How long does it take to obtain a Dependent status for family members of a “Business Manager” visa holder?
In conclusion, once the “Business Manager” status of residence is granted, it often takes approximately 4 to 6 months to obtain the “Dependent” status of residence for a spouse and children.
However, in practice—especially at the Tokyo Immigration Office—the examination process tends to be conducted very carefully and cautiously.
Why does it take so long?
The reasons are clear. Immigration authorities carefully examine the following points:
✅ Whether the business is temporary or sustainable
✅ The balance between sales, expenses, and profits
✅ How executive compensation is structured
✅ Whether employees are hired and whether employment is continuous
✅ Whether the applicant can stably support their spouse and family
In other words, the key point is whether the stability of the business and the ability to provide financial support can be demonstrated through actual performance and records.
Common Cases in Practice
In many cases handled by our office, applications for the “Dependent” status of residence were not approved until the completion of the first fiscal year’s financial statements.
This is because:
🌍 In the early stages after starting a business, sales and executive compensation tend to be unstable
📉 There is often insufficient financial track record at that stage
As a result, immigration authorities may determine that
“it is difficult at this time to conclude that the applicant has stable financial capacity to support dependents.”
Practical Advice
✅ Design your “Business Manager” application from the outset with future dependent visas in mind
✅ Prepare documents that clearly explain executive compensation, living expenses, and family structure as a unified plan
✅ Do not assume that family members can be brought to Japan immediately—plan with a mid- to long-term timeline
Comparison Table of Dependent Visa Reviews by Spouse’s Status of Residence
| Comparison Items | ① Business Manager | ② Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse’s Status | Business Owner / Representative | Company Employee Employed by a Japanese Company |
| Immigration Review Approach | Very cautious | Relatively smooth |
| Estimated Processing Time | 4–6 months (may exceed 6 months) | Approximately 2 to 3 months |
| Approval Rate Trend | Varies significantly depending on the circumstances | Consistently high |
| Request for Additional Documents | Tend to be frequent | Relatively few |
| Practical Characteristics | Financial statements are heavily emphasized | Early approval possible with complete documentation |
Benefits of Consulting a Certified Administrative Scrivener
The “Dependent” visa is an important status of residence that connects love and everyday life in Japan.
From preparing the application and documents to communicating with immigration authorities—
why not leave the process to a professional instead of handling it alone?
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Let us help turn your feelings and wishes into secure and stable residence in Japan.
At 【Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office】, we provide:
✅ Full support for obtaining and renewing Dependent visas, work visas, and permanent residence applications
✅ Nationwide service with online consultations available
✅ A free initial consultation, during which we create a personalized list of required documents on the spot
