Family Stay Visa in Japan (Dependent Visa Japan)
The Family Stay Visa in Japan, also known as the Dependent Visa Japan, is a residence status that allows the spouse (husband or wife) and children of a foreign national residing in Japan to live together with them.
Who Can Apply?
The following family members are eligible for the Family Stay Visa (Dependent Visa Japan):
- 〇Spouses and children of foreign nationals working in Japan under visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Professor, Researcher, Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional, etc.
- 〇Spouses and children of international students studying at Japanese universities or vocational schools
⚠️ Parents, brothers, sisters, or other relatives are not eligible under this visa. Only the nuclear family (spouse and children) can apply.
Important Notes
A. No. Only legally married spouses are recognized under Japanese immigration law.
A. Yes, if the adoption is legally valid under the home country’s laws.
A. Yes, if they are legally acknowledged (recognized as the sponsor’s child).
A. The main visa holder (the sponsor) must show they have stable income and living arrangements to support their family in Japan.
Eligible Sponsor’s Visa Categories
The sponsor (the foreign national living in Japan) must hold one of the following statuses of residence for their family to apply for the Dependent Visa (Family Stay Visa Japan):
〇Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager
〇Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor
〇Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee,
Nursing Care, Entertainer,
Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker
〇Cultural Activities, Student (University, Graduate School, or Vocational School)
⚠️ Dependents of those holding Diplomat, Official, or Temporary Visitor visas are not eligible.
Common Reasons for Refusal (Why Applications Get Rejected)
Even if you submit all documents, your Family Stay Visa (Dependent Visa Japan) may be refused in certain situations.
1.Unstable or insufficient income of the sponsor — Immigration must be convinced that you can financially support your family in Japan.
2.Lack of proper housing — If the accommodation is considered unsuitable for family members.
3.Unclear or missing family relationship documents — Incomplete or outdated marriage/birth certificates, or failure to provide legally recognized adoption papers.
4.Doubts about the authenticity of marriage — If the marriage is suspected to be a “marriage of convenience.”
5.Incorrect visa category — For example, applying for Family Stay when you should apply as “Spouse of Japanese National” or “Spouse of Permanent Resident.”
6.Past immigration violations — Previous overstays or visa breaches can negatively affect the application.
FAQ: Family Stay Visa Japan / Dependent Visa Japan
A. Normally, 1–3 months depending on the Immigration Bureau’s workload and the completeness of your documents.
A. Yes, but only if they find employment that qualifies for a work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services). They must apply for a Change of Status of Residence. There is a Long Term Resident case if you have graduated an elementary school and a junior high school and high school.
A. Yes. Children with a Family Stay Visa can attend public schools in Japan just like Japanese children
A. Immigration may refuse renewal of the family’s visa if the sponsor no longer has stable income.
☆Final Advice
Applying for a Family Stay Visa in Japan (Dependent Visa Japan) requires careful preparation of documents and proof of financial stability.
To increase your chances of approval:
〇Always provide recent certificates (issued within 3–6 months).
〇Ensure income and tax documents are accurate.
〇Double-check that your marriage and birth certificates are legally valid and officially translated if needed.
