What is the Dependent Visa?

The Dependent visa ("家族滞在" / "Kazoku Taizai" in Japanese) allows the spouse and/or child(ren) of a foreign national residing in Japan under a qualifying work or study visa to join them and reside in Japan. It is intended for family reunification and allows for a stable family life during the principal visa holder’s stay in Japan.

The Dependent visa does not automatically grant work rights. However, spouses may apply separately for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence" ("資格外活動許可" / "Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka") through the Immigration Bureau. If approved, they may work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.

This permission is not granted by default and must be applied for after arriving in Japan. Even with permission, working beyond 28 hours per week is strictly prohibited.

Duration of Stay

The duration of the Dependent visa is typically matched to the length of stay of the sponsoring family member, and may be issued for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. Extensions are possible as long as the sponsoring person maintains a valid visa and continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Requirements for Eligibility

To apply for a Dependent visa, the following conditions must be satisfied:

(1) Eligible Main visa holders

The main visa holders must hold a valid mid- to long-term visa in Japan, such as:

  • Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技人国)
  • Business Manager
  • Highly Skilled Professional
  • Student (*)
  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Intra-company Transferee
  • Skilled Labour
  • Other working visa statuses

The main visa holders must also have sufficient income to support dependent family members.

* Strict criteria may be applied when the main visa holder is a "Student"

(2) Eligible Dependents

  • Spouse (legally married partner)
  • Child(ren) (biological or legally adopted, under 18 years of age* in most cases)

* For children over 18, a Dependent visa may only be granted under exceptional circumstances, such as physical or mental disability that requires continued support.

(3) Ineligible Sponsor Statuses

Please note: Individuals under the following visa statuses cannot sponsor family members under the Dependent visa:

  • Technical Intern Training (技能実習)
  • Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) – with some exceptions under Type 2
  • Designated Activities (e.g. working holiday, short-term cultural activities)
  • Short-term Stay (90-day tourist visa)
  • Permanent Resident, Long-term Resident, Spouse of Japanese National – these use different family visa categories (not “Dependent”)

Rights and Conditions

  • Residence in Japan with the sponsoring family member
  • Children may attend school in Japan (public or private)
  • Spouses may not work by default, but can apply for a work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted) to work up to 28 hours per week*

Required Documents

(A) From the main visa holders (in Japan)

  • Resident Certificate (住民票) including all household members
  • Certificate of Employment (showing position, income, and contract term)
  • Latest Tax Certificate & Tax Payment Record (住民税課税証明書 and 納税証明書)
  • Copy of Residence Card (front and back)
  • Copy of Passport
  • Letter of Guarantee (written and signed by the sponsor)
  • Certificate of Enrolment (if the sponsor is a student)
  • Lease Agreement or Utility Bill to prove cohabitation

(B) From the Dependent (Applicant)

  • Application Form for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Face Photograph (passport-sized, taken within the last 3 months)
  • Copy of Passport
  • Proof of Relationship:
    • For spouses: Marriage Certificate (with official Japanese translation)
    • For children: Birth Certificate (with Japanese translation)
  • Letter of Reason for Invitation (explaining family background and intent)
  • Other Supporting Documents (if applicable)

⚠️ We encourage you to provide as many supporting documents as possible, as doing so may strengthen your case during the screening process.
Please do not submit any documents that contain information subject to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Our office cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the submission of confidential materials.

Estimated Processing Time

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    Approx. 1.5 to 3 months, depending on the immigration bureau and case complexity
  • Visa Issuance (at Japanese Embassy/Consulate abroad):
    Usually 5 to 10 working days after COE is issued

Our Services & Fees

We provide comprehensive assistance with the following:

  • Consultation on eligibility and required documents
  • Preparing the Letter of Guarantee, Letter of Invitation, and other forms in Japanese
  • Translating official documents into Japanese
  • Preparing and submitting the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application
  • Communication with the Immigration Bureau

Service Fee:
From ¥100,000 (+ tax)
Additional fees may apply depending on the case complexity and translation volume.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Wishing to bring your family to Japan?
Let our experienced immigration specialists guide you through the process with care and precision.

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