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What is the 家族滞在 visa? The requirements and how to apply

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) / Published  / Last updated

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original(日本語版を読む)

Answer

家族滞在 is the status of residence that allows the spouse and children of a foreign national who is working, studying or carrying out similar activities in Japan to live here together with them. The period of stay is the same as that of the person supporting you. When that person's period of stay ends, the period of stay under 家族滞在 ends as well. As a rule, you cannot work.

What kind of status of residence is 家族滞在?

It is a status of residence for the spouse and children of someone who is working or studying in Japan.

For a foreign national working in Japan, or for a student, being able to live together with family is a great support. 在留資格「家族滞在」 (Dependent) exists for that purpose.

Who is covered?

A spouse and children who are supported by that person. A common-law relationship is not included.

"Spouse" means a person who is currently married. It does not include someone whose spouse has died or who has divorced, and it does not include a common-law wife or husband.

"Child" includes a child born in wedlock, and also an adopted child and an acknowledged child born outside wedlock.

Both the spouse and the children stay in Japan supported by that person, so you are required to have enough money to cover the family's living costs during their stay.

What are the requirements?

3 things: the status of residence of the person supporting you, the family relationship, and the ability to support you.

  1. The status of residence of the person supporting you
    The person supporting you (a spouse or a parent) must hold a status of residence in Japan for work, for 在留資格「留学」 (Student), or for a similar activity.
  2. The family relationship
    The applicant must be the spouse or the child of the person supporting them.
  3. The ability to support
    The person supporting the applicant must have enough financial means to cover the applicant's living costs.

What will my period of stay be?

The same as the period of stay of the person supporting you.

The period of stay for 家族滞在 is set at 11 possible lengths: 5 years, 4 years and 3 months, 4 years, 3 years and 3 months, 3 years, 2 years and 3 months, 2 years, 1 year and 3 months, 1 year, 6 months, and 3 months.

However, the period of stay of a person residing on 家族滞在 is the same as the period of stay of the person supporting them. When that person's period of stay ends, the period of stay under 家族滞在 ends as well. The same applies if that person's status of residence lapses.

How does the application work?

You prepare the documents and submit them to the 地方出入国在留管理局. Screening can take several months.

  1. Preparing the required documents
    A family register extract, marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of income, certificate of residence, and so on.
  2. Submitting the application
    You submit it to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau).
  3. Screening
    This can take several months.
  4. Permission

家族滞在 has a period of stay, and you need to renew it. If you want to work, you need 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted). For details, please see Can I work on a 家族滞在 visa? What are the requirements for 資格外活動許可?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a common-law relationship count for 家族滞在?

No. "Spouse" means a person who is currently married, and it does not include a common-law wife or husband.

Is an adopted child covered?

Yes. "Child" includes a child born in wedlock, and also an adopted child and an acknowledged child born outside wedlock.

What happens if the visa of the person supporting me expires?

The period of stay under 家族滞在 ends as well. The same applies if that person's status of residence lapses.

Can I work on 家族滞在?

As a rule, no. If you obtain 資格外活動許可, you can work up to 28 hours per week.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.