The 定住者 visa for 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants of Japanese emigrants: what are the requirements and documents?
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
For a 2nd-generation descendant (the child of a Japanese national), the main requirements are being the child of a Japanese national, holding a lawful status of residence, good conduct and an independent living. For a 3rd-generation descendant (the grandchild of a Japanese national), the requirements tend to be stricter, and a stable base of life and the will to work are looked at as well. In both cases, official documents proving the blood relationship are needed.
What is the 定住者 visa for people of Japanese descent?
A status of residence that allows long-term residence in Japan on the basis of a blood relationship.
定住者 is one of the statuses of residence granted to foreign nationals who have a special connection with Japan. For people of Japanese descent, long-term residence in Japan may be allowed on the basis of that blood relationship. This mainly covers 2nd-generation descendants (the child of a Japanese national) and 3rd-generation descendants (the grandchild of a Japanese national).
What are the requirements for a 2nd-generation descendant?
There are 4: being the child of a Japanese national, a lawful status of residence, good conduct and an independent living.
Being the child of a Japanese national Your father or mother is a Japanese national.
Holding a lawful status of residence You hold a valid status of residence at the time of the application (other than 在留資格「短期滞在」, Temporary Visitor).
Good conduct You obey Japanese law and live without causing problems as a member of society.
Being able to make an independent living You can live stably on the income or assets of yourself, your spouse or other relatives.
Even someone born as the child of a Japanese national may not hold Japanese nationality, depending on whether nationality was reserved and on the nationality law of the place of birth. It also matters that there is no problem with how you have stayed in Japan in the past, such as overstaying or illegal work.
What are the requirements for a 3rd-generation descendant?
They tend to be stricter than for a 2nd-generation descendant, and your base of life and your will to work are looked at as well.
Being the grandchild of a Japanese national Your grandfather or grandmother is a Japanese national.
Having a stable base of life You have the means and the housing to live stably in Japan.
The will to work You intend to work in Japan and stand on your own feet.
Beyond this, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan weighs up your individual circumstances as a whole.
Weight is placed on being able to make a living yourself, rather than simply being supported by relatives. Once you hold 定住者, as a rule there is no limit on the work you may do.
What documents are needed?
The application form and documents on your civil status, plus documents proving the blood relationship and the ability to make a living.
For a 2nd-generation descendant
在留資格変更許可申請書 (Application for Change of Status of Residence)
Passport and 在留カード (Residence Card)
The applicant's birth certificate
The father's or mother's family register, current or closed, showing that they are a Japanese national
Certificate of employment, certificate of income, tax payment certificate, certificate of bank balance and so on (documents proving the ability to make a living)
身元保証書 (Letter of Guarantee), where required
For a 3rd-generation descendant
在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility), if the person is being brought from abroad, or 在留資格変更許可申請書, if they are already in Japan
Passport
The applicant's birth certificate, and the father's or mother's birth certificate
The grandfather's or grandmother's family register, current or closed, showing that they are a Japanese national
Official documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and the grandparent
CV, certificate of employment, certificate of income, certificate of bank balance and so on (documents proving the ability to make a living)
Material about your home (tenancy agreement and so on)
身元保証書, where required
Other documents required by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan may also be needed.
What applies to every application?
Give accurate information, and attach a Japanese translation to documents in another language.
Ability to support yourself Whether you have a job and experience, help from relatives, savings, property and other assets are all looked at
Accurate information Give accurate information based on the facts. Statements that are not true lead to a denial
Translation of documents Always attach a Japanese translation, with the translator's name, to documents written in another language
Check the latest information Requirements and required documents can change
Individual circumstances The points examined and the documents needed can differ according to your family, your history in Japan and your work
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the requirements different for 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants?
Yes. For a 3rd-generation descendant they tend to be stricter than for a 2nd-generation descendant, and a stable base of life and the will to work are looked at as well.
Is being supported by relatives enough?
Weight is placed on being able to make a living yourself, rather than simply being supported by relatives.
Can I submit documents in another language as they are?
No. Always attach a Japanese translation and state the translator's name.
Once I hold 定住者, is there any limit on my work?
As a rule there is no limit on the work you may do.
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.
