What is a Dependent Visa? Key Points for Bringing Your Spouse or Children to Japan

Introduction

“I’m working in Japan, but I want to bring my family here.”
“I want to live in Japan with my spouse and children.”
To make these wishes come true, you will need a Dependent Visa.

As an administrative scrivener, I often hear concerns such as,
“The paperwork is complicated” or “I’m worried if my income is enough.”
In this article, I will explain the basics of the Dependent Visa, required documents, and application process in simple terms.

1. What is a Dependent Visa?

A Dependent Visa allows the family members of foreign nationals working in Japan to live together in the country.
Eligible family members include:

• Spouse (husband or wife)
• Children (under 18 years old)

Parents or siblings are generally not eligible unless there are exceptional circumstances.

2. Main Requirements for Obtaining a Dependent Visa

(1) The Sponsor Must Hold a Work Visa

The applicant must be a family member of a person who holds a valid work visa, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa or Business Manager Visa.

(2) Sufficient Financial Stability

The sponsor must have stable income or sufficient savings to support the dependent family members.
Documents such as tax certificates and recent payslips are required as proof of financial stability.

3. Application Process for a Dependent Visa (5 Steps)

1. Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
   • Residence Card (sponsor)
   • Certificate of Residence
   • Tax and income certificates
   • Marriage certificate or birth certificate
   • Application form (Dependent Visa)
2. Step 2: Apply at the Immigration Bureau in Japan
3. Step 3: Screening (usually takes 1–3 months)
4. Step 4: Family applies for the visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate with the issued Certificate of Eligibility
5. Step 5: Family enters Japan and receives the Residence Card

4. Common Mistakes

• Insufficient income → Adding savings certificates may help strengthen the application.
• Missing translations → Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
• Incomplete documents → Missing paperwork may delay the screening process.

5. Advice from an Administrative Scrivener

For a Dependent Visa, the two most critical factors are financial stability and proof of genuine family relationship.
Even in cases with lower income or complex family circumstances, attaching a well-prepared explanation and additional documents can often lead to approval.

6. Conclusion

While the Dependent Visa process may seem complicated due to the number of required documents, understanding the requirements and preparing carefully can make the process much smoother.