Dependent Visa: Calling Family Members from Abroad

If you are living in Japan on a work or student visa and wish to bring your spouse or children from abroad to join you, the Dependent Visa (家族滞在ビザ) is the solution. This article will guide you through the steps to sponsor your family members from their home country, including obtaining the necessary documentation and navigating the application process.

Who Can You Call to Japan Under the Dependent Visa?

The Dependent Visa allows you to sponsor your spouse and children to live with you in Japan. Unfortunately, other family members such as parents or siblings are not eligible for this visa type. However, if you have a spouse or children residing abroad, you can initiate the process to bring them to Japan.

The Process of Calling Family Members from Abroad

Bringing your family members to Japan involves a two-step process. First, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and once that is issued, your family members can apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Step 1: Applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書, COE) is a key document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and it confirms that your family members are eligible to stay in Japan under the Dependent Visa. You, as the sponsor, will need to apply for this document on their behalf while they are still abroad.

Required Documents for the COE:

COE Application Form (在留資格認定証明書交付申請書)
Proof of Relationship: A marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for your children. All documents should be translated into Japanese and notarized if necessary.
Copy of the Sponsor’s Residence Card (在留カード) and Passport: This confirms your legal status in Japan.
Proof of Financial Stability: Recent bank statements or a certificate of employment showing your income. These documents are necessary to demonstrate that you can support your dependents while they are in Japan.
Sponsor’s Employment Certificate (在職証明書) or, if you are a student, a certificate of enrollment from your university.
Guarantee Letter (身元保証書): A form where you pledge to take responsibility for the well-being and financial stability of your dependent while they are in Japan.

Once you gather these documents, you can submit them to your local Immigration Bureau for processing. The review process for the COE can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of your application.

Step 2: Visa Application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate

After the COE is issued, it will be mailed back to you, and you must send it to your family member(s) abroad. They will then use this COE to apply for their visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. It’s important to note that if the dependent is a small child, the parent (or legal guardian) will handle this process on their behalf.

Documents Required for Visa Application:

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Passport: The passport of the dependent (or guardian for minors).
Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form from the Japanese embassy or consulate.
Recent Passport-Sized Photos

Once the documents are submitted, the visa application usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks to process. Once approved, your family member will receive their visa, allowing them to enter Japan.

Special Considerations for Calling a Child

If you are calling a small child, it’s essential to ensure all documentation is processed smoothly. You, as the sponsor, will likely need to assist with all aspects of the visa application process, including handling the paperwork in both Japan and their home country.

If the child is traveling with a guardian or the other parent, they will need to manage all necessary travel documents. It’s also essential to ensure that the guardian or parent has the appropriate visa status if they intend to reside in Japan alongside the child.

Financial Requirements for Sponsorship

When applying for a Dependent Visa, Japanese immigration authorities will assess whether the sponsor has sufficient financial means to support their family members. Typically, a stable monthly income of ¥250,000 to ¥300,000 or more is required to demonstrate that you can meet the financial needs of your dependents.

If your income is below this threshold, you may need to show additional savings or other forms of financial support to strengthen your application.

What to Do Once Your Family Arrives in Japan

Once your family members arrive in Japan, there are a few critical steps to follow to ensure their legal residency is complete.

Register at the Local Municipal Office: Within 14 days of arrival, your family must register their address at the local municipal office (市役所). For minors, you will handle this process as their guardian.
Residence Card (在留カード): After registration, your family members will receive a Residence Card (在留カード), which is required for living in Japan legally.
Health Insurance: Your dependents must be enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) within a short time after arriving in Japan.

Need Expert Help with Your Application?

Navigating the process of calling your family to Japan on a Dependent Visa can be complicated, especially when time is of the essence. At Tanabe Immigration Office, we specialize in handling visa applications accurately and swiftly, ensuring your loved ones can join you in Japan without unnecessary delays.