Japan dependent visa (family of foreign residents)

Only a legally married spouse and children (including adopted children) who are supported by the sponsor qualify; parents, siblings and partners who are not legally married are not covered. Sponsors on Technical Intern Training, Specified Skilled Worker (i) or most Designated Activities cannot bring dependants under this status. Children who reach adulthood and start full-time work must change to their own status.

No minimum amount is published. The sponsor shows the ability to support the family with an employment certificate and the latest residence tax certificate (or, for new arrivals, the employment contract stating salary), and bank balance proof where income records are not yet available. Students sponsoring a family must show particularly solid funds.

Mid- to long-term residents receive a residence card at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai and other major airports (elsewhere it is mailed after address registration). Within 14 days of finding a home you must register your address at the city, ward or town office, which also enrols you in National Health Insurance and the National Pension unless your employer covers you under its schemes.

Changes of employer or school, marriage status and address must be notified to the immigration bureau within 14 days. Leaving Japan for up to one year (or until your status expires, if sooner) is possible without a re-entry permit by ticking the special re-entry box at departure.

Dependants can study at any school without changing status. To work they need permission for activities outside the status, which allows up to 28 hours a week. Spouses of Highly Skilled Professionals have a separate route allowing full-time work.