When a foreign national who has already obtained a status of residence in Japan and is engaged in work or studies wishes to bring their family members from their home country, the status of residence granted to those family members is called “Dependent.”
Eligible family members include the spouse, children, and adopted children of the person residing in Japan. However, parents, siblings, and same‑sex partners are, in principle, not covered.
This “Dependent” status is subordinate to the status of residence of the person living in Japan. Therefore, if that person loses their own status of residence, the family members’ “Dependent” status may also lapse at the same time.
◆Ineligible Statuses of Residence for Family Stay (Dependent)
Foreign nationals holding the following statuses of residence are not permitted to bring their family members to Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence.
- Trainee
- Specified Skilled Worker (i)
- Technical Intern Training
- Temporary Visitor
◆Can You Work under the Dependent Status of Residence?
Foreign nationals residing in Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence are, in principle, not allowed to engage in employment.
However, if they obtain permission for “activities outside the scope of status” from the Immigration Services Agency, they may work up to 28 hours per week.
This limit of 28 hours applies to the total working hours across multiple employers, not just a single company. In addition, employment at establishments such as snack bars, nightclubs, or similar venues is strictly prohibited, regardless of the type of work performed.
→Click here for information on permission for activities outside your visa status
◆Requirements for Obtaining the “Dependent” Status of Residence
You are required to submit documents proving the following items.
- Adequate financial resources and assets must be available for the foreign resident in Japan to live with their spouse and children.
- The spouse or children must show that they need to be supported, or that they are already being supported.
- The child must be under 16 years of age. It is often said that the closer the child is to 16, the stronger the reason for staying in Japan needs to be.
◆Required Documents for the “Dependent” Status of Residence
The documents listed are the minimum required. Depending on individual circumstances, additional or supporting documents may also be necessary.
1) Application for Certificate of Eligibility — 1 copy
The form is available for download on the Immigration Services Agency’s website.
→Click here to access official documents from the Immigration Bureau.
2) Photograph — 1 copy
If the photograph does not meet the specified requirements, it will need to be retaken. The photo must meet the following criteria:
- Size: 4 cm (height) × 3 cm (width)
- Taken of the applicant themselves
- No hat or head covering
- Plain background (no patterns or scenery)
- Clear and in focus
- Taken within the past six months
- Applicant’s name written on the back
3) Return envelope with address and required postage (simplified registered mail) — 1 copy
A standard-sized envelope with the recipient’s address clearly written and the required postage stamp affixed.
4) Evidence of the Applicant’s Relationship with the Sponsor (Family Living in Japan)
- A certified copy of the Family Register — 1 copy
- Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration — 1 copy
- Marriage Certificate — 1 copy
- Documents equivalent to the above, as necessary
5) Residence Card or passport copy of the sponsor — 1 copy
6) Evidence of the supporter’s employment and income
⑴When the Sponsor Is Conducting a Business with Income or Working in a Paid Activity
a. Certificate of Employment or Business License copy — 1 copy
A document that shows the sponsor’s occupation. Please request a Certificate of Employment from the company where the sponsor is currently working.。
b. One copy of the Certificate of Municipal Taxation (or Non‑Taxation), or one copy of the Tax Payment Certificate, indicating the total annual income and tax payment status
It can be obtained at the municipal office.
⑵If the dependent engages in activities other than those mentioned in (1) above
a. A bank balance certificate in the name of the financial supporter, or a certificate regarding scholarship benefits specifying the amount and the period of payment, as applicable.
b. Documents equivalent to those listed in (a) above, demonstrating the ability to cover the applicant’s living expenses.
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
Each person has different reasons for wanting to bring their family to Japan. Therefore, the required documents are not standardized, and further explanations or materials may be requested depending on the situation.
Administrative scriveners will work closely with you to propose the best application approach and document preparation. Please do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure about how to proceed in your case.
◆Validity Period of the “Dependent” Residence Status
Residence status may be granted for as short as three months and up to five years. Commonly, the periods are six months, one year, three years, or five years, with finer divisions. The initial permission is frequently for one year.
→Click Here to Learn About the Procedure for Extending Your Period of Stay
◆Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence
Those under the “Dependent” status of residence can engage in employment up to 28 hours per week if authorized by immigration. Employment is not permitted without such authorization.
The 28‑hour limit applies collectively across all jobs. Exceeding this limit is considered illegal employment and may affect the sponsor’s residence status.
Work in establishments such as snack bars, cabarets, or game centers, as well as in cooking, cleaning, or clerical roles, is prohibited.
→Click here for information on Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of Status
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
To make the application for permission to engage in activities outside residence status easier, administrative scriveners offer support.
They explain the relevant rules and cautions in plain terms, and respond carefully to questions such as “Is part‑time work allowed?” or “What is within the permitted scope?”, according to each person’s circumstances.