BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Dependent Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Dependent Visa

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥45,000

Stay Duration

Matches primary holder

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
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 ¥15,000 (single-entry) or ¥30,000 (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.

Japan

Curious about life in Japan?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa feeJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visa feeJPY ¥30,000
TotalJPY ¥45,000

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan flagJapan

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Validity5 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)
Japan flagJapan

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)

Validity5 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)
Japan flagJapan

jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application form for Certificate of qualification (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

1

Principal visa holder sponsors

Main visa holder applies on behalf of family

2

Prepare family documents

Marriage certificate, birth certificates, family register

3

Apply at immigration office

If already in Japan, apply at local immigration

4

Or apply at embassy

If outside Japan, apply at Japanese embassy

5

Pay visa fee

Usually free or nominal fee

6

Receive visa/status

Dependent visa granted

Application Forms

Go to application portal
CoE application
Application for Certificate of qualification
Fill online

Ready to see if the Dependent Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery