Screening Period and Required Documents for the “Dependent (Family Stay)” Visa
“I want to live in Japan with my family.”
“I want to be close and watch my children grow up.”
Many people share these heartfelt wishes.
If you hold a “Engineering, Humanities, and International Services” visa, you may be able to bring your family to Japan if you meet the necessary requirements.
However, to do so, you must apply for a Dependent (Family Stay) Visa and complete the proper procedures.
📌 Estimated Screening Period
✅ Bringing Family from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility Application)
➡ Approximately 3 months (Screening at the Immigration Services Agency)
✅ Changing or Renewing an Existing Residence Status
➡ Approximately 1 month (Processing time may vary depending on the application status)
Since visa processing takes time, we recommend applying well in advance to avoid any delays.
📌 Requirements for Obtaining a Dependent (Family Stay) Visa
📌 Requirements for Obtaining a Dependent (Family Stay) Visa
1️⃣ The Sponsor Must Have Financial Stability
The sponsor must have a stable income to support their family in Japan.
2️⃣ Eligible Family Members
✔ Spouse (Must be legally married)
✔ Children (Both biological and adopted children are eligible)
3️⃣ The Dependent Must Be Supported by the Sponsor
The Dependent Visa is granted on the condition that the family member is financially supported by the sponsor.
- Working is generally not allowed, except for part-time jobs (up to 28 hours per week) with permission for activities outside residence status.
📌 Procedure for Bringing Family to Japan
① Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Submit an application to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, which proves the foreign national’s residence status.
➡ Application Location: Immigration Services Agency with jurisdiction over the sponsor’s address.
② COE Issuance (Approx. 3 Months)
After screening, the COE is issued and sent to the family member in their home country.
③ Family Member Applies for a Visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate
Using the COE, the family member applies for a Dependent (Family Stay) Visa to enter Japan.
④ Arrival in Japan & Immigration Screening
At the airport, the family member undergoes landing examination and, if approved, officially enters Japan.
📌 Key Points for a Smooth Application Process
✅ Eliminate Document Errors
➡ Mistakes in the application documents can lead to delays in the screening process. Double-check all details before submission.
✅ Plan Ahead with a Flexible Schedule
➡ Since the application process from submission to visa issuance takes time, start preparations early to avoid last-minute issues.
✅ Respond Quickly to Additional Document Requests
➡ The Immigration Office may request additional documents after submission. Providing them promptly helps keep the process smooth and efficient.
📌 Required Documents for Family Stay (Dependent) Visa Application
To apply for a Family Stay (Dependent) Visa, you must prepare the following documents. Any missing or incorrect documents may delay the screening process, so be sure to check everything carefully in advance.
✅ 1. Application Form for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
➡ This is a mandatory document for the Family Stay (Dependent) Visa application. Fill out the designated form from the Immigration Services Agency accurately to avoid delays.
✅ 2. Self-Addressed Return Envelope (1 Piece)
➡ Write the recipient’s address clearly on a standard-sized envelope and attach a 404-yen stamp for registered mail.
➡ This is mandatory, as the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be sent to you after approval.
✅ 3. Document Proving the Relationship Between the Applicant and the Sponsor (Any One of the Following)
💡 Documents in a Foreign Language Must Be Accompanied by a Japanese Translation!
✔ Family Register (戸籍謄本) – If the marriage was registered in Japan
✔ Marriage Registration Acceptance Certificate (婚姻届受理証明書) – Proof that the marriage has been officially accepted
✔ Marriage Certificate – If the marriage took place overseas
✔ Birth Certificate – If applying for a child’s Dependent Visa
✅ Ensure that all documents are officially issued and translated into Japanese before submission!
✅ 4. Sponsor’s Residence Card and Passport (For Presentation Only)
➡ In principle, these documents only need to be presented at the time of application.
➡ However, having copies ready may be helpful if requested.
✅ 5. Documents Proving the Sponsor’s Employment and Income
➡ These documents are required to prove that the sponsor has a stable income to support the dependent.
📌 Required Documents:
✔ Certificate of Employment (在職証明書) – Issued by the employer
✔ Business License (営業許可書) – For self-employed individuals
✔ Resident Tax Taxation (or Exemption) Certificate & Tax Payment Certificate (住民税の課税証明書・納税証明書) – Proof of income for the past year
✔ Bank Balance Certificate (預金残高証明書) – If the sponsor has sufficient savings
💡 Tip: Providing multiple documents (e.g., tax certificates + salary slips) strengthens your application and helps avoid unnecessary delays.
📌 Summary: Key Requirements for Bringing Your Family to Japan
In this guide, we have detailed the process for individuals holding a “Engineering, Humanities, and International Services” visa to bring their family to Japan.
While it is possible to invite your spouse and children, there are several key factors to consider, such as financial requirements, work restrictions, necessary documents, and the 1 to 3-month screening period.
Incomplete documents or failure to meet the requirements may cause significant delays, making careful preparation essential.
If you are feeling uncertain about approval, unsure about the required documents, or too busy to handle the application, Taro Fujita Administrative Scrivener Office is here to help.
As immigration specialists, we provide fast and reliable visa application services, ensuring that you and your family can continue living in Japan with peace of mind.
