Birth of a Child in Japan | Heritage Administrative Scrivener Office

In Japan, unlike countries such as the United States, a child does not automatically acquire Japanese nationality simply by being born on Japanese soil.
If either parent is Japanese, the child can acquire Japanese nationality. However, if both parents are foreign nationals, the newborn child will also need to obtain a visa to remain in Japan.

Visa Required When a Child is Born

If both parents are foreign nationals and a child is born in Japan, the child will not acquire Japanese nationality, so it is necessary to obtain a visa allowing the child to stay in Japan. The application must be submitted within 30 days of the child's birth. However, if the child will depart from Japan within 60 days of birth, it is possible to remain in Japan during that period without completing the procedures.
If a valid visa has not been obtained within 60 days, the child will be considered an overstayer and subject to deportation. Please begin the application process as soon as the child is born.

Steps to Follow After a Child is Born

1. Child is Born
2. Submit a Birth Registration to the Municipal Office Within 14 Days of Birth
3. Complete Required Procedures at the Embassy or Consulate of the Child's Nationality
4. File an Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence (Within 30 Days of Birth)

What is the Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence?

The Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence is filed by a foreign national who comes to reside in Japan without going through landing procedures—such as through birth in Japan or renunciation of Japanese nationality—and who wishes to remain in Japan for more than 60 days from the date that circumstance arose (Immigration Services Agency of Japan – Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence・Acquisition of Status of Residence (Immigration Control Act Article 22-2)).

A foreign national may reside in Japan without a status of residence for up to 60 days from the date the qualifying event occurred. However, if you wish to remain for more than 60 days, you must submit this application within 30 days of the date the event occurred. Remaining in Japan beyond 60 days without applying constitutes overstay (illegal stay) and will result in deportation proceedings. Please begin the process as soon as your child is born.

Note on Nationality: If both the father and mother are foreign nationals, a child born in Japan will not acquire Japanese nationality. Please also register the birth at your home country's embassy or consulate in Japan and obtain a passport for the child.

Application Requirements (Eligible Applicants, Application Period, etc.)

Legal Basis: Article 22-2 and Article 22-3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
Eligible Applicants: Foreign nationals who have renounced Japanese nationality, or who come to reside in Japan without going through landing procedures due to birth or other events, and who intend to remain in Japan for more than 60 days from the date the qualifying event occurred
Application Period: Within 30 days from the date the qualifying event occurred (in the case of birth, within 30 days of the date of birth)
Who May Submit: An authorized agent (certified administrative scrivener or attorney), a legal representative, or the applicant themselves. For applicants under 16 years of age, a relative or cohabitant may submit on their behalf. When submitted by an authorized agent, the applicant is generally not required to appear in person at the immigration office, but must be present in Japan.
Fee: No fee is required
Where to Apply: The Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence (Regional Immigration Services Bureaus・Foreigner Residence Consultation Center: 0570-013904)
Office Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM (hours may vary by office)
Standard Processing Time: Within 60 days from the date the qualifying event occurred (same-day processing may be available in some cases)

This application can also be submitted online.

Desired Status of Residence

The application forms and required documents vary depending on the activities the child will engage in (i.e., the status of residence). The most common statuses for newborns are as follows:

Dependent (Family Stay) … When either parent holds a status of residence such as "Professor," "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," or "Student," and the child will reside in Japan as a dependent of that parent
Spouse or Child of Japanese National … When either the father or mother is a Japanese national and the child will reside in Japan as that person's biological child
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident … When either the father or mother holds Permanent Resident status and the child will reside in Japan as that person's child
Long-Term Resident … When the child qualifies as a designated long-term resident under the Long-Term Resident Notification

If you are unsure which status of residence applies, please refer to the List of Statuses of Residence (Immigration Services Agency of Japan), or consult with your local immigration office or a professional.

Required Documents (Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence When a Child is Born)

The following is a general guide to the required documents for acquiring the status of residence "Dependent (Family Stay)". If you are applying for a different status of residence, please refer to the relevant status on the Ministry of Justice – Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence page and prepare the applicable documents.

Documents Required for All Applicants

Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence – 1 copy (PDF・Excel)
Photograph – 1 photo (per specified standards; not required for applicants under 16)
Document proving birth – 1 copy (e.g., Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Registration)
Passport (for inspection) ※ Please check with the immigration office if the newborn has not yet been issued a passport
Document proving the family relationship between the applicant and sponsor – 1 copy
One of the following: family register (koseki tohon), Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration, or birth certificate (copy)
Copy of the sponsor's Residence Card or passport – 1 copy
Questionnaire – 1 copy (PDF)

Documents Proving the Sponsor's Occupation and Income

If the sponsor is employed or running a business:

Municipal resident tax assessment certificate (or non-taxable certificate) and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status) – 1 copy each
Certificate of employment or copy of business license, etc. – 1 copy

If the sponsor is a student or otherwise not employed:

Documents proving ability to cover living expenses
Bank balance certificate in the sponsor's name, or certificate of scholarship receipt, etc.

Period of Stay

The period of stay varies depending on the status of residence granted. (For the "Dependent (Family Stay)" status, the period is determined by the Minister of Justice, generally within a maximum of 5 years.)