Work Visa Japan: Bringing Family as Dependent Visa Holders

Key Takeaways

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.

• Who qualifies: Only the visa holder's legally married spouse and minor children (including adopted or recognized children) can get a "Family Stay" status of residence. Parents or siblings are generally excluded.
• Must meet income rule: The sponsor (work visa holder) must prove adequate income to support the family (via salary slips, tax certificates, bank statements), or the visa will be denied. There's no fixed threshold, but the family's expenses should clearly be covered by the sponsor's earnings.
• Documentation: Required paperwork includes a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and visa forms, plus proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificates) and the sponsor's ID/income. All non-Japanese documents need official translation.
• Costs and timing: Applying for a COE has no fee, but changing a visa or renewing status costs about ¥6,000. Expect COE processing to take roughly 1–3 months. Recent 2024 reforms have also eased family visa rules, allowing more work visa categories (like Specified Skilled Worker 2) to sponsor dependents.

Why Bringing Family to Japan Matters in 2025

• Labor and social context: Japan's foreign national population is at an all-time high (~2.3 million as of 2023). With aging demographics, keeping skilled workers in Japan often means accommodating their families. Allowing dependents helps recruit and retain talent.
• Policy changes: Immigration law reforms in 2024 expanded eligibility for family visas. Unlike the past when only a few job categories could sponsor families, many more work visas (including new Specified Skilled Worker No.2 fields) now permit spouses/children to accompany the worker.
• Contrast with past: Previously, only limited visas (e.g. "Spouse of Japanese" or certain highly skilled jobs) allowed family stays; the new rules broaden access. This shift reflects Japan's need to ease foreign-worker shortages while reducing family separation.

What Is the Family Dependent Visa?

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.

Who Can Accompany as a Dependent?

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).

Key Requirements & Documents

Proof of relationship

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.

Sponsor's status & income

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.)

Financial support evidence

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.

Other documents

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).

Application Process

Apply for a COE (if family is abroad)

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.

Simultaneous or later filing

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.

Wait for COE approval

The COE typically takes about 1–3 months to be issued.

Apply for the actual visa

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).

Change of status from inside Japan

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).

Receive visa and travel

Upon approval, each dependent receives a visa sticker (if coming from abroad). They can then enter Japan and the dependent status becomes effective.

Work Permission & Other Restrictions

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.

After Arrival: Immigration & Registration

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.).

Best Practices

Top Risks & How to Avoid Them

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

Checklist

• Confirm eligibility. Verify that your family members (spouse, children) meet the criteria for a dependent visa.
• Gather documents. Collect passports and passport photos, marriage/birth certificates (with apostilles), sponsor's Residence Card copy, a detailed employment certificate, and recent tax or income certificates. Obtain certified Japanese translations of any foreign documents.
• Apply for COE. Have your employer or agent submit a "Certificate of Eligibility" application for each dependent at the Immigration Bureau in Japan. Include all proofs of relationship and financial support.
• Wait for COE approval. Processing usually takes 1–3 months. Check regularly with immigration if needed.
• Apply for visas. When the COEs arrive, apply for "Dependent" visas at the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country. Submit the COE, visa application form, passports, photos, and sponsor's documents. Pay any consular fee.
• Travel to Japan. Arrive with your stamped passport visas. At immigration in Japan, present the passports/visas (or the COE if instructed) and receive Residence Cards.
• Register residence. Within 14 days of arrival, go to the city/ward office to report your new address using the Residence Card. Enroll each family member in health insurance and keep your registration certificate (住民票) for official use.
• (If needed) Apply for work permits. If a dependent wishes to work, apply at the immigration office for a part-time work permit under the Family Stay status.

FAQ

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.

Related Articles

• A Comprehensive Guide to Spouse Visas in Japan — A detailed look at the “Spouse of Japanese” visa, covering eligibility and benefits (e.g. unrestricted work rights and permanent residency paths)
• So You Want to Move to Japan? Here's How to Actually Make It Happen — A step-by-step moving guide that includes how to arrange visas for working and family; notes that the spouse/children of a work-visa holder can apply for a Dependent visa
• The Essential Guide to Visa Extension and Period of Stay in Japan — Practical advice on renewing any visa, with a section listing required documents for extending a family-stay visa (marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s ID and tax proofs)

Conclusion

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.