One of the most common questions we receive from foreign nationals working in Japan is, “What kind of residence status is required to bring my family to Japan?”
Even if you wish to live with your spouse and children, not all family members are automatically eligible to live in Japan. The type of residence status your family members can obtain and the activities they are permitted to engage in vary depending on your own residence status and employment situation.
A proper understanding of the system will help ensure a smooth application process and prevent potential issues.
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Conclusion
Dependent family members of foreign nationals may be eligible to obtain the “Dependent” status of residence if they meet certain conditions.
The “Dependent” status is intended for the spouses and children of foreign nationals who are working or studying in Japan.
However, not all statuses of residence allow you to bring family members to Japan. Factors such as your ability to support them and the type of status of residence you hold will be reviewed.
Additionally, parents and siblings are not eligible.
What Is the “Dependent” Status of Residence?
“Dependent” is a status of residence that allows the spouse and children of a foreign national residing in Japan for a medium- to long-term period to live in Japan.
Currently, some statuses of residence, such as Specified Skilled Worker (Category 1), do not permit family members to accompany the principal applicant. However, under Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2), family members may accompany the principal applicant if certain conditions are met.
Furthermore, a key screening criterion for obtaining the “Dependent” status is that the person in Japan has a stable income and the financial capacity to support their family continuously and stably.
What You Can and Cannot Do with a “Dependent” Status
With “Dependent” status, you can live in Japan, but as a general rule, you cannot work.
However, if you obtain a “Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Your Status of Residence,” you are permitted to work within certain limits. Please note that working without this permit constitutes illegal employment and may affect your status of residence.
In addition, children can attend Japanese schools and receive an education while living with their family in Japan.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that “any dependent can be brought to Japan,” but this is a misconception.
The “Dependent” status is limited to spouses and children. We often receive inquiries from people who wish to bring their parents to Japan, but this is not permitted under the “Dependent” status.
Furthermore, since the status applies only to spouses in a legally recognized marriage, dependent status is generally not granted for common-law marriages or de facto relationships.
Additionally, applications may be denied if the sponsor’s income is insufficient or if there is no clear plan for the family to live together.
Practical Considerations
When applying for dependent status, you must submit official documents proving the marital or parent-child relationship.
Family registers, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other documents issued overseas must be accompanied by Japanese translations.
In addition, documents proving the sponsor’s financial stability—such as a certificate of employment, tax assessment notice, tax payment certificate, and pay stubs—are also important.
If there are inconsistencies in the application or if the actual circumstances of financial support cannot be sufficiently explained, you may be asked to submit additional documents.
It is important to confirm the required documents as soon as possible once you have decided to bring your family members to Japan.
Support Provided by Administrative Scriveners
The procedures for dependent visas vary in terms of required documents and screening criteria depending on the type of residence status and family composition.
Administrative scriveners can provide guidance on required documents, assist with preparing application forms, draft statements of reasons, and submit applications to the Immigration Bureau on your behalf.
Summary
Dependent family members of foreign nationals can live in Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence if they meet certain conditions.
However, eligible family members are generally limited to spouses and children, and the sponsor’s status of residence and income status are also important factors in the screening process.
Additionally, since “Dependent” status does not permit employment, if you plan to work, you will need to complete procedures such as obtaining a Permit for Activities Outside the Scope of Status of Residence.
To welcome your family to Japan with peace of mind, it is important to correctly understand the system and thoroughly prepare the necessary documents. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consulting an administrative scrivener who specializes in foreign residents’ status of residence early on will help ensure a smooth process.