Dependent (Status of Residence)

This status of residence allows a foreigner residing in Japan to bring their spouse or child to Japan to live together. Although the foreigner is residing in Japan with permission from the Japanese government, it is natural to wish to live with one’s spouse or child, and responding to this desire is also a matter of international humanitarian consideration.

Therefore, there are three main points regarding the “Dependent” status of residence.

• There must be a specific “base” status of residence held by the foreigner currently residing in Japan.
• Proof that the applicant and the resident foreigner have a spousal or parent-child relationship.
• Proof that the applicant will be supported, and that the supporter has the financial capacity to support them.

1. Requirement of a specific “base” status of residence held by the supporter

The existence of a base status of residence and the identification information of the holder of that status are required. Therefore, the necessary documents to prove this point are as follows:

• Copy of the supporter’s Residence Card or Passport, etc.

The specific statuses of residence for the foreigner currently residing in Japan that can serve as a base for “Dependent” status are as follows:

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
• Intra-company Transferee
• Highly Skilled Professional
• Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist
• Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services
• Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor
• Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
• Cultural Activities, Student

Statuses that already include the function of family stay

Since the right to have family reside is already included in these base statuses, there is no need to apply for a “Dependent” status separately.

• Diplomat
• Official
• Temporary Visitor

2. Proof of spousal or parent-child relationship

In addition to the formal parent-child or spousal relationship, the applicant and the supporter must be substantially in a relationship in their actual daily life and must live together while maintaining that relationship.

Proof Documents

The documents required for this point are any of the following documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter (the foreigner holding the base status):

• Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
• Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Report
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate

3. Proof of financial capacity to support the applicant

Since the supporter must be able to support the family, the application will not be approved if the income is low or if there are arrears in taxes or social insurance payments. Since the applicant is to be supported, they cannot work part-time for more than 28 hours per week.

Proof Documents

Documents required to prove this point are those certifying the supporter’s occupation and income.

• If the supporter is working:
  • Certificate of Employment or copy of Business License, etc.
  • Certificate of Resident Tax Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment
• If the supporter is not working (e.g., International Student):
  • Certificate of deposit balance in the supporter’s name or certificate regarding scholarship grant specifying the amount and period
  • Or similar documents proving the ability to pay the applicant’s (spouse or child) living expenses

List of Required Documents

Finally, here is a summary list of documents required for the “Dependent” status of residence. The proof documents are common regardless of the type of application.

• Application form
• One photograph
• Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter:
  • Family Register
  • Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Report
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Birth Certificate
• Copy of the supporter’s Residence Card or Passport, etc.
• Documents proving the supporter’s occupation and income:
  • If working:
    • Certificate of Employment or Business License, etc.
    • Taxation Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate for Resident Tax
  • If not working:
    • Certificate of deposit balance or Scholarship Certificate
    • Other documents proving ability to pay living expenses
• Reply envelope (for Certificate of Eligibility application)
• Passport and Residence Card (for Change of Status or Extension application)
• Documents proving birth (for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence, if born in Japan)
• Questionnaire