Perhaps the most popular article on this blog at this point is my guide on How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility and Spouse Visa for Japan. But I often get questions there about Japanese Dependent Visas, as well.
This article, I hope, will make that process clear.
How to Get a Dependent Visa to Bring Your Family to Japan
Of course, we all want to live together with our family. But when you first come to Japan, it can be hard to understand how to do that. If you have one of the Residence Status listed below, you will be able to apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse and children.
First, let’s get clear on who you can bring to Japan on a dependent visa.
- Your (legally married) spouse
- Your (legal) children
Who Cannot be Your Dependent
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for a parent or other relative, regardless of whether or not they depend on you for income.
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for a fiance.
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse’s children from previous marriages if you have not legally adopted them as your own.
Statuses Eligible to Apply for Dependent Visas
Almost all international residents in Japan are eligible to bring their family to Japan as Dependents. As long as your Residence Status is in the list below, you’ll be able to apply.
- 教授 Professor
- 芸術 Artist
- 宗教 Religious Activities
- 報通 Journalist
- 高度専門職 Highly Skilled Professional
- 投資・経営 Investor/Business Manager
- 法律・会計業務 Legal/Accounting Services
- 医療 Medical Services
- 研究 Researcher
- 教育 Instructor
- 技術・人文知識・国際業務 Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- 企業内転勤 Intra-company Transferee
- 介護 Nursing Care
- 興行 Entertainer
- 技能 Skilled Labor
- 文化活動 Cultural Activities
- 留学 Student*
Additional Criteria for Student Residence Status Holders
If you are living in Japan on a Student status, then the type of school you are attending determines whether or not you can apply for a dependent visa for your family.
| Types of Schools that Can apply for a Dependent Visa | Types of Schools that Cannot apply for a Dependent Visa |
|---|---|
| Graduate School (Doctor, Master, or Research Student) 大学院（博士、修士、研究生） |
Advanced Vocational School (Specialized Course, Higher Course, General Course) 専修学校（専門課程、高等課程、一般課程） |
| University (Undergraduate, Auditor, Elective Course Student, Research Student, Japanese Language Course Student) 大学（学部生、聴講生、科目等履修生、研究生、別科性） |
Japanese Language Institution (Advanced vocational school of specialized course, preparatory courses, others) 日本語教育機関 （専修学校専門課程、準備教育課程、その他） |
| Junior College (Regular Student, Auditor, Elective Course Student, Japanese Language Course Student) 短期大学（学科生、聴講生、科目等履修生、別科性） |
Senior High School, Junior High School, Elementary School 高等学校、中学校、小学校 |
| Technical School 高等専門学校 |
You’ll see that there are several options for Japanese language, so if you are in Japan studying Japanese, you may wonder which applies to you. The simple answer is to look at your institution. If the institution is a university or junior college (i.e. if it also grants associates degrees or higher in other fields), then you would be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa. If you are studying Japanese at an advanced vocational school or at a dedicated Japanese language school, you would not be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa.
Other Residence Statuses
Someone who is living in Japan as a Dependent cannot have their own Dependent.
There are a few other statuses, such as Trainee and Designated Activities, that are not eligible to bring family members.
Other statues, such as Spouse of Japanese National, Permanent Resident, Diplomat, etc., have other methods to bring their family members to Japan and will not need the Dependent Visa process.
Can I Bring my Family With Me to Japan at the Same Time?
It depends on your employer.
Certain types of companies in Japan have special authorization to accelerate their Certificate of Eligibility application process for foreign employees and simultaneously apply for Dependent Visas for their spouses. Those companies are able to get Certificates of Eligibility for both the employee and the dependents within about 2 weeks from application.
If you are coming to Japan as a student, researcher, or working for anything less than a large enterprise, then you will not be able to bring your dependents to Japan at the same time as you. After you arrive in Japan, you will have to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for your dependents so they can join you Japan. That application process can take up to three months. Skip down to the instructions below.
What Companies Can Apply Simultaneously for Dependent Visas?
According to the Ministry of Justice, companies designated as Category 1 or Category 2 are eligible for the accelerated Certificate of Eligibility application process, provided that they are paying you enough to support your family members as well.
Category 1 and 2 companies must be “of a certain size” and make their present operating situation clear through public documentation. Specific examples include:
Category 1
- Companies listed on the Japanese stock exchange
- Mutual insurance companies
- National or regional public organizations (公共団体 kokyo dantai)
- Independent administrative institutions (独立行政法人 dokuritsu gyosei hojin), Special public corporations (特殊法人 tokushu hojin), Specially-authorized corporations (特別認可法人 tokubetsu ninka hojin), Public organization-authorized public service organizations (公益法人 koeki hojin)
- Tax-exempt public benefit corporations listed in Table 1 of the tax exempt corporations list.
Category 2: Individuals or organizations that paid over 15,000,000 yen in income tax during the previous fiscal year.
If you are to be employed in Japan and want to know if your company can apply simultaneously for your dependents’ certificates of eligibility, the best thing to do is ask them directly!
Applying for a Dependent Visa Yourself
If you have to bring your family to Japan yourself, you will need to start with applying for their Certificate of Eligibility. Approval can take up to three months, so get started as soon as you can after you arrive in Japan.
As usual with the Immigration Bureau, the information available in English is vague. The requirements below are translated from the Japanese webpage:
Dependent Certificate of Eligibility Required Documents
- Completed application form. You can download the form from the Immigration Bureau website.
- One ID-quality photo: 30mm wide by 40mm high, showing the applicant (your dependent) from the chest up, facing forward, with no hats or background.
Write the applicant’s name on the back and attach it to the application form in the designated spot - One self-addressed reply envelope with 392 yen in stamps attached.
- One of the following documents to prove your relationship:
- Family Register
- Certificate of acceptance of registration of marriage
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Any other document that can be accepted as meeting the requirements of the previous items
Note: Any documents in a foreign language must have a Japanese translation attached.
- Copy of the supporter’s (you) Residence Card or passport. (Submit copy of the Residence Card if you have it!)
- Proof of employment/activity and financial resources.
- If the supporter is engaged in business management or income-generating activities:
(a) 1 copy of certificate of employment or business license (must show supporter’s occupation); and
(b) Certificate of Residence Tax amount and payment showing one full year of tax payment. (Acquired from the City Hall where you resided as of Jan 1.
*If you have not been in Japan long enough to acquire a Certificate of Residence Tax showing a full year of tax, consult with the Immigration Bureau. A certificate of employment with salary may be sufficient. - If supporter is not employed or earning income through operating a business:
(a) A bank account balance statement in the supporter’s name or scholarship award statement showing the amount of award and period of payment.
(b) Documents equivalent in nature to (a) that show proof of sufficient finances for the applicant to be able to meet their expenses while in Japan.
- If the supporter is engaged in business management or income-generating activities:
- Proof of identity, in case of application by proxy.
It is acceptable to fill out the application form in English, but all documents submitted as evidence must be in Japanese or be accompanied by a translation.
Financial Resources for your Dependent
As a general rule, 80,000 yen per month is considered sufficient resources for one person. Since you will be living with your dependent, you don’t need to double that for each person, but count on adding at least 40,000 for a spouse and a little less than that for each child (depending on their age).
As an example, I know of MEXT scholars who were successful in bringing a spouse and two children to Japan with a total income of 145,000 yen.
The Dependent Residence Status does not allow your spouse or children to work in Japan, so you need to plan to support them from your income. Your spouse will be eligible to apply for a work permit (called “Permission to Engage in Activities Other than that Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted”), but they will be limited to working no more than 28 hours per week. This is not going to be enough for your spouse to support him/herself.
A dependent is able to search for a full time job and use that to apply to change to a working residence status. However, finding a full-time job in Japan is quite difficult without some level of fluency in the language.
All of that will come later, once your spouse is in Japan. But it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your financial situation in advance.
Applying for the Japanese Dependent Visa
Once you have your spouse and/or child’s Certificate of Eligibility, you will need to send it to them so they can apply for their visa in your home country.
I recommend making a photocopy first and sending the Certificate by a reliable courier service. Your spouse/child will need the original Certificate of Eligibility to apply for the visa. The photocopy can help you apply for reissuance of the Certificate if it gets lost in the mail.
Visa requirements vary by country, so be sure to check the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country!
Making Travel Arrangements
Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility, your spouse’s dependent visa is all but guaranteed, so it’s safe to start making his or her travel arrangements to Japan.
Your spouse/child must arrive in Japan within 3 months of the date of issue on the Certificate of Eligibility (regardless of whether the visa has a later expiration date or not).
Congratulations! Your family will be together in Japan soon!
As always, please leave any questions or comments below and I will reply as soon as possible.
Thanks Travis, your post is very detail and extremely helpful.
But can I ask you more specific questions?
I am from Yangon, Myanmar. I was offered from one of Japan company in Tokyo and the company offered me to relocate to Tokyo and give visa sponsership as Engineer/Human Specialist Visa. Now they are trying COE for me and waiting for approval. As soon as I got COE, I have to relocate to Tokyo.
In that case, I have family in Myanmar (My wife and 5 months old daughter). I don’t want to be apart with my family for long time. I want to bring them to Japan with Dependant visa as soon as possible. Ofcourse, I know that I cannot bring them together with me at the same time, it is really difficult. But I think after a few months later, I can bring them. So, my questions are following.
1. When I arrived in Japan, how long do I need to wait to apply Depedant visa for my family approximately?
2. Is it possible to apply Depedant visa for my family with my salary 280,000JPY (before tax) per month? Is there any minimum income requirement need?
3. If I will apply, if I will probably work with japanese lawyer for the whole process, how much can I cost appromaxitely?
Please answers my questions and reply me.
Thank you so much.
Hi Hein Htet Aung,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
1. You do not need to wait for any designated period of time after arriving in Japan. As soon as you have completed your residency registration and can get all of the required documents for the application, you can apply.
2. The salary you stated should be fine. There is no formal minimum, though there are approximate quidelines that each person should have between 80,000 – 120,000 of support for month. Since you would all be living together, the amount of support would be on the lower end – probably even below 80,000 per person, especially for your daughter. I have seen MEXT scholars in the past who brought spouses and children with approximately half of your income.
3. There is no reason you would need a lawyer. It is a very straightforward and simple process to apply. All a lawyer could do would be to explain to you the forms that are necessary. I would not recommend a lawyer, unless you had a particularly complicated case. (And, unfortunately, I have no idea what one would cost).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank for your answer Travis, I completely understood.
Hi travis
I have one question. Can i continue my study in japan on dependent visa? I want to become a software developer in Japan. Can i study in university to become a software developer with dependent visa?
Hi Arpan Bibash,
Yes, you can attend university in Japan on any kind of visa, including dependent. However, some forms of financial aid are only available if you have a Student residence status, so you may want to consider switching statuses when you enter university for that purpose.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello travis
I apply COE （dependent status) for my wife last march 28.2019 until now im not yet received a result from immigtration its already 1month7days since i apply her coe. I will just ask if the immigration will contact you if they are some problems in documents that you submit to them.
By the way the expiration of my alien card is this coming july and when i submit the application of my wife in immigration im not yet apply for renewal of my visa do you think it will affect the proccesing of my wife coe?
Hi Jr,
The normal processing time is between 1-3 months and in most cases I see, it takes more than 2 months, so you have nothing to worry about yet.
Yes, the Immigration Bureau will contact you if they want to ask you to submit supplementary information or correct any problems.
The upcoming expiration of your residence card should not have a negative effect, but since it will expire in July, I would recommend that you apply now to renew it, just in case the Immigration Bureau asks later. (You can apply for renewal up to 3 months before it expires).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Good day. I’m really great and thankful that I found this kind of informative and helpful information.
I’m married with the Japanese citizen for 6 years. And I’m also have a Permanent Visa. I would like to ask how to apply for multiple visa for my minor child in the Philippines. I want multiple visa because I want to visit me here every vacation. And for the preparation for his future. I would like to introduce and show first how beautiful is Japan is. Is there any possible that he will grant my son multiple visa? Someone told me independent visa, the other is tourist visa and other is multiple, I don’t know what visa do I need to apply for my son? And What are the procedure and preparation should I take for his visa here in Japan. Do I need to apply CEO first? What are the requirement. I’m going back to the Philippines by August. When do I have to start my preparation. Do I need to apply here or in the Philippines? How long it will take the process?Can you give me other option or suggestion for my minor child in the Philippines. I’m sorry for too many question. But it will be great help to your answer for my question. Look forward for your response. Thank you and more power to you. God bless.
Hi Chona Alvarado,
A multiple entry visa would only be relevant for a Tourist (Temporary Visitor) visa. If you were to get a long-term status for your child, then you would only need a single entry visa. After that single entry, your child would then have residence status in Japan (as a Child of a Permanent Resident) and would be able to enter and leave the country freely, as long as the child returned within 1 year each time.
You would need a CoE for the long-term visa (Child of Permanent Resident) but not for a multiple entry tourist visa. You apply for a CoE in Japan, but for a tourist visa, the application would be in the Philippines (for a long term visa, you would need to apply for the visa in the Philippines after acquiring the CoE).
In either case, I would recommend that you consult with your local immigration bureau office.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi sir,
I am 16 years old. My father has lived in japan for more than 10 yearsbut Now i want to live in japan too. I aim in life is to become a software developer can i become a software developer in japan. Can i become a software developer in japan with a depending visa?
I am looking forward for your reply!
Thank you,
Hi Arpan,
Obtaining a Dependent Visa would allow you to live in Japan. From there, it would be up to you to determine how to become a software developer (possibly attending university in Japan?). If you attend university, you would probably change to a student residence status at that point. Then, when you secure a job, your employer would help you change to a working status.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks Travis.
It helped me alot!
Hi Travis,
I am newly employed in Tokyo and spent 1 month for Training with Tourist Visa.
Now Iam back in India to apply for long term visa with COE.
Understand after arrving Japan, I need to apply the COE for my family. After receiving the COE they will be able apply the long term visa.
How ever is it possible that, I call them to Japan on Tourist Visa and then upon receiving the COE, change there visa status.
regards
Naresh
Hi Naresh,
From what I understand, it is not possible to change from Tourist (Temporary Visitor) status to Dependent Status while in Japan. I would recommend that you wait and have them come after they get the correct visas.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Sir. My question is… My wife has recently gone to Japan and currently she is living there and she is a student of Japanese language course for 18 months. and we have a marrige certificate but we don’t have family registration because we belong from different nationalities, can she apply dependent visa for me without family registration And how many times she must need to stay there after that she can apply for the dependent visa?
Hi Amardip,
Whether or not she can apply for a Dependent CoE for you depends on what kind of Japanese language school she is enrolled in, as you can see at the chart at the top of this article.
If she is enrolled in the kind of school that permits attendees to apply for a Dependent CoE, then you should have no problems. Most countries do not have Family Registers, so that is not a requirement. (It is an alternative to submitting a marriage certificate, but if you have the marriage certificate, that is all that you need).
There is no minimum residence length requirement before she can apply for a CoE for you. As soon as she has completed her residence registration (should be within the first two weeks after arrival) and has all of the application documents prepared, she can apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello There,
First of all we are very thankful to you for providing us such a useful and helpful informations.
I came here in japan in nov 2018 as skilled labour (chef)permit. I am working with a big brand hotel property.my basic salary is 200000¥with OT it’s goes to approx 300000¥.is this sufficient income to get dependent visa for wife and 2 kids 3 year and 9 month old. I applied coe for them this 8th of March 2019. How long it will take to get coe and is my case strong enough to get coe for my wife and kids. Sorry for long question but it will be a great help if you answer these.
Thanks and regards
Hi Sanjay pal Singh,
In my experience, that should be sufficient income for your family, as long as your proof of salary documents show that amount (it’s hard to show overtime in such things).
The application process takes about 1-3 months.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks alot transenz ….
Overtime is shown in the salary slip.so will it boost or they only consider that basic salary..
Hi Sanjay pal Singh,
When I went through the application, I just used a certificate of employment from my employer that showed my base annual salary, not individual salary slips, so I cannot say for certain.
If you submitted multiple salary slips and they consistently show overtime, then I think that would be considered.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi.. I’m sarah. My question is… My husband is going to have a job at a motor vehicle company as a mechanic. I have only a certificate of registration. We are not married in the church. So we don’t have marriage certificate. Only the registration is fine or bith will be needed for me to go there as his dependent? And after how many times can i go to japan?
Hi Sarah,
I’m afraid I do not know the difference between the documents you described, but if the certificate of registration is proof that you are married under the law, or is considered as such in your country, that should be fine. Japan is not concerned about the religious ceremony, just your legal status.
Once your husband arrives in Japan and completes his residence registration, he will be able to apply for a Dependent CoE for you as soon as he acquires all of the documentation that he needs. The CoE application process can take up to 3 months, and then he would have to send it to you so that you can apply for a visa, so I would assume a maximum of 4 months before you would be able to join him in Japan. Maybe less.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks dr… ❤️
Thanks dr… ❤️ And another one. Can i stay with him till he leave japan? And as a dependent can i do a part time job? And after he go there to whom he has to inform in requesting for a CoE?
Hi Sarah,
You’re welcome!
You should be able to stay with him as long as he remains in Japan. You might find that your Dependent Status has a different duration of stay than his status, but you will be able to renew it later.
You will be able to apply for a part-time work permit after arriving in Japan that will allow you to work up to 28 hours per week once you receive it. (Of course, if you got a full-time job offer, you could work with your employer to change your residence status to a working status).
Your husband would apply for the CoE at the Immigration Bureau office that serves the area where he lives.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks dr… ❤️ And another one. Can i stay with him till he leave japan? And as a dependent can i do a part time job? And after he go there to whom he has to inform in requesting for a CoE? Aaand… Do i need to have a driving licence to apply for visa?
Hi Sarah,
You’re welcome!
You should be able to stay with him as long as he remains in Japan. You might find that your Dependent Status has a different duration of stay than his status, but you will be able to renew it later.
You will be able to apply for a part-time work permit after arriving in Japan that will allow you to work up to 28 hours per week once you receive it. (Of course, if you got a full-time job offer, you could work with your employer to change your residence status to a working status).
Your husband would apply for the CoE at the Immigration Bureau office that serves the area where he lives.
You do not need a Driver’s License to apply for a visa, but if you plan to drive in Japan in the future, I would highly recommend acquiring a driver’s license in your home country first, making sure that you have that license for at least 6 months before moving to Japan, then converting your foreign license to a Japanese license after arriving. It is much easier to go through the process of converting an existing license than it is to obtain one from scratch in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
I’ve found your website so very helpful- thank you! I have just received a job offer from my company to move to Tokyo which is so exciting! They have given me a good package but what I’m worried about is that I will be bringing my husband with me on a spousal visa which means he has no working ability until the govornment grants limited working abilities (part time). Even with a good salary, we will be taking a pay cut as a couple to gain this international exposure and experience (this does make me a little nervous). Is it quite easy for someone who enters on a spousal visa to obtain clearance to work “part time”/28 hours a week? Does it take a lot of time to get this permission? Would there be any reason they would deny someone the ability to work the 28 hrs? Any information you have to share would be so helpful. I just want to make sure we will still have enough income to explore and travel- and his ability to work at least the 28 hours, makes it more probable. Thanks so much! – KD
Hi KD,
I have never heard of someone being denied for a part-time work permit. It is very easy, just a matter of filling out the forms.
He may have to have a prospective job opportunity lined up when he applies, or at least know what kind of work he wants to do, but that’s about it.
By the way, just to avoid confusion, he would be considered to be on a dependent status, not spousal. Spouse visas are only for spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents and those statuses have more working rights.
There is also the chance that if your husband finds a full-time job opportunity that he could change his status to a working status while in Japan, as well!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks Travis! One more quick question- is there a period of time he has to spend in the country before he requests part time working permission? Ie 3 months? Or can he request as soon as we move? Thanks again!!!! 🙂
Hi KD,
No, there is no minimum time he needs to wait after arrival. As soon as he has completed his residence registration at the city hall when you arrive, he would be free to apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there!
My husband I came to Japan together. I was able to get my visa with a specialities in humanities. Is there any way for him to be able to receive his COE here, or apply for a dependent visa here? Or must he return home first and apply at the embassy there?
Regards,
Jamie.
Hi Jamie,
If he came to Japan as a Temporary Visitor, I am afraid that it is not possible for him to apply for a Change of Status of Residence in Japan. The Immigration Bureau specifically says that change is not permitted without leaving the country.
He can certainly start the application for a CoE here (that has to be done in Japan, anyway), but he would then have to leave Japan to apply for a visa and return later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
Thank you for the blog. I have some questions about COE application of my wife. Hope you can answer those.
I have applied for dependent visa of my wife on 22nd February 2019.I have submitted all the necessary document requested by immigration officer. I confirm progress status once in a week, and the officer says it’s still under verification.
My annual package is 4.5 Million (adding OT allowance, then 5.2 Million) and I work with startup company which is formed last year. My visa type is Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.
My questions are
1. Do you think the salary which I mentioned is enough in order to bring spouse to Japan?
2. Working in startup company will have difficulties to get COE done?
3. Do you think the below scenario is legal?
I renewed my visa (Now 5 years) on January 2019 during my notice period in my last company.
I left my earlier company and started working with startup from February 2019.
Though I knew that I will be working with new company, I done the renewal process providing documents from my earlier company (which was major IT company). Renewal done before 2 months of expiry of visa and there is no change in visa type. I also informed within 2 weeks to immigration that I changed the job
4. Also, I submitted the Request Letter to immigration office to expedite the COE process providing the reasons. Will it help?
Sorry for long information. I hope you will answer the above my questions.
Thank you.
Hi Sanket,
1. Yes, absolutely. I know of many examples where people have brought spouses and children on a much lower salary.
2. It should not be. The company is less important than the income for a dependent CoE.
3. The process you described sounds completely legal and like it was the only option for you. You would only have been able to process your renewal with the job you had at the time, not a future job. Since you have completed the required notice since, there should be no issues.
4. I have never heard of a request to expedite a CoE being considered. I suppose it would depend on the reasons, but I would not put much hope in it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for the answers.
About 4. The officer told me to submit request letter stating reasons, but they didn’t guarantee whether they will consider my application.
I am concern why it is taking so much time for the process. It is almost 2 months from submission of the application. I read on internet that immigration office is busy in springs. Is it true?
Hi Sanket,
Yes, the months of Feb – Apr are probably the busiest time of the year for the Immigration Bureau. April 1 is the start of the fiscal year, so it is when companies are applying for CoEs for new hires and universities are applying for CoEs for new students – plus everyone who arrived around that time in past years is applying to renew!
Two months is still within normal limits, especially for this time of year, based on my experience.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your response.
Hi Travis. Any comments/thoughts on following situation?
It is closed to 5 months and still I have not received any response about my wife’s COE (dependent) application.
Whenever I called them, the person says, her application is under verification and it’s taking time because of many applications. (I have been told that one officer is examining 400 applications.) Hard to believe though…
I pushed them to share whether it’s in final stage or not, and I got to know that it’s not.
I read in your past blogs where you said immigration office ask for additional documents after 2.5/3 months from the date of the application.
In my case, however, no additional document is asked. It’s hard to understand why it’s taking so much time.
Hi Sanket,
I have to admit, I have never heard of an application process taking as long as yours. I have heard about the applications taking longer and longer lately, but that is extreme!
I’m afraid that with the way the immigration bureau works, there is very little you can do other than wait. You might consider contacting them again and asking for an estimate of the completion date, since it is already nearly 2 months past the usual date, then checking with them again when that date comes.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
My husband is in Japan and has yet to update his status to married. How can he update his status while in Japan so that we can file for dependent visa for me?
Hi BangBang,
Your husband does not have to update his status to “married” in Japan, he has to do it with his home country government and then needs to acquire proof of your marriage from that country (as do you, if you are from different countries). He does not need documentation of his marriage from Japan, just from both of your home countries.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I am from Nepal. I was awarded MEXT scholarship 2018/ October. I t has been six months now since I arrived here. When I received the scholarship I was single but I am planning to get married in 2019/ August, which means in another four months. But my fiance is an Indian citizen And he has visited me last year on tourist visa with multiple entry (till 2021) . So I want to know will it be possible to bring my husband after August 2019 on dependent visa. And how long will it take to process the dependent visa after submitting marriage certificate ( when get married in 2019 August, I will receive the marriage certificate only in that month) and with dependent visa application on August itself.
Please kindly answer for my problem.
Thank you very much.
Hi Nethanya,
Yes, once you are married, you will be able to bring your husband to Japan on a Dependent Visa.
How long it takes depends to some extent on your home countries’ governments. You will have to submit proof of your marriage issued by your home country governments, translated into Japanese. The other documents you need, such as enrollment certificates and scholarship certificates, you should be able to acquire quite quickly from your university.
Once you submit the application, it should only take about 1-2 months for the Immigration Bureau to process, assuming everything is complete. Then you would have to post the CoE to your husband so that he could apply for a visa in India. I would estimate 3 weeks to a month for the mailing and visa application time, then he would be able to come to Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis. Your information is a relief for me. Take care and good luck for you too.
Good day Travis,
Your blog is really helpful.
But I just want to clarify about dependent COE. Me and my husband are planning to apply for dependent visa for our 3 children. We’ve been here in Japan for almost 3 years and we both had a job. But our visa will be expired on July 2019. Will this affect our application? By the way our status is Long term residents so we able to renew it before the expiration. And also how much amount should we state on the form for the support of each child? They are 11, 8 and 7 years old. And last thing, how much amount our bank account should have? Currently my salary and husband’s is around 30万 each, minus the taxes and insurance it will become around 25万 net salary. And we are in a rural area of Japan. Thank you Travis, hope I’ll get a reply from you.
Hi Yamie,
I’m assuming that you are your husband will be extending your periods of stay beyond July, so that should not be a problem. If you wait until you file your renewal of period of stay applications (as early as April), that should eliminate any issues whatsoever, but I can understand if you do not want to wait that long!
For children of long-term residents, there is a different application procedure, so you would not be applying for a dependent CoE for them. There is a separate “Long Term Resident” residence category for minor children of Long Term Residents, though it is very similar. This is unfortunately outside my area of expertise, so I would suggest that you check with the Immigration Bureau for more information.
Only one of the two of you would have to be each child’s guarantor, as far as I understand. You can have one parent be the guarantor and the other be an additional financial supporter (include both parents’ tax statements). I would suggest indicating around 50,000 yen per month support for each child. That would be reasonable for them living with you (or even higher than necessary) and would show enough income to cover all three of your children and still maintain your household.
I hope that helps!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi,
This blog looks really helpful.
I have a question. My husband is in Japan and he has got his Resident Card. Now am planning to go there as his dependent. He is going to apply for my Coe. Can I visit Japan with tourist visa while the Coe is in process and later get my visa changed to dependent being in Japan without coming back to my home country.
Hi ANINDITA DATTA,
No, it is not allowed to change from a tourist status to Dependent Status without leaving the country. You would have to leave Japan and apply for the CoE outside the country (though you would not necessarily need to go back to your home country, anywhere should do).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your informative article. I am a graduate student in Japan. I recieved COE for my families and they also applied for visa in Japan embassy. can you help me with information that how my wife get work permit here? I heard that it is possible to get in airport during entry. if it is not, can you please elaborate the process?
Thank you
Hi Morshed,
It is only possible to apply for the work permit at the airport for people arriving in Japan with a residence status of Student. If your wife is arriving as a dependent, then she would be able to apply at the local immigration office after she registers her residence.
The application form and requirements can be found on the immigration bureau’s website.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello im david
My wife is in japan 6 month before as a student visa and my question is i want also to go japan as a dependent so its possible to get dependent visa
Hi David,
It depends on the type of school your wife is enrolled in – there is a chart at the top of the article showing which types of students are eligible to apply for a Dependent CoE.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
And more thing she recently in japan just 7 month running and at that stage its possible to apply for dependent
Hi David,
It’s possible to apply for a dependent visa immediately after arriving and registering at the city hall – as soon as she can get the necessary documents, she can apply!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello tran senz i am 18…and my father is staying jpn around 3 months and he has intra company transferee visa…so can i apply for dependent visa?
Hi Basith,
If your father is only going to be in Japan for 3 months, then you should be able to get a tourist visa for that length of time to be with him. He may not be able to sponsor you on a dependent visa if his time in Japan is so short. It can take up to 3 months to process a Certificate of Eligibility application, anyway.
As far as I know, you should be able to apply for a dependent visa at age 18, as long as you are financially dependent on your father and not capable of earning an independent living, but that is not my area of particular expertise, so I would recommend double-checking with the Immigration Burea, first.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear sir
I have to come to Japan for 90 days as a researcher in University. They will provide me with COE. I want to bring my wife and baby along with this. How can i apply thier visa along my application. My stay is 90 days so COE for family is impossible to get in short stay..what is the best solution?
Hi Mohsin,
If your family would also only be staying in Japan for 90 days, they should be able to apply for a Temporary Visitor visa (tourist visa), which can be for up to 90 days.
Depending on your nationality, there might even be a visa waiver between your countries, in which case they would not need a visa at all for up to 90 days, but I recommend you check with the Japanese embassy to make sure.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
Thanks a lot for your reply. It is good idea to apply for tourist visa. As i am coming as a researcher at a University in Japan, My host professor has asked me that He will try to apply COE for my family (wife and daughter) as well but i am not sure that if he can get that. What do you say?
Can a University Prof apply for my dependants COE?
He asked me to provide documents for my family so he can apply. Can you tell me if this is possible and if so which documents shall i send to host Professor.
Regards
Hi Mohsin,
As far as I know, there is no legal grounds for a university to apply for a CoE for your family. It is likely that your professor probably isn’t that familiar with immigration law so has offered to check, but I would not anticipate a positive reply from the Immigration Bureau. I know that some companies can apply for families of their employees, but as far as I know, universities do not fall into that category. I could be wrong, though.
Until the professor gives you a specific list of documents needed (which would indicate that he has checked with Immigration and gotten their instructions), the only thing I can think of would be a family register or marriage/birth certificates to prove your relationship to your family members.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Sir,
This blog is very helpful. Please guide me on following
I am coming to Japan as a researcher on Fellowship. My host professor has send me COE for me and also arranged COE for my wife and daughter. Thats very great.
I am interested to know what should i write in Visa application form for Wife/Daughter on Guarantor and Inviter.
In my case, my Guarantor is a Foundation in Japan (they are providing 220,000 Yen per month) and my Inviter is my host professor. But i am not sure who will be guarantor and inviter in my wife/daughter visa application.
(I will manage thier living cost from my own.)
Regards
Hi Mohsin,
I would recommend that you double-check with your professor before writing his or her name on the form.
In general, when your financial guarantor is a foundation, you should be able to put the foundation’s name and contact information, without listing an individual person. (For example, I work at a university, and we tell our incoming students to put the university’s name, not that of an individual person and that almost always works). Contact the embassy first, though, before you do that, to make sure that it is the right thing to do.
Normally, if your wife and daughter were coming after you, then you would be the guarantor in Japan, so that is a possibility, as well, even if they are coming at the same time. Again, though, you’d have to double-check with the Embassy, because there is no universal rule.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi
I am in Japan for last two years I want to bring my family here as dependents ( wife and three kids). As my monthly income is 170000 which is very low to get there visa. So my question is can I get my wife here first as dependent and get a permission for her to work as part time (28 hours a week) and club her income to mine and apply for my kids.
Hi Khush,
Yes, your salary would certainly be enough to support at least one dependent. Then, once she has income as well, you can apply to bring the rest of your family.
I think I remember seeing someone bring a wife and two kids on a lower amount of monthly support in the past.
Your other alternative would be if you could show that someone in your home country was able to send you some money on a monthly basis to supplement your income, then you might be able to bring your whole family now then replace that income from your home country once your wife starts working.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I have got offer from a company as Software Engineer with 5M annual salary and company is in process of applying COE for me. I want to know how long after landing to Japan, I can apply COE for my wife as Dependent. I have read few blogs which states that I have to be in Japan for certain period before applying COE for my wife. Thank you :).
Regards,
Mujtaba
Hi Mujtaba Ahmed,
In some cases, the company that hired you can also apply for a dependent visa for your wife so that you can arrive at the same time, but it depends on the size/category of the company. They may not be able to do it, but it does not hurt to ask.
If you have to apply yourself after arriving in Japan, there is no minimum time that you have to be in Japan before applying – you would just need enough time to collect all of the documentation you need. So, you would need to finish your registration at the city hall so that you can get your residence-related paperwork and would also need to officially start your job so that you could acquire the letter of employment with salary that you would need.
In the meantime, you’ll also need to produce some proof of your marriage and get that translated into Japanese, but you can start working on that now.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I’m reading your blog and its really helpful. My mom works in japan and she is married to a japanese but she didn’t pay tax since she is dependent by my stepdad and she has permanent residency. Though she earns more than 80,000 yen a month she can support me for dependent visa. Now my question is she doesn’t know how to do it. Im 29 and I really want to live in Japan, is there other way we can apply for my visa to live and work in japan? Thank you for your help.
Hi Kimuchan,
I’m afraid that I do not know of any way that a legal adult can obtain a Residence Status in Japan based on their relationship to their parent. You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa, at least.
Your best chance to move to Japan would be to find a job here that will support a working visa for you or enroll in school here to get a visa from one of those sources.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Question regarding with this.
I married a permanent residence here in Japan, and I have a daughter which is 12years old and a hearing impaired disability. My question is what kind of visa do i need to apply for my daughter and since my daughter is a minor she needs a travel buddy to come here (e.i my mother or sister).
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann,
Your daughter would need a CoE for “Long-Term Resident” (Child of Spouse of Permanent Resident status holder).
I do not know about what would be required for a travel buddy, but my guess would be that that person would need a tourist visa (temporary visitor). Or, of course, you could go pick your daughter up and return with her. In terms of visa processes, that would be the simplest, I think!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I did two marriages in my country. It’s legal to do more then one marriage in my home country at the same time.
One of my family is Japanese and I am the permanent resident of Japan.
Now I would like to sponsor my 2nd wife for the dependent visa.
Can I sponsor them as a dependent visa?
If I can’t sponsor them as a dependent visa what will be other option to bring them in Japan.
Looking forward to hearing back from you soon
Hi Max,
As far as I have been able to research, there are no clear rules on multiple marriages within the Japanese immigration system, so I’m afraid there is nothing I can do to offer a quick answer.
My best recommendation would be to consult with an immigration lawyer.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for this information! I have a couple questions and if you could answer them I would really appreciate it. I’m hoping to apply for JET this coming November and I wouldn’t leave until next August, but I’d like to have information before I apply. I am a single mom and after doing the math in my head, I don’t see how it’s possible to live off the JET salary of approximately 300,000 yen per month for two people when I would also potentially have to pay for preschool or international school for my son. So here are my questions:
1. Would you be able to break down the general cost of living in Japan as I cannot see how 80000 would be enough to live on there with the sources I have seen quoting much higher amounts? I would prefer a breakdown where we are able to live at least comfortably in a residence that is not shared with others and our health would not be put at risk because of lack of funds to secure nutritious food options, etc.
2. JET informed me that they do not provide child care as a benefit of the program, but that the contracting organizing staff would sometimes help to accommodate these types of situations. Are there specific Boards of Education there that would be better equipped to support me in this?
3. As a foreigner, would I be able to receive support from the Japanese government as a single parent? Or am I ineligible since I am not a citizen?
If you could answer these questions for me within the next week or so, or refer me to sources where I can do better research this would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Renee O’Dea,
Cost of living in Japan is going to be hugely dependent on where you live. For example, it would be significantly higher in Tokyo than it would in, say, Akita. It also depends a lot on your lifestyle. But 300,000 yen per month is well above the starting salary in many jobs, so you should be able to live without a problem in most areas. I would also assume that the program would include transportation subsidies to get you to and from work, though you’d have to check with them.
80,000 yen per month is an estimate for student living, assuming a one room apartment and non-extravagant lifestyle. Still, with two of you in a larger apartment (or possibly a house, if you are in a rural area), you should be able to live quite comfortably on less than 200,000 yen per month, assuming a relatively modest lifestyle – and assuming that you would be putting your son in local kindergarten, not an international school. The latter can be insanely expensive.
2. I am not an expert in the JET program or specific boards of education, so unfortunately, I cannot help with that question.
3. I’m sorry, that is out of my area of expertise, as well. As far as I know, all residents (not just citizens) are entitled to child support benefits, such as reduced healthcare costs and subsidies for childcare (in some areas), but I do not have any direct experience. Both of my children, and almost all of my friends and coworkers’ children have Japanese citizenship.
I know that there are facebook groups and JET websites that may have more information. You might try looking for an organization called AJET, as well. That is a network of former JETs.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for the useful information. I have 5 years of working visa, been working in my company lil over a year now and my husband has student visa / japanese language school, finishing next year in march/.. We are thinking of applying for dependent visa for him. But currently i am pregnant and i will start my maternity leave soon.
So i have following questions:
1. Do we have to apply for the visa before i start my maternity leave? /worried about been in a maternity leave affects the visa process/
2. Is it okay to apply while am in my maternity leave?
3. Will he able to get same 5 year as me?
4. Also does he need certificate of eligibility?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Uyanga,
Unfortunately, your first two questions are outside my area of expertise, so I’m afraid I cannot give you a certain answer. I imagine it would depend on your working contract and official status with the company while you are on maternity leave.
The best advice I can give you would be to consult with the Immigration Bureau directly.
3. Not necessarily, but he can renew his status later.
4. Yes.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, Thanks for the very informative post! I hope you have an answer to my following query:
1- I already have a working visa for 5 years. Can I applied the same duration for my spouse’s COE? Or any maximum duration that I can apply for my spouse?
2- Can the application being done through mail (by post/courier) only without going to the immigration office? Thanks
Hi Syahmi,
Thank you for your kind words.
1. You can apply for up to 5 years for a Dependent Visa. The Immigration Bureau might not grant you all 5 years, but if the period granted is less than 5 years, your spouse would be able to renew their period of stay in Japan later.
2. No, applications must be submitted in person.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for your reply. It would be much appreciated if you can answer to my further query;
1. Once the COE is completed, the immigration bureau will post it to my address. Is my understanding is correct?
2. As I currently live in Tsukuba Ibaraki, is it better to submit the application to the Immigration office in Tokyo or to Ibaraki’s Immigration office? Which one in your opinion can process the application faster?
3. Based on your information, the COE application process would take 1-3 months to be completed. If my spouse come to japan first (as tourist we don’t require any visa if stay within 90 days), and later once the COE is completed, can we apply the (a) VISA (b) residence card in Japan? or my spouse still need to go back apply the VISA in own our country?
4. The supporting document (evidence) which require to be translated in Japanese, can I translated it by my own (without using any professional company)?
Hi Syahmi,
4. If they are documents that you wrote yourself, such as a letter of explanation, then you can translate it yourself. But if it is an official government document, like your marriage certificate, that would have to be translated by a professional.
The only document in the “gray area” that I know of would be bank statements. Since those generally follow a recognizable format (and the only important word on the document is the final balance), I have seen cases where applicants translated the certificate themselves.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Syahmi,
1. Yes, that is correct.
2. Unfortunately, I do not have any data on relative processing speeds. But my understanding is that you have to submit the application to the office that serves the area where you have registered your residence.
3. My understanding is that it is not allowed to change from Temporary Visitor (tourist) to Dependent Status in Japan, so I would anticipate that your spouse would have to return home to apply for a visa then come back to Japan. But, you can always try before your spouse leaves. I know it is not possible to apply for a Change of Status of Residence if your spouse does not already have a CoE, but I have never heard from anyone who tried to apply with a CoE before.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
My is studying Japanese language in Japan. She about finish her 1.6 year language course and going to join senmon gakko in hotel management.. can I apply for dependent visa at that period..
Hi Lokendra Ayer,
If you are on a student visa, you can find the chart at the top of this article that shows which kinds of student visa holders are eligible to apply for a dependent visa. A Senmon Gakko should be a “Technical School” in that chart and would therefore be eligible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi. Just a quick thing I will be going to onjapan with a 300.000 yen salary, before tax. I will have to invite my wife and 2 kids, of 2 yrs and 6 months. Would I be asked more.money? Is it enough to support my family?
Thanks
Hi Ale,
In my experience, that should be enough, but it could depend on where you live and the cost of living there, as well as the type of employment.
I see no particular reason for concern!
Best Regards,
Travis
Hi,
After i read your article, I hope you can help my problem. Me and my husband are intending to study in Japanese language school, are we eligible to bring our twin sons with us? Hope you can help solve our problem, thank you!
Hi Kei,
It depends on the type of school. At the top of this article, I listed the types of schools where students would and would not be eligible to bring dependent family members to Japan, so please check that against your actual school that you will attend.
Regarding timing, you would not be able to bring any dependents with you at the same time as you arrive. You would have to come to Japan first and apply for their Certificates of Eligibility. Once you have that, your sons would be able to apply for their visas and come to Japan, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi I am Ashutosh,
1) I have aaplied dependent Visa for my wife, she is engineer too, if she get job here can she work full time ?
2) I have from Hiroshima. Do Hiroshima Immigration is not busy office from September. Should I expect in mid-october ?
3) She has JLPT exam schedule in december, can I drop application from my company to support COE process faster ?
4) Any contact point where I will know the status? In case of shortfall of documents how they connect with us?
Thanks for patience and help.
Hi Ashutosh,
1) Anyone in Japan on a Dependent Visa cannot work full time. However, if your wife finds a full-time job, her employer would be able to sponsor her to change her residence to a working status so that she could work full-time.
2) It’s really impossible to say. In general, this is a less busy season, but it all depends on the specific workload there and their personnel. I would not count on it being issued faster than the standard time.
3) I’m not sure what you mean by “drop application from your country”, but I don’t think that would accelerate her processing.
4) No, the Immigration Bureau never responds to inquiries about the status of ongoing applications. If everything goes well, you will not hear anything from them until the day that your CoE suddenly arrives in the mail. When you filed your application, you gave them your address, so they will contact you there if there are any additional documents required (they will also send the final CoE there by post).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I have an offer to work for a large multinational US company with offices in Tokyo. This is one of the largest companies in the world. I will be a senior Vice President. Can I bring my same sex spouse? We are legally married in the US.
Thanks
Hi Andrew G,
It is possible to bring a same-sex spouse to Japan, as long as the marriage is legal in your home country or countries.
I reviewed a few immigration lawyers’ websites and they explained that you would be able to apply for a “Designated Activities” visa for a same-sex spouse. There was a judgement 5 years ago that determined this was the appropriate channel.
However, unlike the Dependent Visa, the process is not quite clearly defined. It should essentially be the same, except that you would also have to provide documentation that same-sex marriage is legal in your state, but I would recommend that you consult with the immigration bureau or an immigration lawyer directly for specific instructions.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello. Can my mom apply me for a dependent visa even if im 20 years old? Can i still apply for coe? And besides my mother, is there any other person can guarantor my dependent visa? But ill still reside with mother if my visa is approve. Thank you.
Hi Jake,
At age 20 in Japan, you are considered a legal adult, so unfortunately you would not be eligible for a dependent visa from your mother.
If you want to move to Japan, your best bet would be to find a school or job and get your visa through one of those.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis, Thank you for your blog. I am research student and my residence card’s name is student. I just arrived 7 days ago. I am supported by Monbukagakusho 146000 yen. I have 3 children with my spouse. My first stipend will be get at middle of November together October’s stipend.
So, please let me know closest time. When am I apply for application to Immigration Bureau? It is possible to apply at late of November? My family has little money bring to Japan. Please let me know.
Hi Enkhbaatar,
Technically, for immigration purposes, you can apply as soon as you have completed your residence registration (including getting your address printed on your residence card) and the semester starts at the university.
However, universities typically recommend that you wait a semester before bringing your family so that you can adjust to life in Japan, get your studies started and your daily routine in order, so that when your family arrives it is not a major disruption.
I would recommend that you wait at least until you have received one or two stipends. You will need to have enough money to secure housing that is large enough for all of you, and you will need to be able to cover everyone’s expenses at first. If your family does not have much money to bring to Japan, I would suggest that money be the deciding factor for you. When you think you have enough cash to cover their expenses, go ahead and invite them!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis
Hi Travis, Thanks for the very informative post! I hope you have an answer to my questions.
1. Can my dependent child (6 yrs old) go to public school in Japan? Do you have the links for the process?
2. How about the health insurance of my dependents? So since I am under working visa, am I the one that will shoulder it?
3. If I give birth in Japan, I am in a working visa, will my child be a japanese national? My husband is a Filipino by the way.
Thanks and hope to hear from you!
Hi Anne,
1. Yes, your child would be able to attend public school, but I would not anticipate much of any special support. Unfortunately, I do not have any articles or samples of the paperwork, but in my experience, all of the paperwork was directly from the school and the city board of education, so it would vary by location. I would recommend that you follow up when you complete your child’s residence registration at the city hall.
2. Your dependents should be registered in National Health Insurance through you. Your workplace should take care of the paperwork for all of you.
3. No, Japan does not grant automatic citizenship to babies born on its soil. I would recommend that you check with your embassy for the paperwork required to register your child’s birth with them. They should also be able to guide you in the follow-up paperwork required to obtain a dependent status of residence for your new child.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! I am posting this message maybe a little late! Was just wondering how long it takes to apply for a dependent visa for a spouse? By that I mean the processing time from application until they receive the visa? Would be glad if you could let me know what you think. Thank you so much.
Hi Foogi,
From the time you submit the CoE application, it can take 1-3 months, depending on whether you have all the documentation they need and how busy the office is at that season. After that, you have to post the CoE to your dependent in their home country where they will apply for the visa. That can take another 2 weeks to a month, depending on whether they can apply directly (as in most countries) or have to go through an agency (like in the Philippines).
So, I would say that you would be looking at anywhere between 2 months on the short end to four on the long end from the start of the CoE application to the end of the visa application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I want to ask about my Husband and Son’s visa, because we’re planning to stay in Japan. Let me introduce to you, my background. I’m half Japanese and half Filipino but my citizen is Japanese. I was born in Japan and stayed for almost 10 years. But in 2004 we migrated in Philippines which my Mother’s home country, I’m living here for 14 years. But I’m planning to go back to Japan this coming Friday and to work there. There’s a problem, I want bring my husband and son in Japan as soon as possible, I read all the requirements and Certificate of Eligibility is needed. but the problem is I’m not tax payer since it’s my first time to go back in Japan as an adult and there’s no guarantor because my Father is already passed away when I’m 7 years old plus I don’t have any contact from my Father’s Family. With the help of my Mother’s friend I will be staying in Japan.
So the question is what is the best thing to do for my situation. Of course I want to be together with my Husband and my Son. I know I should be tax payer for 18 months to be able to bring them in Japan. Is the guarantor can be non related or it should be on the side of my Family? Or is it possible to get them the Temporary Visa, for 3 months then apply for COE?
By the way, I registered my son in our koseki tohon. He is Japanese and there’s no problem. The problem is only the husband. Could you please help me with this kind of situation? Thank you very much.
Hi Mai,
Once you are back in Japan and have a full-time working contract, you should be able to serve as your husband’s guarantor, even if you do not have a full year of tax records. In place of the tax records, you would likely have to show proof of employment with salary and duration, based on what I have heard from others in similar positions.
I would recommend that you consult directly with the immigration bureau after you arrive, but that should work!
If for some reason that does not work, then a non-family guarantor may be possible, too. Since it usually works for you to be the guarantor, I don’t know of anyone who has done that directly, though.
Since you mentioned that your son had Japanese citizenship, then he should not need any immigration paperwork. For your husband, you will need to make sure that your marriage is registered in your Koseki Tohon as well and that you have the marriage certificate from the Philippine government, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello tarvis,
I am student of the technical college in japan, can i apply the dependent visa for my husband. he came visit me for japan befor 3 weeks… then how can i do this.. i have 2 years visa.
Hi Dinu,
As far as I know, technical college students on a student visa are able to apply for dependent CoEs for their spouses.
The article above covers what you need to do to apply. For number 6, you would need to show proof of your enrollment as well as proof of financial resources (such as a bank account), showing that you have enough funds to support your husband in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for giving a lot information via your blog. I have a couple of questions:
1. I am going to study by own pocket money at graduate school for 2 years from Oct and going to apply for family ( wife and 2 kids) COE as soon as I settle down. After how many days, the supporters able to apply for the family COE? Is it possible that I directly apply after tomorrow I get residence card?
2. In the page of for supporter Part 1 of the application for COE dependent, there is a question No11. Annual income. I have no income since I just came to Japan to study and I will submit my bank statement which show amount around 7 mln yen. In this case, for answer Q11, how to fill the annual income? I will indicate no income or 7 mln/2=3.5mln?
3. Where can I find self addressed envelope? Is it found in immigration bureau or any Post office?
Thank you in advance.
Jam
Hi Jam,
1. You would be able to apply for the dependent CoE as soon as you arrive in Japan and can assemble all of the required documents. Some of those will require you registering at the city hall, and others will require you to start your enrollment at the university.
2. Since you are supporting yourself by your savings and are not working, your annual income is zero. If you state annual income, the Immigration Bureau will ask you to show proof of employment and salary.
3. You can buy envelopes at supermarkets and convenience stores and stamps at post offices. (Some convenience stores, etc., may sell stamps, too). You cannot get stamps or envelopes at the Immigration Bureau.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, thank you so much. Is it possible to submit all other documents except enrollment document first to Immigration Bureau and after that, some days later when school starts, the enrollments document can be submitted before the COE issue? The bank saving statement from home country is sufficient for family COE?
Best, Jam
Hi Jam,
The Immigration Bureau will not start processing your application until all the documents have been received, so I would recommend waiting until you have everything.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for the wonderful information!
What factors make the COE process faster or slower – other than the size of the company applying for it? I am asking about spouse COE.
Thanks!
Hi Sreeja,
This article is about the Dependent CoE, not the Spouse (of Japanese National) CoE. It is the Japanese spouse that applies for the Spouse CoE, not a company.
Things that affect the processing time are whether or not the documents are complete, how clear and convincing your documents are, and how busy the immigration office is that is handling the application (i.e. how many other applications they have to get through before they get to yours).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi good morning, my mother is in japan for more than 15 years and we have no idea on how she can apply for me to be with her. Is there age limit? Thanks to your blog we now have an idea. But we need more information on how. Is there any possibility too than she can apply a working visa for me? Thanks for your answer in advance.
Hi Mary Joy Martin,
Your mother would only be able to apply for a Dependent Visa for you if she has an appropriate residence status to be able to do so and if you are a minor child and completely dependent on her for income. Since it sounds like you have been living separately for 15 years, I think it might be difficult to prove that you are dependent on her, though.
Also, a dependent visa does not allow for work (only part-time work up to 28 hours per week). Only a company that offers you a job can get you the documentation you need to apply for a working visa. Finding a job or enrolling in a school and having your employer or school sponsor your visa is probably the best way for your to get to Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I will be applying for a Student Visa and as per the information i read online that i can work upto 28 hours after getting permit but can i bring my wife along as a dependent ? and if yes then can she work too?
Hi Jatin,
You would not be able to bring your wife to Japan with you at the same time, but after you arrive you would be able to apply for a Dependent Certificate of Eligibility for her and send it to her so she could get a visa and come to Japan to join you.
Once she arrives in Japan, she would also be able to apply for the same part-time work permit as you can get as a student and would also be able to work up to 28 hours per week.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
This is so helpful! Thank you so much. i have a question but it’s not about a depending question.
can i apply the Japanese student visa for October intake from June .
I would really appreciate your kind advice.
Thank you
Hi Aravinda,
Before you apply for a student visa, you would need to be accepted by a school in Japan and they would have to send your a Certificate of Eligibility, so it’s really up to the school.
You should only apply for the student visa and come to Japan 2 weeks or less before your program of studies starts.
I hope that helps!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!
First at all, thank you so much for posting all these useful information!
I was awarded with a MEXT Scholarship to study in Japan for 18 months. I will have a STUDENT visa and I will go with my wife to Japan.
I read that is possible to my wife enter in Japan as a Tourist, and meanwhile I will do the procedure to issue her CoE. And after the CoE is Issued, then apply for a Visa Status Change, in Japan. Without returning our home country (Argentina). Do you know if it is rigth?
And the other question is, do you have any example of the CoE application Form completed?
Thank you very much in advance
Hi Pablo,
The course of action you mentioned might be possible, but there is no guarantee and I certainly would not recommend it.
The CoE application can take up to 3 months to process, so depending on the timing, there is no guarantee it would be finished before your wife’s tourist stay in Japan was up. There is also no guarantee that the Immigration Bureau would allow her to apply for a Change of Status of Residence from tourist to Dependent, even if she had the CoE. The rule is that she should apply for a Dependent Visa outside of Japan with the CoE. Allowing her to apply for a Change within Japan, even with the CoE, would be an exception and a judgement call by the staff at the office where you apply, so it’s a risky choice. She might end up having to return to Argentina to apply for a visa in the end, anyway.
My recommendation (and I know most universities recommend the same) would be for you to come first, alone, apply for her CoE, then have her apply for a visa and come to Japan to stay with you.
Unfortunately, I do not have an example of the dependent CoE application form.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there,
I’m a U.S. citizen separating from the military in a year and currently living stateside. My wife (also a US citizen) lives and works in Japan and my plan is to join her when I get out and go to school there to get my bachelor’s at a U.S. University that has a campus in Tokyo. Would it be easier to get a dependant visa or a student visa? I might also need to note that we’re both women and our marriage is legally recognized.
Hi Megan,
My recommendation to you would be to go for the student visa. A dependent visa offers no particular benefits over a student visa and having a student residence status in Japan would make you eligible for more scholarship programs, etc., that are not available to students with other residence statuses.
Also, if you apply for a student visa, the school needs to go through the work to apply for your CoE, whereas if you apply for a dependent visa, your wife would have to do the work instead.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hellow sir
Im perera and live in japan with “designated activity visa”. My girlfriend also live in japan and she is japanese language school student .we will soon register our marriage in our country embassy in tokyo japan. After the marriage can i be a dependent from my wife while she is studying in language school . She monthly receives her expenses from home country and it is nearly 300000¥ . Thanku very much and waiting for an answer.
Hi Perera,
Once you are married, you would be able to apply to change your status of residence to Dependent, yes. It sounds like the amount of funding your girlfriend receives is more than enough for both of you, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
One thing you might want to consider, though, is working permissions. I don’t know what kind of Designated Activities residence status you have and if it allows you to work or not, but as a Dependent, you would only be able to apply for a part-time work permit to work for up to 28 hours per week.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanku sir for your reply
I have work permit
My type of designated activity is (refugee recognizing ) . Thanku again
Hellow
I already read this blog and it is very helpfull but i also have a serious question about dependent visa with student visa holder. I also live in japan and my wife also. My wife is student in japanese language school still 2 months of studying time and 1 year and 4 months to go. Before i finding this blog i directly mail to immigration Bureau information center and ask about dependent visa from student visa holder they replied me and says. (”
This is an Information Center at “Immigration Bureau of Japan” of “Ministry of Justice”.
In regards to your inquiries, we will answer as following.
Basically, Japanese language school students are not eligible to apply for “Dependent” for family.) and can i be a dependent from my wife? and is their any time period to complete in language school to apply coe for me ? Because still my wife 2 months in japanese language school. But she have enough financial on bank book thanks
Hi Buvan,
If you contact the Immigration Bureau directly, don’t use the word visa. You have to call it a “Residence Status”. To the Immigration Bureau, a visa just means permission to enter the country and it is something that you apply for at the Japanese embassy.
Even know they must know what you really mean, they will act like they don’t unless you use the terms that they prefer.
I have never heard or seen any official information saying that a Japanese Language School student on a “Student” residence status would be ineligible to apply for a Dependent Visa, but I did find a few blogs in Japanese that said that other people had been refused for the same reason.
According to those blogs, it seems like the problem is that the Japanese government defines “Dependent” as someone who needs their spouse’s (or parent’s) income to survive. Since a Japanese language school student cannot earn enough income to support a family, the Immigration Bureau has determined that they cannot sponsor a dependent because there is no way they could be earning income. This seems to apply even if they have savings, because the idea is that those savings could be used to support you in your home country, instead.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be more helpful. You may want to consider consulting with a lawyer if you plan to follow up, but my best recommendation to you would be to find some other means of obtaining a visa/residence status in Japan, such as finding work or schooling yourself.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
! I’m a senior high school now and student visa holder. I’m living with my aunt and uncle here. Is there any chance that I can live with my mum here too?
Hi Cass,
I’m assuming that your mother is not a Japanese citizen? If she is not, she would need to find a way to obtain a visa on her own, such as by finding a job in Japan. There is no way for you to be able to support her to come to Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I was wondering if you help me clarify some things. Me, husband and two kids reside in California and are all US citizens. My husband recently accepted a two year job in Japan. He is currently already in Japan and because of some language barrier it’s difficult for him to get straight answers. Kids and I want to live with in the duration of his work contract. His work falls under the skilled labor so from our understanding, he is able to obtain a COE for me and the kids? Where would he go about getting it? Through his work? Or must be do it all on his own?
Hi Sarah K.,
Yes, your husband can apply for Dependent Certificates of Eligibility for you and each of your children.
Your husband would have to apply on his own. He will need to assemble all of the documentation, including the application forms for each of you, and take it to the Immigration Bureau office that serves his area.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for this very informative article! I hope you can also enlighten me with some of my questions below.
I came to Japan under the EPA program June 2017. I took the Nurse Licensure Exam March of this year and successfully passed. Now I am currently working in Kyouto and I want to bring my husband and daughter here in Japan. I started working here December of 2017 after 6mos of training in Osaka. My concern is that I cannot get a tax certificate for one full year since I still didnt reach a year of employment to be able to get it. One more thing is that they told me that I will start paying my residence tax after a year of living here which will be on December so surely I will not be able to apply for that. Is the employment contract sufficient to be able to file COE for them?
Regarding on the guarantor, do I need to ask the hospital as guarantor?
thanks in advance!
Hi Joan Nesly,
Since you are here under the EPA program, you would not be applying for a Dependent Visa for your husband and daughter – there is a special “Dependent of EPA Program Participant” visa that you would apply for, instead. The requirements are essentially the same, but the name is different. Unfortunately, I can only find it explained in Japanese, but here is the link to the application process on the Immigration Bureau’s website.
Since you do not have the tax documentation, you will need to consult with the immigration bureau that serves your area to find out what they would accept as an alternative. You already have to submit your certificate of employment and maybe that document along with a certificate of your salary would suffice, but only the Immigration Bureau office can give you a certain answer.
In any case, you, not the hospital, would be your family members’ guarantor.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello.
I am marrying a JET and we will obtain a dependant visa. Considering Japan’s laws on married couples names do you think it Is necessary for one of us to change our name when we get married?
Hi Jeran,
You do not need to change your name. For a dependent visa, Japan only cares if you have met your home country’s laws regarding married couples. (Even for a Spouse Visa where one of the couple is Japanese, it is not necessary to change your name).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi
My mother lives in Japan with my 2 brothers and my stepfather, does she necessarily needs to use her incomes in the process to bring me to Japan or can she use my stepfather’s income? They are long term residents but right now my mother isn’t working and my stepfather has a income of 250000-300000 (I don’t know exactly)
Thanks
Hi Igor,
If your stepfather has the income and assets in his name, then it would be appropriate for him to be your financial sponsor.
Good Luck!
– Travis from Transenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your time and explanations.
The visa of my wife will be expired on 23rd Aug and she had applied for renewal for the past two weeks.
we have planning to go to our hometown on 17th August but we don’t know how long will take time to renew the visa. Is there any chance to exit and come back while the visa is in processing for renewal?
If yes, do we need to inform to the immigration?
Best regards
Dipen
Duration of the holiday is one month
Hi Dipen garanja magar,
My recommendation to you would be to check with the immigration bureau directly. There are too many variables here and I don’t want to give you the wrong advice because I did not know all of the details.
In general, when you apply for an extension of period of stay, you can stay in Japan until the date that your current residence status expires or the day 2 months after you applied for the extension, whichever comes later.
If you leave Japan during the processing period and come back before her period of stay expires, then I know that is not a problem, but it sounds like you will be gone longer than that. If you leave and come back after her period of stay expires but before the two months from the application day are over, I don’t know if that is allowed or if you would have to apply for a re-entry period.
You lose nothing and risk nothing by contacting immigration directly to ask, so please check with them to make sure that you have the best answer considering all of the details!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Appreciated your prompt reply.
Thank you very much.
Best regards
Dipen
Hi Travis,
Thank you for all this information, it’s very helpful! I have a few more questions.
1. The last thing listed for documents you need to apply is ‘proof of identity, in case of applying by proxy’. Firstly, is it possible to apply by proxy? I live on an island, so applying in person would require a few days off work and travel expenses, so can I apply by mail? Secondly, isn’t your residence card and passport proof of identity? If not, what would be valid for this?
2. About the proof of tax payment. I have been living in Japan for a year, but from August to August, so only 8 months after 1 January. Does the full year only count from January?
3. About the translations. Who can do these? Do they have to be official in some way or can someone who is proficient in English and Japanese do them?
Thank you again!
Julia
Hi Julia Laurie,
1. It is possible to apply by proxy, but who your proxy may be is limited. Unfortunately, for a dependent visa, it appears to be limited to the person’s immediate family members who are resident in Japan or to a lawyer or legal scrivener who is authorized to apply to the immigration bureau on others’ behalf.
The proxy would need to prove their own identity with a government ID, like a residence card or driver’s license, and would also need to prove that they are eligible to be your proxy. In the case of a family member, that would be some form of legal documentation showing the relationship.
2. For tax purposes, the year starts from January. It sounds like you would not have a tax record showing a full year of income. Your record now would only show the months from August – December of last year. In that case, you will likely have to submit proof of employment with salary in addition to the tax record, but please be sure to contact the immigration bureau, first. Since this is an exception, the exact procedure would be up to their discretion.
3. Any professional translator that can swear that they are competent in both languages, qualified to translate, and have translated the documents to the best of their ability. The Immigration Bureau might want to see that the translation was done and sworn to by a translation company, but there are really no particular qualifications that a translator or company must have. (TranSenz used to be a registered translation company and we handled these kinds of translations on a regular basis).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz