Dependent (Family Stay) – Full Guide
Allows spouses and minor children (under 18) of foreign nationals on work or student visas to reside in Japan. With 'Permission to Engage in Other Activities', part-time work up to 28 hours/week is permitted.
The 'Dependent' (家族滞在) status is for spouses and unmarried children under 18 of foreign nationals holding work visas (e.g., Engineer/Humanities, Specified Skilled Worker) or student visas. The status itself does not permit employment, but holders may obtain a 'Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted' to work part-time up to 28 hours per week. The dependent status is tied to the primary visa holder — if the primary holder's status lapses, the dependent status is also affected.
Eligibility Requirements
- The primary visa holder (spouse or parent) holds a valid work or student residence status
- Spouse or parent-child (under 18) relationship can be proven with official documents
- The primary visa holder has sufficient financial means to support the dependent family member
Required Documents
- Copy of the primary visa holder's residence card and passport
- Relationship certificate (marriage certificate or birth certificate, notarized and translated into Japanese)
- Primary visa holder's employment certificate or income proof (withholding tax slip, etc.)
- Applicant's passport and photos
Application Tips
If a dependent wishes to work more than 28 hours per week, they must change to an independent work status such as 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities'. This requires meeting the education or work experience criteria for that status, so it is wise to plan the career path well in advance.