Do you know more about "Dependent Visa" in Japan? A "Dependent Visa" is a status of residence that allows family members of foreign nationals working in Japan to live together in Japan. With a dependent visa, you can invite family members from your home country to live with you in Japan for one year or more.

However, family members other than partners and children, such as siblings and parents, are not eligible. For example, if you want to invite your elderly parents from your home country to live with you, they are basically not eligible.

Now, let me explain how to apply for a dependent visa in Japan while you are studying in Japan.

Requirements for Dependent Visa

To obtain this visa, you should know that you will need the following.

Financial Ability

When inviting family members from your home country, money is the biggest concern. Whether or not you can make a living is a very important factor in the screening process. Although there is no specific line, it seems that the decision is made after considering all factors such as income, cost of living, rent, and so on.

Also, proof of money (taxation certificate, tax payment certificate, etc.) is required.

Proof of Familial Relationship

To prove family relations, official documents such as a copy of the family register (kosekitohon), marriage certificate, and birth certificate are required.

If the document is written in a foreign language, a Japanese translation should also be submitted. In addition, we also need documentation that this information is legitimate.

For more information on specific documents, please check the website of the Ministry of Justice, "Immigration and Naturalization Service｜Family Residency".

Steps to Apply for a Dependent Visa in Japan

It is important to know about Japanese culture, climate, schools, and money before you bring your family to Japan. But that is not all. In order for your family to immigrate to Japan, you must also follow the rules of immigration control.

I think the process of applying for a dependent visa starts with obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), and then you will have to go through the dependent visa application process.

1. Certificate of Eligibility （CoE）

Do you know more about Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)?　It is an official document required for those who intend to stay in Japan for more than 90 days. With this certificate, the process of obtaining a visa becomes easier.

With this certificate, you can prove that you meet the entry requirements of the Japanese government. To obtain this certificate, you will need your residence card, "my number" (Japanese resident registration number), and an address. If you have a secure address, your application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) will go smoothly.

To obtain this certificate, the following documents must be prepared and submitted to the Immigration Bureau.

Required Documentation

• A photo of applicants taken within the last 6 months
• Proof of relationship
• Guarantor Letter – To indicate that you will cover all expenses borne. The letter has to be addressed to the Immigration Office
• Explanation Letter – How long will your family stay with you?
• The Scholarship Certificate is provided for those sponsored by their sponsor.
• Bank Statement – Prove that you can support your family.

Once you have the CoE, you send it to your family so that they can use it to apply for a visa at the local Japanese embassy.

2. Send the Original Document to the Family

In Japan, the dependent visa process may seem very long, but there is an important step at the end.

That is to send the original CoE received from the immigration office to your family members by courier service. At this point, you should know that you will need the following three documents to complete the visa application process.

• Original Certificate of Eligibility (courier to your family)
• Travel itinerary (booking of air tickets)
• Completed visa application form for each family member.

It will take a few weeks from the time you submit these documents to the Japanese Embassy until your visa is ready.

In total, it takes about 3-4 months at this stage. It is a tough process, but now you can be reunited with your family in Japan.

Disclaimer note: this information is correct at the time of publishing (12th July 2022), we recommend you check the official website for updated information.