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Status of residence · 家族滞在

Dependent visa for Japan: bringing your spouse and children

The Dependent status (家族滞在) lets the spouse and children of a foreign worker or student live in Japan with them. Who qualifies, which main statuses allow it (language-school students cannot bring family), the official forms and the rules on work.

Forms and documents

Which statuses qualify

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 6 October 2026 · Student visa · Change of status

Period of stayUp to 5 years

Part-time work28 h/week, with permission

Certificate of EligibilityFree · 1–3 months

Language-school studentsCannot bring family

Who qualifies

Who can get a Dependent visa

Only the closest family of the main visa holder, and only if the main holder actually supports them.

Spouse

The legal spouse of the main visa holder. The marriage must be legally registered: a de facto partnership does not qualify. For same-sex spouses whose marriage is valid in both home countries, ISA grants Designated Activities (特定活動) instead.

Children

Children supported by the main visa holder, including legally adopted children. The law sets no age limit, but the child must really depend on the parent — an adult child who can earn a living usually does not qualify.

Not parents

Parents cannot come on this status. The one exception is the parents of a Highly Skilled Professional under certain conditions — on a separate Designated Activities status.

Depends on the main status

Which visas let you bring your family

The Dependent status exists only next to a main status. If you plan to come to Japan as a student and bring your family, the type of school decides.

You can bring family

  • Work statuses — for example Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Business Manager, Intra-company Transferee, Skilled Labor, Nursing Care
  • Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)
  • Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (特定技能2号)
  • Student — at a university, graduate school, junior college or vocational college (専門学校) in a regular degree or diploma course
  • Also: Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Legal / Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Entertainer and Cultural Activities

You cannot

  • Student at a Japanese language school (日本語教育機関)
  • Student at a high school, or in a Japanese-only course at a university (別科)
  • Student whose course at a university, college of technology (高専) or vocational college is only Japanese-language education — for example a vocational college’s Japanese course (日本語科)
  • Student who studies only at night or by correspondence
  • Specified Skilled Worker (i) (特定技能1号)
  • Technical Intern Training and Trainee
  • Temporary Visitor (short-term stay)

Coming to a language school? Your spouse and children cannot join you on a Dependent visa while you study there. Once you move on to a regular course at a university or a vocational college, or change to a work status, the family can apply. A Japanese-language course at a university or vocational college does not count, and neither does night-only or correspondence study. Families of Japanese nationals and permanent residents have their own statuses — Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident.

Forms and documents

How to get a Dependent visa

Immigration sets the period of stay individually, up to 5 years. Extend it at the immigration bureau before it ends, with the same documents.

How it works

  • Family abroad: the main visa holder applies in Japan for a Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) for each family member
  • The CoE is sent to the family; they get the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate and enter Japan
  • Spouse or child already in Japan with another status: they apply for a change of status
  • Work is allowed only after permission for part-time work — up to 28 hours a week

Choose your situation: the buttons open the current forms on the ISA website, and the list shows what to prepare, with the Japanese names. If the main visa holder is a student, switch to “studies at a university or vocational college” — the financial documents are different.

The main visa holder:

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — spouse or children coming from abroad

The main visa holder in Japan applies on behalf of the family — in person or online. Once the CoE is issued, the family gets the visa at a Japanese embassy and enters Japan.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility — one for each family member 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真Attach it to the form, or print it directly into the photo box.
  3. Return envelope with address and stamp for registered mail 返信用封筒Needed for a paper application; the CoE can also be received by e-mail.
  4. Proof of relationship: marriage certificate or the child’s birth certificate 結婚証明書・出生証明書（写し）A foreign document needs a Japanese translation. A family register (戸籍謄本) or a certificate of acceptance of marriage registration (婚姻届受理証明書) also works.
  5. Copy of the main visa holder’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写し
  6. Employment certificate or a copy of the business license 在職証明書・営業許可書の写しworks or runs a businessThe main visa holder gets it from the employer.
  7. Resident tax certificates for the year: tax assessment and tax payment 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書works or runs a businessFrom the city office of the address on 1 January. One certificate is enough if it shows both the annual income and the tax paid.
  8. Bank balance certificate of the main visa holder, or a scholarship certificate 預金残高証明書・奨学金給付に関する証明書studies at a university or vocational college (専門学校)Other documents showing that the family has enough money to live on are also accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for the main visa holder’s place of residence (they apply as the representative). Not accepted by post.
Fee
Free
Processing time
1–3 months
Online
Yes — through the Online residence application system (在留申請オンラインシステム)
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status — the spouse or child already lives in Japan with another status

The family member applies (a parent applies for a child) at the immigration bureau before the current status expires.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真From 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over (before: from age 16).
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Proof of relationship: marriage certificate or the child’s birth certificate 結婚証明書・出生証明書（写し）A foreign document needs a Japanese translation. A family register (戸籍謄本) or a certificate of acceptance of marriage registration (婚姻届受理証明書) also works.
  5. Copy of the main visa holder’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写し
  6. Employment certificate or a copy of the business license 在職証明書・営業許可書の写しworks or runs a business
  7. Resident tax certificates for the year: tax assessment and tax payment 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書works or runs a businessFrom the city office of the address on 1 January.
  8. Bank balance certificate of the main visa holder, or a scholarship certificate 預金残高証明書・奨学金給付に関する証明書studies at a university or vocational college (専門学校)

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for your place of residence
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Processing time
1–2 months
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of the Dependent status

The family member applies (a parent applies for a child) from 3 months before the period of stay ends, at the latest on the last day.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真From 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over. Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Proof of relationship: marriage certificate or the child’s birth certificate 結婚証明書・出生証明書（写し）A family register (戸籍謄本) or a certificate of acceptance of marriage registration (婚姻届受理証明書) also works.
  5. Copy of the main visa holder’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写し
  6. Employment certificate or a copy of the business license 在職証明書・営業許可書の写しworks or runs a business
  7. Resident tax certificates for the year: tax assessment and tax payment 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書works or runs a business
  8. Bank balance certificate of the main visa holder, or a scholarship certificate 預金残高証明書・奨学金給付に関する証明書studies at a university or vocational college (専門学校)

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for your place of residence
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Processing time
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Acquisition of status — a child born in Japan

The parents apply at the immigration bureau within 30 days of the birth. If the child leaves Japan within 60 days of the birth, no status is needed.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for acquisition of status of residence 在留資格取得許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真No photo for a child under 1 year.
  3. Proof of birth 出生したことを証する書類For example, a certificate of acceptance of the birth registration (出生届受理証明書) from the city office.
  4. Child’s passport — to show パスポート（提示）If the child has no passport yet, ask the bureau how to apply.
  5. Proof of relationship (birth certificate) 出生証明書（写し）
  6. Questionnaire 質問書download · PDF
  7. Copy of a parent’s residence card or passport 扶養者の在留カード又は旅券の写し
  8. Employment certificate or a copy of the business license 在職証明書・営業許可書の写しworks or runs a business
  9. Resident tax certificates for the year: tax assessment and tax payment 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書works or runs a business
  10. Bank balance certificate or scholarship certificate 預金残高証明書・奨学金給付に関する証明書studies at a university or vocational college (専門学校)
  11. Certificate of residence (住民票) — optional 住民票（推奨）Then the address is printed on the residence card right away. Without a 住民票, register the address at the city office within 14 days of receiving the status.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for your place of residence
Fee
Free
Deadline
Apply within 30 days of the birth; the decision comes within 60 days of the birth, sometimes on the same day
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Work

Part-time work — up to 28 hours a week

On a Dependent visa you can work only with permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可) — up to 28 hours a week. The permission is free; see part-time work permission. Do not start work before you have it: working without permission causes problems with extensions and a future permanent residence application.

For full-time work the family member needs their own work status, through a change of status.

Good to know

The status depends on the main visa holder

If the main holder loses their status, leaves Japan for a long time or the couple divorces, the Dependent status is at risk too. Plan a move to an independent status early where possible.

Not a spouse visa

Dependent is for the family of a foreign national. The spouse of a Japanese national has a different, stronger status with no work limits — Spouse or Child of Japanese National.

14-day notifications

After a divorce or the death of the spouse, notify immigration within 14 days. Moving house — register the new address at the city office within 14 days. More: notifications to immigration.

Travel abroad

With a valid passport and residence card you can leave for up to 1 year without a permit (special re-entry), but not beyond the end of your status. Longer trips need a re-entry permit.

Children after high school

A child who came on a Dependent visa before 18 and graduates from a Japanese high school can, with a job offer, change to Long-Term Resident (定住者, if they also finished compulsory education in Japan) or to Designated Activities (特定活動, if the parent stays as guarantor). Details on ISA’s page for high-school graduates.

Not living as a family

If a spouse does not live as a dependent for more than 3 months without a good reason, the status can be canceled.

Studying with a family

Want to bring your family while you study? Choose a regular course at a vocational college or university — not a Japanese-language course. Our long-term programs show the options after language school.

FAQ

Dependent visa questions

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Who can get a Dependent visa?

The legal spouse and the children who are financially supported by the main visa holder. The law sets no age limit for children, but an adult child who can support themselves usually does not qualify. Parents cannot come on this status.

Work statuses such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Highly Skilled Professional and Business Manager, and the Student status — but only for students in a regular course at a university, graduate school, junior college or vocational college (専門学校). Students of Japanese language schools cannot bring a spouse or children, and neither can students who receive only Japanese-language education at a university, college of technology or vocational college (for example a 日本語科 or a university 別科), or who study only at night or by correspondence. Specified Skilled Worker (i), technical interns and short-term visitors cannot either.

Yes, but only with permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可) — up to 28 hours a week. For full-time work you need your own work status.

The status depends on the main visa holder. After a divorce, if the main holder loses their status or leaves Japan for a long time, the Dependent status is at risk too.

No. Dependent (家族滞在) is for the family of a foreign national with a work or student status. Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等) is a separate status with no limits on work and a faster route to permanent residence.

On the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Each procedure has its own form: Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, extension and acquisition of status for a child born in Japan. The buttons on this page open the ISA files in PDF and Excel, with the filled-in example and the document checklist.

The Certificate of Eligibility and status for a newborn are free. A change of status or an extension filed from 1 October 2026 costs from ¥10,000 to ¥75,000 depending on the period granted, a little less online (filed by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000, online ¥5,500). The fee is paid after approval.

For the Certificate of Eligibility, yes. For a change of status, an extension or acquisition of status, only children under 1 need no photo: for residence cards issued from 14 June 2026 a photo is required from age 1 (before: from age 16).

Within 30 days of the birth, apply at the immigration bureau for acquisition of status of residence (在留資格取得許可申請). It is free and can be done online. If the child leaves Japan within 60 days of the birth, no status is needed.

Yes, if the child came on a Dependent visa before 18 and graduates from a Japanese high school. With a job offer they can change to Long-Term Resident (定住者) if they also completed compulsory education in Japan, or to Designated Activities (特定活動) if the parent stays in Japan as their guarantor. They can apply before graduation. Conditions are on ISA’s page for high-school graduates.

Work in Japan

Your family: work limits, taxes and benefits

All topics: Work in Japan — the full guide

Sources

Where this information comes from

Facts and document lists were checked against the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) on 6 October 2026. Form links come from a register of ISA files that our server refreshes every week: when ISA publishes a new version of a form, the button opens the new file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration decides each application and may ask for more documents. Where a rule is known only from practice, we say so.

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