account.
While there is no clearly defined standard, it is generally estimated that an annual income of around 3 million yen is the baseline, with approximately 800,000 yen added for each additional family member.
However, the assessment may vary depending on factors such as savings, living costs, and housing conditions, so it is important to concretely demonstrate that a stable life is possible.
Types of Procedures for Obtaining a Dependent Visa
There are three methods for obtaining a Dependent Visa, depending on the applicant’s circumstances: bringing family members from outside Japan, changing the status of residence within Japan, and renewing the status for family members already residing in Japan.
The following sections explain the process and key considerations for each procedure.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
The Application for Certificate of Eligibility is a necessary procedure when bringing a spouse or child from outside Japan to the country.
This application is generally submitted by the sponsor residing in Japan, acting as a proxy, to the regional immigration services bureau. The issued Certificate of Eligibility is sent to the family member abroad, who then applies for a visa at the local Japanese embassy or consulate.
Once the visa is issued, the individual enters Japan and, upon receiving landing permission from the immigration inspector, is granted the Dependent status of residence.
Application for Change of Status of Residence
The Application for Change of Status of Residence is a procedure performed when a foreign national residing in Japan switches from their current status of residence to a different one.
This application is required when the purpose of stay has changed and is reviewed at the regional immigration services bureau. A typical example is when a foreign national who has been staying on a Student visa gets married in Japan and changes to a Dependent Visa as a spouse.
Once approval is granted, continued residence in Japan is permitted based on the new status of residence.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
The Application for Extension of Period of Stay is a procedure for extending the validity period of a currently held Dependent Visa.
Dependent Visas have a designated period of stay, and if the extension is not completed before the expiration date, continued residence is not possible.
During the renewal process, factors such as whether the family relationship with the sponsor continues and whether the sponsor’s annual income and living situation remain stable are reviewed. If there have been changes in living circumstances, submission of documents explaining the reasons may be required.
Important Considerations Regarding Eligibility for Dependent Status
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence granted on the premise of a family relationship with the sponsor.
Therefore, if the support relationship can no longer be maintained, there is a risk of losing eligibility for the status of residence.
The following sections explain important considerations regarding maintaining a Dependent Visa.
If the Sponsor Passes Away
If the sponsor passes away, the support relationship that forms the basis of the Dependent Visa is lost, and the spouse or children will lose eligibility for the status of residence.
In this case, if they wish to continue living in Japan, it is necessary to consider changing to another status of residence, such as for employment or study.
Additionally, when the sponsor passes away, a notification must be submitted to the regional immigration services bureau within 14 days. If the status of residence is not changed to another one within three months after losing eligibility, the Dependent Visa may be revoked, so prompt action is required.
If the Sponsor Becomes a Permanent Resident
If the sponsor becomes a permanent resident, the permanent resident does not hold the position of a sponsor for Dependent Visas, so spouses and children cannot continue their residence under the Dependent status.
In this case, the spouse can apply for a change of status of residence to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” and as long as the marital relationship continues, there is a high likelihood they can continue staying in Japan.
However, the status of residence for children varies depending on their age and residency situation. If the child was born in Japan and has been continuously residing there, there is a high possibility that a change to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” will be approved.
For children born outside Japan, if they have already graduated from or are expected to graduate from a Japanese high school and have secured employment, there are routes to change to “Long-Term Resident” or “Designated Activities.”
If they are 18 years or older and have not graduated from a Japanese high school, it is necessary to consider changing to statuses such as “Student” or “Specified Skilled Worker.”
As such, the appropriate response when a sponsor becomes a permanent resident varies depending on the child’s age and other circumstances.
If You Divorce the Sponsor
If the sponsor and spouse divorce, the support relationship that forms the basis of the Dependent Visa ceases to exist, making it impossible to continue residing under the same status of residence.
If more than three months pass after the divorce, the status becomes subject to revocation, so it is necessary to promptly consider changing to another status of residence.
On the other hand, if children continue to live under the financial support of the sponsor, they can maintain their eligibility for the Dependent Visa.
Since the impact of divorce differs between spouses and children, it is important to take appropriate procedures according to the specific situation.
If Income Increases Significantly
Under a Dependent Visa, “being under financial support” is the basis for the status of residence, so if there is sufficient economic independence to support oneself through one’s own income, there is a risk of losing eligibility for the status of residence.
Financial support refers to a system under tax law and social insurance regulations where the sponsor can receive tax and insurance premium deductions when the annual income of the person receiving support is below certain amounts (such as 1.03 million yen, 1.3 million yen, or 1.5 million yen).
Therefore, when individuals residing under a Dependent Visa engage in part-time work, it is common to adjust their income to stay within the dependent deduction limits.
However, if they have obtained a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted, employment within 28 hours per week is legally permitted, and the visa will not be immediately revoked simply for exceeding the dependent deduction limits.
That said, if income increases to the point where they can support themselves and the support relationship is deemed to have been substantially lost, there is a possibility that the Dependent Visa can no longer be maintained, so caution is necessary.
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence that allows foreign nationals working in Japan to live with their spouses and children, with the support relationship and stability of living conditions being important requirements. The methods for obtaining it, as well as procedures for changing or renewing the status of residence, vary depending on the situation, and factors such as the sponsor’s income, family composition, and changes in living environment significantly affect the review process.
If you wish to bring your family to Japan or are considering a future change of status of residence, it is important to verify the requirements and necessary documents early and proceed with the procedures in a planned manner. When you have concerns, consulting with specialists such as administrative scriveners who are knowledgeable about immigration procedures and selecting the optimal application method will allow you to continue living in Japan with confidence.
Expert Commentary
For foreign nationals working in Japan, bringing their families is very important for achieving a fulfilling life.
The Dependent Visa is a status of residence that allows part-time work within certain limits by obtaining a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted, making it useful as a means of supporting household finances.
While the application requires many documents and verification of conditions, making the procedures complex, it is unavoidable for living in Japan with your family with peace of mind.
If you have questions or concerns, we recommend consulting with a specialist early and proceeding with visa acquisition based on accurate information.
Primary Sources Referenced in Article Creation
The primary sources referenced in creating this article are as follows:
e-GOV Laws and Regulations Search | Ministerial Ordinance to Provide for Criteria Pursuant to Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
(https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/402M50000010016/)
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence that allows foreign nationals residing in Japan to bring their family members to the country.
Foreign nationals residing in Japan under a Dependent Visa must stay in accordance with the rules established by the Immigration Control Act. If they wish to engage in work or activities outside the permitted scope, they must obtain prior permission from the Immigration Services Agency.
To obtain and maintain a Dependent Visa, it is necessary to continuously meet the established requirements throughout the period of stay.
There are three methods for obtaining a Dependent Visa, depending on the applicant’s circumstances: bringing family members from outside Japan, changing the status of residence within Japan, and renewing the status for family members already residing in Japan.
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence granted on the premise of a family relationship with the sponsor.
