Choosing to bring your family members from overseas to Japan under a Dependent Visa
For foreign nationals working in Japan, living apart from their families can often become a significant emotional and psychological burden.
This is where the “Dependent” Status of Residence plays an important role.
It is an official visa system that allows foreign workers currently residing and working in Japan to invite their:
✅ Spouse
✅ Children
from overseas, so that they can live together as a family in Japan.
What is the Dependent Visa?
The “Dependent” Status of Residence is a visa category that allows foreign nationals with a medium- to long-term status of residence in Japan to invite their dependent family members to live with them in Japan.
Key points:
🔹 A system specifically for bringing family members who are currently overseas to Japan
🔹 Requires prior issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before entry
Process of Bringing Family Members from Overseas
Basic Steps for Bringing Family Members to Japan under a Dependent Visa
The fundamental process for inviting family members from overseas under a Dependent Visa is as follows:
✅ Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan
✅ Screening by the Immigration Services Agency
✅ Issuance of the COE
✅ Family members apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate overseas
✅ Entry into Japan and commencement of residence
In this entire process, the most critical step is obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
The estimated screening period is approximately 4 to 6 months.
Careful Screening Process for Dependent Visa Applications
Compared to other types of Status of Residence, Dependent Visa applications tend to be reviewed more cautiously and thoroughly.
Average processing time: ➡ Approximately 4 to 6 months
Therefore, the keys to a successful application are:
✅ Early preparation
✅ Accurate document preparation
✅ Well-planned schedule management
Careful planning and precise procedures are essential to ensure a smooth and successful approval.
Frequently Asked Concerns About Dependent Visa Applications
🔹 Worried whether income requirements will be sufficient
🔹 Anxiety about whether the application will truly be approved
🔹 Documents seem complex and difficult to understand
🔹 Concern about the possibility of rejection
In reality, a great many applicants face these same concerns.
Peace of Mind Through Professional Support
Obtaining a Dependent Visa is not merely a matter of submitting documents — it requires a well-structured application that meets the standards of the screening process.
For this reason, many applicants entrust their cases to specialists such as certified administrative scriveners, significantly increasing both their likelihood of approval and their peace of mind.
Benefits of Entrusting Your Application to a Professional
✅ Documents structured from the perspective of immigration screening
✅ предварチェック of errors and missing information
✅ Increased likelihood of obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
✅ Complete handling of all procedures on your behalf
✅ Reduced stress and peace of mind
These advantages lead to a smoother, more reliable, and successful application process.
Benefits of Consulting a Certified Administrative Scrivener
At Office of Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita
✅ Nationwide service / Multilingual support (English, Chinese, etc.)
✅ Consultations via LINE and Zoom available
✅ Comprehensive support from application to approval and document receipt
🔽 If you wish to apply for or renew your visa smoothly without visiting the Immigration Office, start with a free consultation today!
