Japan spouse and dependent visa

Confirm the supporting resident's eligibility

The applicant must have a qualifying family relationship with a person living in Japan under an eligible status. Depending on current rules, the sponsor's status may include categories connected with academic, artistic, religious, journalistic, managerial, professional, medical, research, educational, technical, corporate-transfer, entertainment, skilled-labor, student or training activities.

A legal marriage generally needs to be demonstrated for a spouse application. Common-law and de facto relationships do not ordinarily meet the legal-marriage requirement for this status. Same-sex couples may face different recognition and procedural issues; see Japan visas for same-sex couples.

Check that the planned activities are permitted

Dependent status supports ordinary daily activities by an eligible family member who is financially supported by the qualifying resident. It does not itself grant unrestricted permission to work.

Anyone intending to work should first determine whether separate permission for activities outside the existing status is required and what limits apply.

Assemble the supporting documents

The precise list varies by family relationship and case, but preparation commonly includes:

• Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and supporting resident
• Identity and residence-status documents for the supporting resident
• Evidence of the supporting resident's occupation and financial capacity
• Application forms, photographs and other case-specific records requested by the authority
• Japanese translations where required or useful for reviewing foreign-language evidence

Use the appropriate application route

For a family member coming from outside Japan, the process commonly begins with an application for a Certificate of Eligibility. A person already in Japan may need to consider whether a change-of-status procedure is available and appropriate.

A Certificate of Eligibility supports the visa and entry process, but it is not itself permission to enter or remain in Japan. Filing methods, eligible representatives and required originals should be checked before submission.

Allow for examination and follow-up requests

Processing periods vary by office, season and the complexity of the application. Immigration may request further evidence or clarification. Avoid relying on historic estimates when planning travel, housing or school arrangements.

Complete the visa or status procedure

After a Certificate of Eligibility is issued, an applicant outside Japan normally follows the visa procedure through the appropriate Japanese diplomatic mission and then completes immigration inspection when entering Japan. An eligible applicant in Japan may instead follow the approved in-country route.

Residence card

Many medium- and long-term residents receive a residence card through the applicable entry or status procedure. It records details such as identity, residence status and period of stay. Cardholders must observe current rules concerning possession, address notifications and updates.

Short-term entry and changes of status are governed by specific rules and should not be assumed to be interchangeable. For related background, read about the Japan visa-waiver program.

Plan travel and re-entry

Before leaving Japan, confirm whether a special re-entry arrangement or a separate re-entry permit applies to the intended absence. Eligibility and deadlines depend on current rules, the period of stay and the planned return date.