Guide
Bringing Family to Japan: The Dependent Visa (家族滞在)
How to bring your spouse and children to Japan on a Dependent visa: who qualifies as family, what you need to sponsor them, and the part-time work limit.
LAST UPDATED · 2026-06-121 MIN READSOURCE · IMMIGRATION SERVICES AGENCY
If you hold a work or study status in Japan, you can usually bring close family to live with you on a Dependent visa (家族滞在). It lets them stay for the same period as you, and renew alongside you.
Who counts as family
The Dependent visa covers your spouse and your children. It does not cover parents, siblings, or other relatives, who fall under different rules.
What you need to sponsor them
As the sponsor, you show that you can support your family and that your own status is stable:
- Proof of your status of residence and period of stay.
- Evidence of income or savings sufficient to support your dependents.
- Documents proving the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
The work limit
Dependents may work part-time, but only after obtaining permission to engage in activity outside their status, which caps work at 28 hours per week.
A dependent who wants to work full-time should switch to their own work status rather than rely on the part-time permission.