If you’re living in Japan on a work or study visa, you may be able to bring your family. The Dependent (家族滞在) visa covers spouses and children of foreign residents.
Who Qualifies?
The Dependent visa is for:
- Spouses of foreign residents in Japan
- Unmarried children (under 18 typically, but adults in full-time education may qualify)
The main visa holder (sponsor) must have:
- A valid, non-short-term visa (work, student, or specialist visa)
- Sufficient income to support dependents
- Good immigration history
Note: If you’re married to a Japanese national, your spouse gets a Spouse of Japanese National visa — a different, stronger category.
Requirements
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) | Applied for by the sponsor in Japan |
| Sponsor’s residence card copy | Both sides |
| Sponsor’s income proof | Employment certificate + tax records |
| Marriage/birth certificate | With certified Japanese translation |
| Passport photos | 4cm × 3cm, white background |
| Visa application form | From Japanese embassy |
Application Process
Option A — Apply from Abroad (Recommended)
- Sponsor applies for CoE at their local immigration office in Japan
- Immigration Bureau sends CoE to sponsor (1–3 months)
- Sponsor mails CoE to family member abroad
- Family member applies at the Japanese embassy/consulate in their country
- Visa issued, family member travels to Japan
Option B — Apply Inside Japan
If the dependent is already in Japan (e.g., on a tourist visa), they can apply for status change at the local immigration office. This is not guaranteed to work and is riskier.
Processing Time
- CoE application: 1–3 months (processed in Japan)
- Visa stamping: 5–7 business days at the embassy
Start the process 4–6 months before you want your family to arrive.
Work Rights on a Dependent Visa
By default, the Dependent visa does not include work permission.
However, your family member can apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (資格外活動許可), which allows:
- Up to 28 hours/week of part-time work
- Apply at the airport on arrival, or at the local immigration office
Full-time work is not permitted. If your spouse wants to work full-time, they’d need to switch to their own work visa (requires a job offer from a Japanese company).
Duration
The Dependent visa matches the sponsor’s visa duration — typically 1–3 years. It must be renewed each time the sponsor renews.
Cost of Living for a Family in Japan
Budgeting for a family in Japan:
| Expense | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (2LDK, Tokyo suburbs) | ¥120,000–160,000 |
| Utilities | ¥20,000–30,000 |
| Food (family of 3) | ¥60,000–80,000 |
| Health insurance | ¥15,000–25,000 |
| Children’s school | ¥0 (public) – ¥150,000 (international) |
Settling In: Useful Tools
- Wise — Send money between Japan and your home country cheaply
- Google Translate — Photograph and translate Japanese documents
- italki — Japanese lessons for your spouse to get started
- Line — The main messaging app in Japan, essential for daily communication
Tips
- Keep your income stable. If the sponsor loses their job, it affects the dependent’s visa.
- Update your address whenever you move — dependents must also register at city hall.
- Children in Japan can attend public school for free, even on a dependent visa. Schools are welcoming and often have Japanese language support programs.