Permitted Activities Under Dependent (Family Stay) Status

This status permits daily activities as the spouse or child of a person residing in Japan under one of the following visa categories:

• Spouse: A legal marriage is required. This status does not apply after divorce or the death of the sponsor, or in cases of common-law marriage.
• Child: Includes legitimate children, adopted children, and recognized illegitimate children. Parents and siblings are not eligible for Dependent status; other categories such as "Long-Term Resident" may be considered instead.

Eligible sponsor visa categories: Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Educator, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker (Type 2), Cultural Activities, Student. ※ Spouses and children of Permanent Residents, Long-Term Residents, Spouses of Japanese Nationals, etc. should consider other applicable residence status categories.

Period of Stay

The period of stay is individually designated by the Minister of Justice and does not exceed 5 years. Common examples include: 5 years, 4 years 3 months, 4 years, 3 years 3 months, 3 years, 2 years 3 months, 2 years, 1 year 3 months, 1 year, 6 months, and 3 months.

Employment (Activities Outside Visa Scope)

The Dependent status alone does not permit employment. A Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted is required to work.

• Blanket Permission: Activities earning remuneration within 28 hours per week, or operating a business within the same scope, are permitted under a blanket permission (application form only required).
• Individual Permission: Activities exceeding 28 hours per week, or cases involving contracts or outsourcing where working hours are not clearly defined, require an individual permission application corresponding to the specific type of activity.

※ Those residing in Japan as the spouse or child supported by a foreign national under a "Specified Activity" visa are generally treated in the same manner as Dependent status holders.
For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency "Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of the Dependent Status of Residence" (external link).

List of Required Documents

Required documents vary depending on the type of application. Certificates issued in Japan must have been issued within the past 3 months. Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (For sponsoring a family member from overseas)

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility: 1 copy
• Photograph: 1 (as per specified standards)
• Return envelope (standard size, addressed, with stamp for registered mail): 1
• Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and sponsor (one of the following):
  Family register (koseki tohon) / Certificate of acceptance of marriage registration / Marriage certificate (copy) / Birth certificate (copy) / Equivalent documents: 1 each
• Copy of sponsor's residence card or passport: 1
• Documents proving the sponsor's occupation and income
  [If employed] Municipal tax certificate (taxable or non-taxable) and tax payment certificate (total income and tax payment status for 1 year); employment certificate or copy of business license, etc.
  [If not employed (e.g., student)] Documents proving ability to cover living expenses; bank balance certificate or scholarship award certificate (showing amount and period) in the sponsor's name

2. Application for Change of Status of Residence (Changing from another status to Dependent)

• Application for Change of Status of Residence: 1 copy
• Photograph: 1 (may be waived for those under 16)
• Passport and residence card (for presentation)
• Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and sponsor (same as item 1 above)
• Copy of sponsor's residence card or passport: 1
• Documents proving the sponsor's occupation and income (same as item 1 above)

3. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (Renewing Dependent status)

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay: 1 copy
• Photograph: 1 (may be waived for those under 16 or applying for a period of stay of 3 months or less)
• Passport and residence card (for presentation)
• Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and sponsor (same as item 1 above)
• Copy of sponsor's residence card or passport: 1
• Documents proving the sponsor's occupation and income (same as item 1 above)

4. Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (For those already in Japan applying for Dependent status)

• Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence: 1 copy
• Photograph: 1 (may be waived for those under 16, etc.)
• Documents relevant to the reason for acquisition (nationality certificate, birth certificate, and other supporting documents)
• Passport (for presentation)
• Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and sponsor (same as item 1 above)
• Questionnaire: 1 copy
• Copy of sponsor's residence card or passport: 1
• Documents proving the sponsor's occupation and income (same as item 1 above)
• Certificate of residence (juminhyo): 1 (recommended; submission may eliminate the need to register your address after permission is granted)

※ Additional documents may be requested during the review process. For the latest information on how to complete the application and required documents, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency "Dependent Status of Residence" and Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of Status (both external links).