July 9th, 2025
Guide
Lifestyle
Family dependent visas matter now: Japan's foreign workforce is at record levels (~2.3 million as of late 2023), so allowing workers to bring spouses/children on dependent visas supports labor needs and family unity.
Japan's Family Stay visa (在留資格「家族滞在」) is the status of residence issued to spouses and children of long-term foreign residents (e.g. work visa holders) so they can legally live in Japan together. Under this dependent visa, dependents may engage in activities such as attending school or daily chores, but they cannot engage in paid work unless they obtain permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status.
In practice, an employer or the primary visa holder applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for each family member, and the family uses that COE to apply for their dependent visas. Once issued, the dependent visa is typically valid for 1–5 years, depending on the sponsor's status.
Only the primary visa-holder's spouse and unmarried children qualify for a Family Stay visa. This includes legally recognized spouses and children (including adopted or acknowledged non-marital children).
Excluded: Parents, siblings, or other relatives cannot be sponsored on this visa. Dependent children are generally expected to be minors (around under 18), but older children can qualify if they remain financially dependent (for example, if they are full-time students).
You must submit official documents proving the family tie. For a spouse, this means a valid marriage certificate (and Japanese family-registry "戸籍謄本" if applicable). For a child, a birth certificate is required. All documents in another language must have certified Japanese translations.
The sponsor (worker) must prove the ability to support the family. Provide a copy of the sponsor's Residence Card or passport, plus employment and income evidence. This could include an employer's certificate of employment or business license, and recent tax/payment certificates. Bank statements or pay slips showing sufficient income are essential. (Japan does not publish a fixed income threshold, but as a rule the sponsor's income must clearly cover the dependents' living costs.)
If questioned about dependency, it helps to show money transfers or support payments. For example, copies of bank statements with remittances to the family can demonstrate actual support. Maintain clear records in advance.
In addition to the above, prepare a passport-sized photo, visa application form, and (for new entries) a return envelope if required. An application fee is paid later via revenue stamps (about ¥6,000 for change of status or extension).
The sponsor or their agent in Japan applies at the local Immigration Bureau for a "Certificate of Eligibility" for each family member under "Family Stay" status of residence. Required materials are the documents noted above. There is no fee for the COE application.
You can apply for the dependents' COEs at the same time as the worker's own visa, or wait until after the worker has received their visa. Immigration permits either approach.
The COE typically takes about 1–3 months to be issued.
Once the COE arrives, each family member applies at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country. Submit the passport, visa form, the COE, and copies of the sponsor's documents. Pay any consular visa fee (often around ¥3,000–¥6,000, depending on country and type of visa).
If the family member is already in Japan on another long-term visa, the sponsor instead submits a Change of Status application at an Immigration Office (using a similar set of documents). The fee for a change-of-status approval is ¥6,000 (¥5,500 if done online).
Upon approval, each dependent receives a visa sticker (if coming from abroad). They can then enter Japan and the dependent status becomes effective.
Family Stay visa holders generally cannot work for pay under their status. By default, Japan allows only "non-paid daily life" activities for dependents.
However, spouses on a family visa may apply for work permission (資格外活動許可) which allows part-time work up to 28 hours per week. Without this permit, any job (even part-time) would violate the visa terms. If a dependent spouse or child wishes to work full-time or increase hours beyond 28 hours per week, they must change to a proper work visa category (e.g. "Engineer/Specialist").
In short, do not assume work is allowed – always obtain permission or change status first.
Upon landing in Japan, present your passport and visa to the immigration office. For stays over 90 days, each person age 16+ receives a Residence Card (在留カード) immediately. (At smaller airports you may get a stamp instead and have the card mailed later.)
Important: Within 14 days of establishing residence, take the Residence Card to your local city/ward office to register your address. You'll fill out a move-in notification (転入届) and be entered into the resident registry. Failure to register on time or carry the card is a legal violation.
After registration, keep your Residence Card and the newly issued My Number (social-security number) letter safe – these are your official IDs. Also, enroll each family member in Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) at the ward office, as required for any period of stay over 3 months. Having NHI means 70% of medical costs are covered. Finally, use the residence registry certificate (住民票) from the office whenever you need to prove your address (for opening bank accounts, school enrollment, etc.).
Risk | Impact | How to Avoid |
---|---|---|
Incomplete or untranslated papers | Application rejected or delayed | Provide all required IDs and supporting documents, and supply Japanese translations |
Insufficient proof of support | COE or visa denial for "lack of funds" | Show clear income evidence: salary, tax docs, employment certificate |
Dependent working without permit | Visa violation and possible deportation | Obtain and respect a work permit (資格外活動) before any part-time job |
Q1: Who is eligible for a dependent (family stay) visa in Japan?
Spouses and dependent children (typically unmarried and under 18) of a foreign worker in Japan can apply. Parents, siblings, and other relatives aren't eligible.
Q2: What documents are needed to bring a spouse or child on a work visa?
You'll need a marriage or birth certificate (with Japanese translation), the sponsor's passport/residence card copy, proof of income, and a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for each family member.
Q3: How much income do I need to bring my family to Japan?
There's no fixed salary threshold, but immigration must be satisfied that your income covers your family's living expenses in Japan. Tax records and bank statements help support this.
Q4: Can dependents work in Japan on a family visa?
Not by default. They must apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week). Full-time work requires a proper work visa.
Q5: How long does it take to bring family to Japan?
The COE process takes about 1–3 months. After that, getting the actual visa via the Japanese embassy usually takes a few additional weeks.
Q6: Can I bring my parents or siblings?
No, the dependent (Family Stay) visa only covers spouses and children. Parents and siblings are not eligible.
Bringing your spouse and children to Japan on a Work-Dependent (Family Stay) visa lets your family legally join you while you work here. By carefully meeting all requirements – from showing sufficient income to registering at the city office – you ensure a smooth process, allowing your loved ones to live, study, and access services in Japan without legal worries.
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