How do I extend the period of stay on a 家族滞在 visa?
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
You can file the 在留期間更新許可申請 from 3 months before your current 在留期間 expires. You submit the application form and the required documents to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) for your address, and after screening you receive a new 在留カード. Screening usually takes about 1 month to 3 months, so please start preparing early.
What is this enquiry about?
A person living in Japan on 家族滞在 would like to know how the extension procedure works.
Subject: status of residence (visa)
Application type: 在留期間更新許可申請 for 家族滞在
Situation: A person living on 「家族滞在」 together with the person supporting them in Japan. Their 在留期間 is coming to an end, and they want to carry on living in Japan with their family.
Question: From when, and how, do I extend the 在留期間 on 家族滞在?
From when can I apply for an extension?
You can apply from 3 months before your current 在留期間 expires.
The 在留期間更新許可申請 for 家族滞在 can be filed from 3 months before your current 在留期間 expires.
If you apply at the very last minute and a document turns out to be missing, your 在留期間 may expire in the meantime. Start preparing early and apply with time to spare.
What documents should I prepare?
The application form and identity documents, plus documents showing the status and income of the person supporting you and your family relationship.
First, check the website of the 地方出入国在留管理局 for your address, or ask for guidance at the counter, and then prepare the documents you need. The main ones are as follows.
在留期間更新許可申請書, the application form (you can download it from the website of the 出入国在留管理庁, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
The applicant's passport
The applicant's 在留カード
Documents showing the status of the person supporting you (a copy of their 在留カード; if that person is Japanese, a 戸籍謄本 (family register) or a 住民票 (certificate of residence))
A certificate of employment for the person supporting you, or documents showing their income (withholding tax slip, tax payment certificate, and so on)
If that person runs a business, documents showing what the business is (a copy of the final tax return, and so on)
Documents proving the family relationship (a marriage certificate for a spouse, a birth certificate for a child)
The 住民票 of the person supporting you (showing every member of the household and the relationships between them)
Documents about the applicant's situation in Japan (a certificate of enrolment if the child is a student, and so on)
Any other documents the 地方出入国在留管理局 asks for in your particular case
Documents are often required to have been issued within 3 months. A document written in a foreign language needs a Japanese translation showing the name of the translator. Depending on the situation of the applicant and of the person supporting them, other documents may be needed, so please always check the latest information.
What happens from application to result?
You fill in the form, submit it, wait for screening, receive the result, and collect your new 在留カード.
Fill in the application form Using the documents you have prepared, fill in the 在留期間更新許可申請書. It is important to fill it in accurately and carefully.
Apply at the 地方出入国在留管理局 Submit the completed form and the required documents to the 地方出入国在留管理局 for your address. Applying at the counter is the basic route, but in some cases you can apply online, so please check beforehand.
Screening Screening is carried out on the basis of the documents you submitted. How long it takes changes with the type of application and how busy the counter is. During screening you may be asked for extra documents or for an explanation.
Notice of the result When screening ends, the result is sent to you on paper or notified online. If it is granted, you receive instructions for collecting a 在留カード that shows your new 在留期間.
Collect your new 在留カード Go to the 地方出入国在留管理局 on the date given and collect the 在留カード that shows your new 在留期間.
It often takes about 1 month to 3 months for a result, though this can change with how busy the counter is. Even if your current 在留期間 expires while screening is going on, you can carry on staying in Japan until the result comes, as long as you applied properly before the deadline.
What should I be especially careful about at the extension?
That the support relationship continues, that the person supporting you has a stable income, and that you yourself follow the rules for your activities.
The support relationship continues: To carry on living in Japan, you need to be supported by a Japanese national or by a person who holds a status of residence. If that person loses their status of residence, or if you are no longer supported by them, the extension may not be granted.
The person supporting you has a stable income: Whether that person continues to earn a stable income in Japan is a major point at the extension. If their income has fallen sharply, or if they have left their job, the extension may become difficult.
The applicant follows the rules: You yourself are expected to obey the law in Japan and to carry out the activities that match your status of residence. If you have not kept to the conditions of your 資格外活動許可 (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted) — as a rule, up to 28 hours per week under blanket permission — the extension may not be granted.
The documents contain no errors: If something is missing or wrong in the documents you submit, screening may take longer, or it may not be granted. Please check everything beforehand.
Apply within the period allowed: Always apply before your current 在留期間 expires. If you miss the deadline, you may become an overstayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
From when can I apply to extend 家族滞在?
You can apply from 3 months before your current 在留期間 expires. We recommend starting early, in case a document turns out to be missing.
What happens if my 在留期間 expires while screening is going on?
As long as you applied properly before the deadline, you can carry on staying in Japan until the result comes.
How long does it take until the result of the extension?
It usually takes about 1 month to 3 months, though this can change with the type of application and how busy the counter is.
Can I submit documents in a foreign language as they are?
No. You need to attach a Japanese translation showing the name of the translator. Documents are also often required to have been issued within 3 months.
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.
