Dependent Family visa

Basic requirements and the knowledge of the dependent family visa.

When you have the visa other than spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident, with a few exceptions, you basically invite your family members with this dependent family visa.

※Resident status that does not allow you to invite your family

Technical intern trainees, Specified skilled workers 1, Temporary Visitors, Diplomats, Officials, Trainees, and some types of Designated Activities cannot call family members.

* Some of Designated Activities can call family member. Family members of Designated Activities will also be granted the status of residence of Designated Activities.

I have Specified skilled workers 1" visa, can’t I call my family?

→If you already have family members in Japan, they can remain in Japan under the status of residence for Designated activities. However, you cannot invite a family member.

Basic requirements

Must be Valid Marriage

Marriages must be valid in both countries of spouses.

In other words, In the case of international marriages, a marriage certificate from both spouse's countries is required in principle.

Basically, The only family members you can call are your spouse and children.

What about same-sex marriages? →See this link.

Can I call my parents or siblings? →See this link.

Family members should be in a dependent status.

This does not include spouses or children who are financially independent. In Japan, being dependent means being covered for social insurance premiums, etc. If your spouse annual income exceeds 1.5 million yen (children, 1.03 million yen), he/she must be removed from the dependent status.　(Social insurance premiums are 1.3 million yen per year.)

*In the case of renewal, the visa will not be immediately revoked just because you are no longer a dependent, but if the amount is too much, exceeding 28 hours of work, the visa may be changed or revoked.

Age of children

Therefore、The chances of getting a permit decrease as the age of the child increases, especially if inviting the child from outside of Japan.　This is because he or she is considered to be financially independent. (As a rule of thumb, if the child is over 18 years of age, he or she should apply for another visa, such as a student visa.)

Although those over 20 years of age who are still dependent on their parents, such as those with student visa status, are included in dependent visa.

Financial ability

Financial ability is one of the most important factors in the family visa application process.

The dependent must be financially capable of supporting his/her family in Japan. So, The applicant must prove in documents to be submitted to the Immigration Office that he/she has sufficient financial resources.

There is no clear standard for the amount of money required, but the amount of welfare benefits for the household in the dependent's area of residence seems to be a rough guide.　

Sufficient size of residence

As a general rule, it is assumed that you are/will be living together. If the residence is too small, if there are children, it may be rejected. For example, a wife and several children living in a one-room apartment might be denied for lack of living space.

If you need help with your dependent family visa, please feel free to contact us.