Can income as an influencer plus money from family get me a 定住者 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
Whether income as an influencer plus money from family will be judged enough for a "stable base of life" depends on the individual case. The stability, the continuity and the sufficiency of the income are all examined carefully, so it is important to prepare material that backs them up.
What is this enquiry about?
An enquiry from a student who is a third-generation descendant of Japanese emigrants and works as an influencer, about moving to a 定住者 visa.
Subject: 定住者 visa (在留資格変更許可申請, Application for Change of Status of Residence)
Situation: the enquirer is a third-generation descendant of Japanese emigrants and attends a Japanese language school on a 在留資格「留学」 (Student) visa. He works as an influencer on social media and video sites, with an income of about 10 to 15 万円 a month (up to 150,000 yen), and receives about 50,000 yen a month from his grandfather, who lives in Japan. He has savings of about 1 million yen. After he finishes his course he is thinking of applying for a 定住者 visa as a third-generation descendant.
Question: does this income, together with the money from his grandfather, meet the "stable base of life" requirement? What else should he consider?
What does the "stable base of life" requirement mean?
It means being able to live stably in Japan on your own assets or skills, or those of your family.
In a 定住者 visa application, the "stable base of life" requirement means being able to live stably in Japan on the 資産または技能 (assets or skills) of the applicant, or of a spouse or other relative who shares the same household. It is not enough simply to have income now. The stability of that income, whether it will continue, and the outlook for your life in Japan over the long term are all weighed together.
How is income as an influencer, plus money from family, examined?
The stability, continuity and sufficiency of the income, the stability of the money from family, savings and future prospects are all examined carefully.
Stability of income: is it earned continuously and steadily? You need to show how your income has moved in the past, how your follower numbers have moved, and what advertising contracts you have.
Continuity of income: is the same level of income likely to continue? It is best to set out your plans for your activity in concrete terms.
Stability of money from family: is it likely to continue? You may be asked for documents on the age and the financial position of the person sending it.
Sufficiency of income: is the total enough to cover living costs in Japan? Living alone in a city often calls for a certain level of monthly income.
Savings: these may be taken into account as temporary financial support, but they are unlikely to be treated as a main source of income.
Future prospects: plans to expand your activity and raise your income, or the prospect of another stable source of income, may work in your favour.
Work as an influencer is still a relatively new occupation, and it is said to be judged cautiously as a way of earning a stable income; as a main source of income the impression is a hard one. It is important to prepare supporting material such as a breakdown of your income, advertising contracts and figures showing how your follower numbers have moved.
What else is taken into account for a third-generation descendant?
The blood relationship with your grandfather, your ties with Japanese society, and how clearly you can explain why you want to settle here.
Your bond with Japan: you need to submit a family register or similar document showing the blood relationship, namely that your grandfather is Japanese.
What you do in Japan: if what you post as an influencer shows understanding of, or contribution to, Japanese society, it may be viewed positively.
Ties with Japanese society: whether you have Japanese friends and acquaintances, and how you take part in your local community, may also be taken into account.
Japanese ability: reading and writing matter as well as everyday conversation. If you have a certificate from the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, submit it.
Your reason for wanting to settle: it is important to explain clearly why you want to live in Japan for a long time after you graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can income as an influencer alone meet the livelihood requirement?
It depends on the individual case. As a main source of income the impression is said to be a hard one, so supporting material such as a breakdown of your income and your contracts becomes important.
How is money sent by my grandfather assessed?
What matters is whether it is likely to continue. You may be asked for documents on the age and the financial position of the person sending it.
How does being a third-generation descendant count in the screening?
The blood relationship with a Japanese grandfather is an important sign of your bond with Japan, and you need to submit a family register or similar document proving the family relationship.
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.
