What is a Family Resident Visa?

The Family Resident Visa is a visa (status of residence) granted to spouses and children who are dependent on a foreign national with a work visa.

With a Family Resident Visa, it is possible to invite family members from the home country to live together in Japan for one year or more.

Eligible applicants are spouses and children supported by the worker, including adopted children and illegitimate children who are recognized by the worker.

Family members who are not spouses or children, such as siblings or parents, are not eligible. For example, if you want to invite your elderly parents from your home country to live with you, they are not eligible in principle. For example, if you want to invite your elderly parents from your home country to live with you, they are not eligible.

What are the requirements for a Family Resident Visa?

(1) The spouse or child (the one invited to Japan) must actually be receiving support.

Being dependent means that you are financially dependent on your dependents. Although there is no clear standard for the amount, if the annual income of the dependent exceeds that of the person being supported, the dependent is not considered to be receiving support.

(2) The applicant must have the financial ability to live with his/her family in Japan.

When inviting family members from the home country, it is very important to determine whether or not they are financially capable of making a living in Japan. Although there is no clearly defined line for financial viability, the applicant will be screened based on a comprehensive consideration of income, cost of living in the area, rent, and other factors. Necessary documents (taxation certificate, tax payment certificate, etc.) to prove economic ability are also required.

(3) Proof of family relationship

Since it is necessary to prove family relations, official documents such as a copy of the family register, marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. as in Japan are required. If these documents are written in a foreign language, a Japanese translation should be attached.

※Points to note

・It is not possible to bring in parents.

　The Family Visa is a status of residence for spouses or children of foreign nationals to live in Japan. Therefore, it is not possible to invite the applicant's parents, even if they are relatives of the applicant, with a Family Visa. In such cases, a 15-, 30-, or 90-day Temporary Visitor's Visa is generally required.

・Divorce from a spouse will result in the loss of visa status.

　If the wife or husband divorces, the dependent on a Temporary Visa for Family Visa will no longer be able to stay in Japan. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as changing the status of residence.

・ If the child is an adult, the visa may be disapproved.

　If this age is 18 or older, it is necessary to consider switching to the status of residence “College Student” or a work visa if the child has a place of employment.