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Does the child of a 定住者 need a work visa to get a job?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 6 July 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

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

In most cases the child of a 定住者 can work on the same 「定住者」 status of residence as the parent, and does not need to obtain a work visa. The status still has to be renewed by the child, and growing up in Japan is also a real strength when looking for work.

What is this enquiry about?

A guide for people who want to know whether a child raised by a parent with the 定住者 status of residence will need a work visa in future.

Subject: the future work visa of the child of a 定住者
Situation: a parent who holds the 定住者 status of residence and is raising a child in Japan.
Question: will the child need a work visa when they start work in Japan? If they graduate from a Japanese university, is a work visa easy to obtain?

How does it work when the child of a 定住者 works in Japan?

In most cases the child holds the same 「定住者」 status as the parent, with no limit on work.

Where a child is supported by a parent who holds the 「定住者」 status of residence, the child usually holds the 「定住者」 status too, either from the start or by changing from 在留資格「家族滞在」 (Dependent) to 「定住者」. As a rule the 「定住者」 status places no limit on work, so the child can take any kind of job in any industry. For a foreign national this is a real advantage, and it means being free to choose a career path.

Does the child of a 定住者 avoid needing a work visa?

In most cases the child already holds the same 「定住者」 status as the parent, so there is nothing further to obtain.

In most cases the child of a 定住者 already holds the same 「定住者」 status as the parent, so there is no need to obtain a work visa such as 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services). This is because no limit is placed on the activities allowed under the 在留資格「定住者」. Even if the child finishes primary school, junior high school, high school, university or a vocational school in Japan and then starts work, they can work on the same 「定住者」 status as the parent.

Keeping the status of residence as a 定住者: the child has to keep renewing the period of stay properly. At renewal, conduct is examined, together with school results, attendance, tax payments and social insurance.
Having your base of life in Japan: even after becoming independent of the parent, you are expected to keep your base of life in Japan. If you stay abroad for a long time, take care with the rules on the 再入国許可 (Re-entry Permit).
The advantage if the parent becomes a 永住者 (Permanent Resident): if the parent obtains permanent residence, the child falls into the special category of "child of a 永住者", and the visa may become even more secure.

What strengths does a child of a 定住者 raised in Japan have?

Strong Japanese, familiarity with Japanese society, a multicultural outlook, and freedom in choosing a career.

Strong Japanese and familiarity with Japanese society: a child who has attended Japanese schools since primary school has Japanese ability no different from a Japanese national, and understands Japanese culture and business customs.
A multicultural outlook: the culture and language of the parents' home country, together with growing up in Japan, means being able to see things from more than one angle. Being able to speak the home language is a strength too.
Freedom in choosing a career: unlike a work visa, the status is not tied to particular kinds of job, so a wide range of work is open. Some public sector posts can also be applied for without changing nationality.

Is there a path to permanent residence later?

The special rule for 定住者 may ease the requirements compared with a general application for permanent residence.

It is perfectly possible for the child to aim for the 「永住者」 status of residence later. For a 定住者, the general requirement of at least 10 years of residence for permanent residence is eased to 5 years, so permanent residence may be obtained relatively early. Living independently of the parent, having a stable income, and keeping to the rules on tax and social insurance payments are all important elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a child whose parent is a 定住者 need a work visa when starting a job?

In most cases the child already holds the same 「定住者」 status as the parent, so there is no need to obtain a work visa.

Is the status of residence as a 定住者 kept automatically?

No. The child has to keep renewing the period of stay properly, and at renewal their conduct and their circumstances are examined.

What helps the child of a 定住者 to obtain permanent residence later?

Under the special rule for 定住者, the general 10 year requirement for permanent residence may be eased to 5 years. A stable income and meeting public obligations also matter.

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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.