Complete Guide to Japan’s Dependent Visa
Japan Dependent Visa: Eligibility, Work Restrictions & Required Documents
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence granted to the spouse or child of a person holding certain statuses of residence, such as a Work Visa. This page covers the eligibility requirements, work restrictions, the impact of the supporter’s status changes, and the documents required to apply.
1. What Is a Dependent Visa?
The Dependent Visa is a status of residence for families of foreigners working on Working Visas or Business Manager Visas to live together in Japan. Having a Dependent Visa makes it possible to bring family over from their home country and live together in Japan for more than one year.
(1) Only “Spouse and Children” Are Permitted
A Dependent Visa is a status of residence granted to a supported spouse or child of a person who has obtained one of the following statuses of residence: “Professor”, “Artist”, “Religious Activities”, “Journalist”, “Business Manager”, “Legal/Accounting Services”, “Medical Services”, “Researcher”, “Instructor”, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”, “Intra-company Transferee”, “Entertainer”, “Skilled Labor”, “Cultural Activities”, “Student”, “Highly Skilled Professional”, “Nursing Care”, or “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)”.
Due to the name “Dependent,” many people ask whether they can bring their parents from their home country. However, eligibility is strictly limited to spouses and children — bringing parents falls outside the scope of the Dependent Visa.
(2) Requirements for Obtaining a Dependent Visa
To bring a spouse or child on a Dependent Visa, the following requirements must be met:
- The supporter has both the intent and capacity to support
- The spouse or child being supported has a need to be supported, or is currently receiving support
The term “spouse” here requires that the marriage validly exists under Japanese law; it does not include common-law relationships, same-sex marriages validly established abroad, or partnerships.
“Child” includes adopted children in addition to biological children, and is not limited to minors — adult children are also eligible.
2. Can You Not Work on a Dependent Visa?
As a general rule, work activities are prohibited on a Dependent Visa. As an exception, by obtaining Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (a part-time work permit), individuals aged 18 or older are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week.
The permission for a Dependent Visa is, like that for a Student Visa, a comprehensive part-time work permit — it can be obtained even before a specific place of employment is decided. If you wish to work part-time, apply for permission in advance rather than waiting until a job is confirmed.
3. What Happens When Children on a Dependent Visa Grow Up?
When a child grows up and becomes able to maintain an independent livelihood, they no longer qualify for the Dependent Visa since they no longer need support. However, for a child who came to Japan at a young age, received education in Japan, and has lived there for many years, if they completed most of their compulsory education and graduated from a Japanese high school (generally requiring 10+ years of school attendance up to graduation), they may be granted a change to a “Long-Term Resident” visa in view of their high degree of settlement in Japan.
4. What Happens If the Supporter Loses Status Eligibility?
If the supporter of a Dependent Visa loses their status of residence due to job loss or other circumstances, the spouse and children on the Dependent Visa will also lose their status eligibility, since the Dependent Visa relies on the supporter holding a valid status of residence.
5. Required Documents for Obtaining a Dependent Visa
In principle, the documents required are as follows:
Required Documents for New Entry
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility — 1 copy
- Photograph — 1 piece
- Self-addressed stamped envelope — 1 piece
- Document proving the relationship between applicant and supporter
- Copy of the supporter’s Residence Card or Passport — 1 copy
- Document proving the supporter’s occupation and income
Required Documents for Changing an Existing Status
- Application for Change of Status of Residence — 1 copy
- Photograph — 1 piece
- Passport and Residence Card (presentation)
- Document proving the relationship between applicant and supporter
- Copy of the supporter’s Residence Card or Passport — 1 copy
- Document proving the supporter’s occupation and income
The content on this page is for reference only. Please confirm the latest requirements with the relevant official authorities, or consult a professional before proceeding.
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