Japan•Asia

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Dependent Visa

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

9,000 JPY

Stay Duration

Matches primary holder

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan on a qualifying visa status.

Japan's Dependent Visa lets the spouse and minor children of a foreign national on a qualifying mid- to long-term status — such as a work or student visa — live with them in Japan. The primary holder must demonstrate sufficient financial means and stable housing to support the family.

Stay duration matches the primary holder's and renews with it. Dependents may work up to 28 hours per week with separate permission, but full-time employment is not permitted. No independent PR pathway exists. Visa fees are ¥3,000 (single-entry) or ¥6,000 (multiple-entry).

This visa is ideal for spouses and children of foreign workers or students already residing in Japan who want to join and live with the primary visa holder.

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa fee	3,000 JPY
Multiple-entry visa fee	6,000 JPY

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Japan

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Validity5 years

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)

Japan

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)

Validity5 years

Processing1-3 months

View Visa Details

jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

Japan

jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan on a valid medium-to-long-term visa (e.g., Work, Student, or HSP visa).

The sponsor (primary visa holder) must have sufficient financial means to support the dependent.

The dependent must intend to live with the sponsor in Japan.

The relationship (marriage or parent-child) must be legally documented and recognized.

The sponsor must have a stable lifestyle and suitable housing in Japan.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application form for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Passport of the applicant

Recent passport-sized photograph

Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)

Copy of the sponsor's residence card and passport

Proof of sponsor's occupation and income (e.g., certificate of employment, tax certificates)

Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the sponsor

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Can work
Can study
Matches main applicant

Worth Knowing

Depends on main applicant
English for settlement

Application Process

Principal visa holder sponsors: Main visa holder applies on behalf of family

Prepare family documents: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, family register

Apply at immigration office: If already in Japan, apply at local immigration

Or apply at embassy: If outside Japan, apply at Japanese embassy

Pay visa fee: Usually free or nominal fee

Receive visa/status: Dependent visa granted

Application Forms

Go to application portal

CoE application

Application for Certificate of Eligibility

Fill online

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Principal visa holder sponsors: Main visa holder applies on behalf of family; Prepare family documen…	mofa.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed	mofa.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	Single-entry visa fee: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa fee: 6000 JPY	mofa.go.jp
Fees	¥3,000 (single) / ¥6,000 (multiple)	mofa.go.jp
Forms	CoE application	mofa.go.jp
Forms · CoE application · description	Application for Certificate of Eligibility	mofa.go.jp
Forms · CoE application · url	https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/zairyu_nintei10_19.html	isa.go.jp
Included Nationalities	—	mofa.go.jp

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Overview

Spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan on a qualifying visa status.

This visa is ideal for spouses and children of foreign workers or students already residing in Japan who want to join and live with the primary visa holder.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan on a valid medium-to-long-term visa (e.g., Work, Student, or HSP visa).

The sponsor (primary visa holder) must have sufficient financial means to support the dependent.

The dependent must intend to live with the sponsor in Japan.

The relationship (marriage or parent-child) must be legally documented and recognized.

The sponsor must have a stable lifestyle and suitable housing in Japan.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application form for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Passport of the applicant

Recent passport-sized photograph

Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)

Copy of the sponsor's residence card and passport

Proof of sponsor's occupation and income (e.g., certificate of employment, tax certificates)

Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) of the sponsor

Application Process