What Is a Dependent Visa for Indonesian Nationals? Requirements, Required Documents, and the Application Process for Bringing Your Family to Japan
Every year, our office receives dozens of inquiries from Indonesian nationals regarding Japanese immigration procedures, including applications for Dependent status of residence.
The most common questions we receive include:
- Am I eligible for a Dependent visa?
- What documents do I need to prepare?
- Can I use my Indonesian marriage certificate or birth certificate as they are?
A Dependent status of residence is an important immigration status that allows eligible foreign nationals to bring their spouse or children to Japan. However, simply being married or having children does not automatically guarantee approval.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan carefully examines each application based on a variety of factors, including the sponsor’s current status of residence, financial ability to support their family, and documentary evidence proving the family relationship. Approval or denial is determined after a comprehensive review of these circumstances.
What Is a Dependent Status of Residence?
A Dependent status of residence allows foreign nationals who are legally residing in Japan for a medium- to long-term period to bring their spouse and children to Japan to live with them.
In principle, the following family members are eligible:
✅ A legally married spouse
✅ Biological children
✅ Adopted children (provided certain legal requirements are met)
On the other hand, the following family members are generally not eligible:
❌ A fiancé or fiancée
❌ A common-law spouse (unmarried partner)
❌ Parents
❌ Brothers and sisters (siblings)
❌ Other relatives
The Dependent status of residence is intended for family members who will live in Japan while being financially supported by the principal visa holder. It is not a status of residence designed for unrestricted employment in Japan.
Requirements for Obtaining a Dependent Status of Residence
To obtain a Dependent status of residence, the family member living in Japan who will act as the sponsor must first hold an eligible status of residence.
For example, foreign nationals holding one of the following statuses of residence may be eligible to bring their spouse or children living in Indonesia to Japan, provided they meet the applicable requirements:
📌 Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
📌 Business Manager
📌 Highly Skilled Professional
📌 Student
Applicants who hold these or certain other qualifying statuses of residence may sponsor their eligible family members for a Dependent status of residence, subject to Japan’s immigration requirements.
Required Documents for a Dependent Status of Residence
The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. However, in most cases, the following documents are required.
Documents to Be Prepared by the Sponsor in Japan
✅ Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
✅ Copy of the sponsor’s Residence Card
✅ Copy of the sponsor’s passport
✅ Certificate of Employment
✅ Certificate of Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment
✅ Employment contract or other supporting documents (if required)
Documents to Be Prepared by the Family Member in Indonesia
✅ Passport
✅ Marriage certificate (such as Buku Nikah) for a spouse
✅ Birth certificate (for a child)
✅ Passport-sized photograph
Please note that any documents issued in Indonesia must be accompanied by a Japanese translation when submitted to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Key Points Considered During the Immigration Review
One of the most common issues we encounter in our consultations is the consistency and accuracy of the supporting documents submitted with the application.
For example, problems may arise if:
❌ The information in the marriage certificate does not match the details provided in the application.
❌ The sponsor cannot adequately demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the dependent family members.
❌ The Japanese translations of the birth certificate or marriage certificate contain errors or omissions.
❌ Documents proving the family relationship are incomplete or insufficient.
In these situations, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan may request additional documents or explanations before making a decision on the application.
Because official documents issued in Indonesia may vary in format depending on the region or issuing authority, it is essential to carefully review all documents and their Japanese translations before submission.
Planning to Obtain a Status of Residence in Japan?
✅ Need Professional Assistance with Your Visa Application?
Let Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office guide you through the entire process.
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We handle a wide range of Japanese immigration matters, including work visas, Dependent status, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Permanent Residence, and more.
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