When moving to Japan on a work visa, you may want your spouse or children to join you. Fortunately, it’s possible to apply for a Dependent Visa (家族滞在ビザ) at the same time you apply for your own work visa. This article outlines the process, eligibility, and key considerations to ensure a smooth application for both you and your family members.
Eligibility for a Dependent Visa
A Dependent Visa allows immediate family members (spouse and children) of foreign nationals working in Japan to join them. Eligible individuals applying for a work visa—such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務ビザ) or the Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ)—can submit a dependent visa application for their family members alongside their own.
It’s important to note that dependents cannot apply independently. The principal visa holder (the employed individual) must initiate the process.
The Application Process: Applying Simultaneously
Step 1: Prepare Your Own Work Visa Application
Before beginning the dependent visa application, ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information for your own work visa application. This includes:
- Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan.
- Employment Contract from your Japanese employer.
- Proof of Income to show that you can support your family while in Japan.
Once your work visa application is ready, proceed with the steps to include the dependent visa for your family.
Step 2: Gather Documents for the Dependent Visa Application
To apply for a Dependent Visa, both you (the principal applicant) and your dependent(s) will need to provide specific documents. These are generally submitted together with your work visa documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Principal Applicant (You):
- A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) for your work visa.
- Your Passport and Visa Application Form.
- Proof of your Income or financial support showing that you can support your dependents.
For Your Dependent(s):
- Proof of Relationship (such as a Marriage Certificate for a spouse or Birth Certificate for a child). Ensure these are translated into Japanese and officially notarized.
- Passport and Visa Application Form for each dependent.
- Photographs for visa application (as required by Japan’s visa photo standards).
Step 3: Submit the Applications Together
You can submit both your work visa application and the dependent visa application at the same time to the Japanese consulate in your home country or directly to the Immigration Bureau of Japan if you are already in the country. This is especially helpful as it streamlines the process and minimizes any potential delays for your family’s entry.
Expected Timeline
The processing time for both the work visa and the dependent visa can vary, but it’s generally advised to allow several weeks for both applications. Typically, the Certificate of Eligibility for work visas can take between 1-3 months to be issued, and dependent visas are usually processed in a similar timeframe.
However, applying simultaneously may help in coordinating the arrival of both you and your family, allowing for a smoother transition.
Key Considerations
- Financial Stability: You must demonstrate that you can financially support your family while they are living in Japan. Immigration officials will review your income to ensure it’s sufficient to cover the living expenses for your dependents.
- Work Restrictions for Dependents: Keep in mind that dependents on a Dependent Visa are not permitted to work full-time in Japan. However, they can apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可), which allows them to work part-time.
- Simultaneous Processing: While submitting the applications together may expedite the process, approval for the dependent visa is not guaranteed and will depend on the overall strength of your work visa application.
What Happens After Arrival in Japan?
Once your dependents arrive in Japan, they will need to complete a few additional steps:
- Resident Registration: Within 14 days of arrival, your dependents must register their address at the local city hall (市役所).
- Health Insurance: Ensure that your family is enrolled in the National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) scheme, which is mandatory for all residents.
Need Expert Help with Your Family Visa Application?
Ensuring that both your work visa and your dependent visa applications are accurate and completed on time can be a complex process. At Tanabe Immigration Office, we specialize in assisting foreign workers and their families with visa applications, ensuring everything is handled smoothly. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, ensuring fast, reliable results.
Contact us today to start your journey to Japan with your family!
