Bring Your Family with You to Japan – Here’s How
Japan values strong family connections. If you’re moving to Japan for work or business, you may want your spouse or children to join you. The Dependent / Family Stay Visa lets your loved ones live with you in Japan.
👨👩👧👦 What is a Dependent or Family Stay Visa?
This visa allows family members (spouse and children) of a foreign resident in Japan to stay with them during their work or long-term stay.
The visa does not permit the holder to work (except with additional permission), but it does allow:
- School enrollment
- Health insurance coverage
- Daily life support from the primary visa holder
🎯 Who is Eligible?
- Spouse (legally married partner)
- Children (including adopted children)
🛑 Not eligible: Parents, siblings, or other extended family members (unless under special conditions)
📋 Required Documents:
- Valid passport of the dependent
- Visa application form
- Certificate of eligibility (COE) issued by Immigration Bureau of Japan
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
- Proof of sponsor’s (primary visa holder’s) residence and financial status
- Residence card of the person already living in Japan
- Letter of guarantee and explanation letter from the sponsor
🧭 Application Process:
- The primary visa holder applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan
- COE is sent to the family member(s)
- They apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in their home country
- Visa is issued and family members can travel to Japan
- On arrival, a residence card is issued
🕒 Processing Time:
- COE: 1–2 months
- Visa: 5–10 business days after COE issuance
💡 Can They Work?
Dependent visa holders cannot work unless they apply for a special work permit. Even with permission, only part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) is allowed.
🧠 How Eduaid Helps:
- Assist in preparing relationship and financial documents
- Apply for COE on your behalf
- Provide embassy-specific instructions
- Help with spouse and child relocation support
- Guide on school admissions and insurance enrollment
🌟 Keep Your Family Close
Living abroad is easier when your loved ones are with you. Eduaid ensures that your family joins you in Japan with the right documentation, legal process, and settlement support.