Dependent is the status of residence for the spouse and children supported by a foreign national who lives in Japan under a work status, Student status or certain other statuses. It is the status most commonly used when an assignee brings their family to Japan, or when a foreign employee already working here invites family members from their home country.
Whose family members qualify
The supported spouse and children of people with the following statuses are eligible:
- Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
- Cultural Activities, Student
Only Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is included; family members of Specified Skilled Worker (i) holders are not eligible for Dependent status.
Key points in the examination
- The legal marriage or parent-child relationship can be confirmed with documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
- The supporting family member has enough income or assets to support the family (confirmed with a certificate of employment, residence tax certificates and similar documents)
- The family members will live on that support
Period of stay
Set individually, up to a maximum of five years. It is usually aligned with the supporting family member's period of stay.
Can Dependents work?
Dependent status does not in itself allow work. With permission to engage in activities outside status, Dependents may generally work part-time for up to 28 hours a week. From October 1, 2026, work at amusement businesses such as pachinko parlors is also possible with individual permission (still within 28 hours a week in total). To work full-time, a change to a work status that fits the job is required.
If the supporting family member is a Highly Skilled Professional, the spouse may work full-time under certain conditions as one of the preferential measures.
Main documents (when applying from overseas)
- Application form for a Certificate of Eligibility and a photo
- Documents proving the family relationship (such as a family register, a certificate of acceptance of marriage registration, a copy of the marriage certificate or a copy of the birth certificate)
- A copy of the supporting family member's Residence Card or passport
- The supporting family member's certificate of employment
- The supporting family member's residence tax certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status)
If residence tax certificates are not yet available, for example shortly after arrival, income is shown with other documents. Documents in a foreign language need a Japanese translation. If the supporting family member is a student, a bank balance certificate in their name or a scholarship certificate is used to show that living costs can be covered.
After children graduate from high school in Japan
Children with Dependent status who wish to work in Japan may be allowed to change to Long-Term Resident or Designated Activities if they meet certain conditions, such as having entered Japan before the age of 18, graduating (or being about to graduate) from a Japanese high school and having a job offer. For Long-Term Resident, completion of elementary and junior high school in Japan is also required.
Notifications during your stay
In addition to registering your address, you must file a notification within 14 days if you divorce or your spouse dies.
For employers
Filing the Certificate of Eligibility applications for the employee and for the family at the same time makes it easier to coordinate their arrival. Alongside Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services and Intra-company Transferee applications for your employee, we handle the family members' applications as well. Please feel free to contact us.