Perhaps the most popular article on this blog at this point is my guide on How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility and Spouse Visa for Japan. But I often get questions there about Japanese Dependent Visas, as well.
This article, I hope, will make that process clear.
How to Get a Dependent Visa to Bring Your Family to Japan
Of course, we all want to live together with our family. But when you first come to Japan, it can be hard to understand how to do that. If you have one of the Residence Status listed below, you will be able to apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse and children.
First, let’s get clear on who you can bring to Japan on a dependent visa.
- Your (legally married) spouse
- Your (legal) children
Who Cannot be Your Dependent
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for a parent or other relative, regardless of whether or not they depend on you for income.
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for a fiance.
You cannot apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse’s children from previous marriages if you have not legally adopted them as your own.
Statuses Eligible to Apply for Dependent Visas
Almost all international residents in Japan are eligible to bring their family to Japan as Dependents. As long as your Residence Status is in the list below, you’ll be able to apply.
- 教授 Professor
- 芸術 Artist
- 宗教 Religious Activities
- 報通 Journalist
- 高度専門職 Highly Skilled Professional
- 投資・経営 Investor/Business Manager
- 法律・会計業務 Legal/Accounting Services
- 医療 Medical Services
- 研究 Researcher
- 教育 Instructor
- 技術・人文知識・国際業務 Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- 企業内転勤 Intra-company Transferee
- 介護 Nursing Care
- 興行 Entertainer
- 技能 Skilled Labor
- 文化活動 Cultural Activities
- 留学 Student*
Additional Criteria for Student Residence Status Holders
If you are living in Japan on a Student status, then the type of school you are attending determines whether or not you can apply for a dependent visa for your family.
Types of Schools that Can apply for a Dependent Visa | Types of Schools that Cannot apply for a Dependent Visa |
---|---|
Graduate School (Doctor, Master, or Research Student) 大学院(博士、修士、研究生) |
Advanced Vocational School (Specialized Course, Higher Course, General Course) 専修学校(専門課程、高等課程、一般課程) |
University (Undergraduate, Auditor, Elective Course Student, Research Student, Japanese Language Course Student) 大学(学部生、聴講生、科目等履修生、研究生、別科性) |
Japanese Language Institution (Advanced vocational school of specialized course, preparatory courses, others) 日本語教育機関 (専修学校専門課程、準備教育課程、その他) |
Junior College (Regular Student, Auditor, Elective Course Student, Japanese Language Course Student) 短期大学(学科生、聴講生、科目等履修生、別科性) |
Senior High School, Junior High School, Elementary School 高等学校、中学校、小学校 |
Technical School 高等専門学校 |
You’ll see that there are several options for Japanese language, so if you are in Japan studying Japanese, you may wonder which applies to you. The simple answer is to look at your institution. If the institution is a university or junior college (i.e. if it also grants associates degrees or higher in other fields), then you would be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa. If you are studying Japanese at an advanced vocational school or at a dedicated Japanese language school, you would not be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa.
Other Residence Statuses
Someone who is living in Japan as a Dependent cannot have their own Dependent.
There are a few other statuses, such as Trainee and Designated Activities, that are not eligible to bring family members.
Other statues, such as Spouse of Japanese National, Permanent Resident, Diplomat, etc., have other methods to bring their family members to Japan and will not need the Dependent Visa process.
Can I Bring my Family With Me to Japan at the Same Time?
It depends on your employer.
Certain types of companies in Japan have special authorization to accelerate their Certificate of Eligibility application process for foreign employees and simultaneously apply for Dependent Visas for their spouses. Those companies are able to get Certificates of Eligibility for both the employee and the dependents within about 2 weeks from application.
If you are coming to Japan as a student, researcher, or working for anything less than a large enterprise, then you will not be able to bring your dependents to Japan at the same time as you. After you arrive in Japan, you will have to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for your dependents so they can join you Japan. That application process can take up to three months. Skip down to the instructions below.
What Companies Can Apply Simultaneously for Dependent Visas?
According to the Ministry of Justice, companies designated as Category 1 or Category 2 are eligible for the accelerated Certificate of Eligibility application process, provided that they are paying you enough to support your family members as well.
Category 1 and 2 companies must be “of a certain size” and make their present operating situation clear through public documentation. Specific examples include:
Category 1
- Companies listed on the Japanese stock exchange
- Mutual insurance companies
- National or regional public organizations (公共団体 kokyo dantai)
- Independent administrative institutions (独立行政法人 dokuritsu gyosei hojin), Special public corporations (特殊法人 tokushu hojin), Specially-authorized corporations (特別認可法人 tokubetsu ninka hojin), Public organization-authorized public service organizations (公益法人 koeki hojin)
- Tax-exempt public benefit corporations listed in Table 1 of the tax exempt corporations list.
Category 2: Individuals or organizations that paid over 15,000,000 yen in income tax during the previous fiscal year.
If you are to be employed in Japan and want to know if your company can apply simultaneously for your dependents’ certificates of eligibility, the best thing to do is ask them directly!
Applying for a Dependent Visa Yourself
If you have to bring your family to Japan yourself, you will need to start with applying for their Certificate of Eligibility. Approval can take up to three months, so get started as soon as you can after you arrive in Japan.
As usual with the Immigration Bureau, the information available in English is vague. The requirements below are translated from the Japanese webpage:
Dependent Certificate of Eligibility Required Documents
- Completed application form. You can download the form from the Immigration Bureau website.
- One ID-quality photo: 30mm wide by 40mm high, showing the applicant (your dependent) from the chest up, facing forward, with no hats or background.
Write the applicant’s name on the back and attach it to the application form in the designated spot - One self-addressed reply envelope with 392 yen in stamps attached.
- One of the following documents to prove your relationship:
- Family Register
- Certificate of acceptance of registration of marriage
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Any other document that can be accepted as meeting the requirements of the previous items
Note: Any documents in a foreign language must have a Japanese translation attached.
- Copy of the supporter’s (you) Residence Card or passport. (Submit copy of the Residence Card if you have it!)
- Proof of employment/activity and financial resources.
- If the supporter is engaged in business management or income-generating activities:
(a) 1 copy of certificate of employment or business license (must show supporter’s occupation); and
(b) Certificate of Residence Tax amount and payment showing one full year of tax payment. (Acquired from the City Hall where you resided as of Jan 1.
*If you have not been in Japan long enough to acquire a Certificate of Residence Tax showing a full year of tax, consult with the Immigration Bureau. A certificate of employment with salary may be sufficient. - If supporter is not employed or earning income through operating a business:
(a) A bank account balance statement in the supporter’s name or scholarship award statement showing the amount of award and period of payment.
(b) Documents equivalent in nature to (a) that show proof of sufficient finances for the applicant to be able to meet their expenses while in Japan.
- If the supporter is engaged in business management or income-generating activities:
- Proof of identity, in case of application by proxy.
It is acceptable to fill out the application form in English, but all documents submitted as evidence must be in Japanese or be accompanied by a translation.
Financial Resources for your Dependent
As a general rule, 80,000 yen per month is considered sufficient resources for one person. Since you will be living with your dependent, you don’t need to double that for each person, but count on adding at least 40,000 for a spouse and a little less than that for each child (depending on their age).
As an example, I know of MEXT scholars who were successful in bringing a spouse and two children to Japan with a total income of 145,000 yen.
The Dependent Residence Status does not allow your spouse or children to work in Japan, so you need to plan to support them from your income. Your spouse will be eligible to apply for a work permit (called “Permission to Engage in Activities Other than that Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted”), but they will be limited to working no more than 28 hours per week. This is not going to be enough for your spouse to support him/herself.
A dependent is able to search for a full time job and use that to apply to change to a working residence status. However, finding a full-time job in Japan is quite difficult without some level of fluency in the language.
All of that will come later, once your spouse is in Japan. But it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your financial situation in advance.
Applying for the Japanese Dependent Visa
Once you have your spouse and/or child’s Certificate of Eligibility, you will need to send it to them so they can apply for their visa in your home country.
I recommend making a photocopy first and sending the Certificate by a reliable courier service. Your spouse/child will need the original Certificate of Eligibility to apply for the visa. The photocopy can help you apply for reissuance of the Certificate if it gets lost in the mail.
Visa requirements vary by country, so be sure to check the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country!
Making Travel Arrangements
Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility, your spouse’s dependent visa is all but guaranteed, so it’s safe to start making his or her travel arrangements to Japan.
Your spouse/child must arrive in Japan within 3 months of the date of issue on the Certificate of Eligibility (regardless of whether the visa has a later expiration date or not).
Congratulations! Your family will be together in Japan soon!
As always, please leave any questions or comments below and I will reply as soon as possible.
Hello Travis,
My mother is a permanent resident married to a Japanese. Is it possible to apply for a certificate of eligibility my case being married already and at 35 years of age? My stepfather included me in his juminhyo. Will that have a bearing?
Hi EJ,
My understanding is that to qualify for a Child of Permanent Resident status, you would have had to have been born in Japan and your mother would have already had to have been a permanent resident of Japan at that point. You would also have to be continually living in Japan from that point forward.
Based on those requirements, it does not sound to me like you would qualify for that status.
Unfortunately, I am not aware of any family-related statuses that would allow a legal adult to come to Japan as the child of a Japanese national or permanent resident.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
what happen if dependent visa holder work in japan more than japanese rules.
more than 28 hrs a week.
can we pay penalty for overworking
Hi Shayka,
A Dependent in Japan needs a work permit to work at all.
If a dependent with a work permit is working more than 28 hours per week (across all jobs), the person in question would be subject to deportation from Japan and the employer(s) could be imprisoned for up to 3 years and face a fine of up to 3,000,000 yen.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi tranz
Ihave already 4 million of sri lankan rupees(3 million yen).question is how much money we need to apply dependant visa for finance support
Hi tranz
It combined with my first question my wif’s salary almost 100000 yen
Hi Gimash,
If there are only two of you (no children), then I would say that between savings and salary, you want to show proof of at least 120,000 yen per month, and even that figure may be low. The generally accepted rule I have seen is 80,000 per person per month at a bare minimum, but with families, you can combine some expenses, like rent, so you don’t necessarily have to double that.
If your monthly income is less than that, then your proof of savings would have to make up the difference for however many months you’re applying for.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi tranz
My wife is there in japan.she erned 100000 yen per month n we have no children yet.she try to bring me.my mother sponser to me she has saving here 4000000 rupees above in her account(2500000yen) and she erned here 2000000 rupees above(1400000yen) per month from her business.i want to know if enough money for sponsor to me?
Thank you!
Hi Gimesh,
The Immigration Bureau does not have an official minimum amount, so it is hard to say.
With the numbers above, if your mother is able to provide you with about 40,000 yen/month in support (which should be easily within the figures you wrote), in addition to your wife’s income then based on my past experience, you would probably be OK.
In that case, I would suggest that when you break down your support in the application form, you check both “Guarantor” and “Remittances from Abroad” in the financial support question.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanx your reply
Dear tranz
My lawyer sayed all the document should be translate to japanese.is that true
Hi Gimash,
That is true, but the level of translation varies by document.
For anything issued by the government (like a marriage certificate or birth certificate) or another outside organization, you would need a formal, professional translation.
For your proof of finances, in most cases, it is fine for you to highlight the account holder name and total balance (if a bank account) or salary and to handwrite the translations of those terms on the form so that the Immigration Bureau can read them.
Of course, you do not need to translate your passport page (I have seen some people do that in the past!) and you can complete the entries in the application form in English or Japanese.
You also do not need a lawyer for this application process. In most cases, it is very simple and straightforward and something you can complete on your own within a few hours.
I would only recommend a lawyer if you have some extenuating circumstances and need help navigating detailed rules.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
If CoE form is expired due to some conditions, can I apply the next time. Because I want to call my baby, but the situation is changed and so, he can come next year. But, I already applied the CoE form for him.
Hi Zay,
If the CoE expires before your dependent uses it to apply for a visa and enter Japan, you would have to return that CoE to the Immigration Bureau, along with an explanation of why you were unable to use it, before you could apply for a new one. But yes, you can apply again!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your information. It makes me feel relax. And, can there be changed from dependent visa to working visa. How can I do?
Hi Zay,
I’m glad I could help!
You would need an employer to provide the paperwork to convert from dependent status to working status, so it’s not something you would be able to do on your own. If you find a full time job, they will have a person there who can help you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hai Travis,
If the income (salary) 120,000 JPY/month, is it possible to bring wife and three children (10, 7 and 4 years old) ? It is mean, the immigration will be consider this matter ?
thank you
Hi Adhi,
There’s no exact threshold or limits about your income published anywhere, so I can’t say for sure what the Immigration Bureau would say. But I think that would be difficult. It depends a little on where you live, but you would have a very hard time supporting your family on that income. I knew someone in a rural area with a family of four on a stipend of about 145,000 per month and even they struggled.
It would help if you have a financial supporter in your home country or someone else who can help with the expenses.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
After ny depebdebt arrives in Japan wgat do i do next apart gron regusteribg him at the city office? I pay social insurance how do igwt him on to that sohe can have his own card cabd stuff?
Hi Sasha,
Once your dependent arrives, you’ll take him with his residence card to the city hall/ward office etc. and file a “Report of Moving In” (č»¢å „å±). They should also give you the forms to sign your dependent up for National Health Insurance at that point, and possibly the National Pension Plan, if that’s applicable.
That should get the process started for everything you need!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, Travis! Can I use my Employment Contract with my salary in applying for my husband’s Certificate of Eligibility? I am having a hard time acquiring a Certificate of Employment from my company. I was hired through an agency and I am living under my company’s housing assistance. Can I apply for it without my company’s knowledge? Does the immigration do background checking? Thank you for your help!
Hi Kay,
You do need proof of income to be able to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility. So you would have to get a certificate of employment from your company showing your salary, or wait until you had sufficient tax records to be able to apply using those as your proof of financial ability. But waiting for the tax records can take over a year from when you first start working.
If your company refuses to help, I would suggest that you consult with the immigration bureau. They may have better advice for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I arrived here in japan 6 months ago as residence of status “engineer” through a recruitment(haken) agency.Now i am working in a different company through that original recruitment company. I am planning to apply for COE for my wife as a dependent to me. But for some reason my original recruitment company doesn’t want my wife to come to japan and stay with me.That is why i am planning to apply for COE by myself. The question is that,do i need to have company’s stamp on the application form. I do have a employment contract paper with salary clearly written on it issued by the original recruitment company.
Hi Diamon,
Your employer cannot help you with the CoE application for your wife, so you really have no choice but to do it yourself.
You don’t need that company’s stamp on your paperwork. As long as you have the proof of employment and salary, which shows that you are fulfilling the condition of your visa and have the financial means to support your wife, you should be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your information.Actually,i downloaded the applicaton form for COE for dependent visa from the official site of immigration bureau of japan.it contains 4 pages, last page is not that of use actually but in the third page” for supporter’s information” it asks to fill about the organization to which the supporter belongs and press the official seal of the organization.I want to know where to find the right application form.
Hi Diamon,
You don’t need the company’s signature or seal in your case – that’s just a really confusing translation. The Japanese phrasing is more clear:
You only need the company’s name, signature, and seal if you and your spouse are arriving in Japan at the same time and the company is applying for both of your Certificates of Eligibility simultaneously.
Since you are already in Japan and you are your spouse’s supporter/guarantor, you do not need the company’s signature or seal on that line. You only need to sign it yourself.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
thanks travis
i am going to apply by myself.Do i need to attach my engineering graduation certificates also?and what about the snapshots of me and my wife together.
Hi Diamon,
You shouldn’t need the engineering graduation certificates. You need to prove that you are engaged in the activities that you came to Japan for, in other words working as an engineer. You don’t need to prove your qualifications all over again. Your employment and salary certificates should be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thanks for the useful information regarding dependent visa.
I have query regarding bringing my new born in Japan on tourist visa.
Me and my wife both have work visa and dependent visa respectively.
But can I bring my new born baby on temporary visa and then apply for the dependent visa / COE.
Is this possible without returning to home country?
Hi Kamlesh,
I’m assuming your child was born outside Japan, but if that’s not the case, please let me know.
As far as I know, it is not possible to change from a temporary residence status to dependent residence status.
The best thing to do would be to apply for a CoE now for your newborn and send it to your wife. She should then apply for your baby’s dependent visa and then they can come to Japan together with no problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, I would like to ask if how long does it take before the person applying for dependent visa can come to japan since after issuance of COE we’ll send it to affilated agency right?
Hi Shaska Mika Yamamoto,
The CoE will be sent to whoever it is that applied for it, which should the spouse in Japan. I’ve never heard of an agency being involved in this process.
As soon as the applicant receives the CoE and sends it to his/her dependent, the dependent can start the application process for the visa. That application can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks depending on the country the dependent is applying from. For that question, you’d need to refer to the Japanese embassy in your country to find out how long the usually take to process visas.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there i would like to ask what kind of visa i need to go in japan? my wife is permanent residence card holder. thankyou
Hi Jay,
I saw your question on the article about international marriage in Japan and answered it there!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear All
Hello I have cultural activities visa. I want to invite my family with dependent visa.
Is there any one have experience with this situation?
If yes what kind of points do I consider? housing, funding, guarantor, and other?
Please help me.
Best regards
Hi Naruuk,
There are a lot of things to consider lifestyle-wise, but for the visa, you just have to prove that your activities under your current residence status are valid and in line with that status and that you have the money to support your family. You would be their guarantor.
You do not need to have your housing situation sorted out before applying for the Certificate of Eligibility.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
Thanks for your kind advise. I thought that guarantor of my family should be my supervisor but I understand now. I will be their guarantor.
Best regards
Naruuk
You’re welcome and good luck!
Dear tranz
What about we aply throug a lawyer
Hi Gimash,
You should not need a lawyer for this application. It’s really quite simple to do on your own and having a lawyer won’t give you any advantage.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
A very informative site. I wanted to ask if I can bring my de facto wife with me from Australia, I am going to move to Japan to work for Japanese company. They may qualify as category 1 or 2, not sure at this stage, but article says only “legally” married wife can join me on dependant visa.
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately, Japan only recognizes legal marriages. You need to have a marriage certificate to prove your relationship.
If you don’t have any legal documentation, then de facto or common law spouses would not be considered spouses for the purpose of Immigration.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi I’m Joan! It’s my dream to live in Japan. And I am planning to apply for visa in order to live in Japan permanently. Is there any way I could bring my parents with to Japan?
Hi Joan,
Parents cannot be considered “dependents” for visa purposes. That category is restricted to spouses and children.
I have heard of some people being able to bring their parents on a Designated Activities status if they can prove that there is no way the parent can continue living in their home country without their specific support. However, there is no precise standard for this status, it is a judgement call. If you are interested in that, I highly recommend that you work with an immigration lawyer who specializes in the field.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
What if both parents are 50 years old and above? Can that be considered?
Hi Joan,
50 is still considered mid-working age in Japan, so I don’t think you’d be able to justify parents of that age being completely dependent on you for support.
I have heard of it being possible in some cases if both parents are over 70, but even in that situation, there’s no guarantee.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Can I apply for change of residence instead of certificate of eligibility? We got married last month here in Japan and he is staying here as a tourist for about 90days.(no visa) .Or my husband need to go home and I’ll apply his eligibility after? If we can apply for a cchange of residence will mmigration issue residence card for him as dependent?
I’m holding a working visa and we already have all the supporting documents just in case. Thanks! -done (Filipino)
Hi Done,
As far as I know, the Immigration Bureau does not accept applications for Change of Status of Residence from Tourist/Short-term Stay to Dependent.
This is based on what I have heard from immigration lawyers and what I have read on the Immigration Bureau’s website, not through personal experience though. So, the best thing I can tell you is that it doesn’t hurt to ask!
You need all the same documents for both applications anyway, so I would suggest you visit the local Immigration Bureau office with the Change of Status of Residence application paperwork and see if they will accept it. If not, well, just submit the CoE application, instead. You don’t lose anything by trying.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
I am an Indian cook have one year skilled visa.I want to bring my family (wife age39 and 3 daughters age-13,7,and yongest is 9months).I have some questions and doubts.
1.My visa is expired on 12 December can I apply for dependent visa for my wife and three daughters simultaneously with my visa renewal .
2. As you mentioned 80,000 yen per month is considered sufficient resources for one person and 40,000 for a spouse and a little less than that for each child. Can you please tell me how much money I need for my spouse and three
Daughters.
3. My employer is showing only
150000yen per month in my salary slip. So can I show rest of finance
In my wife’s bank account in home
country or I have to show money
In my japan post office account.
4. And what after when their visa
Expire next year would I have to show money again to get renewal.
5. From where I can translate my marriage certificate and my kids birth certificate.
Thanks and regards
Hi Amit Kumar,
1. I would recommend that you check with the Immigration Bureau. They would probably want you to renew your residence status first, but I don’t have any direct experience so I can’t be sure.
2/3. The numbers I gave were rough estimates based on a handful of examples from the past. I knew a MEXT scholar on a 145,000 yen/month stipend that brought his wife and two small children to Japan, but there is not fixed number that is guaranteed to get you approval. If possible, I would recommend also having another source of income such as a financial backer in your home country who can help.
You can certainly use your wife’s account back at home as well as your own savings and salary.
4. Yes, you would have to financial resources for each renewal. Once you’ve been in Japan long enough to start paying residence tax, that would probably be your source of proof for the future.
5. I would recommend looking online for translation companies that can handle the languages involved. (TranSenz no longer operates as a translation company, so I cannot help you directly, I’m afraid.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
This comment is attached to my previous comment to clarify some issues.
yes my wife is already in Japan and she has applied for my COE on 14/07/2017.
In the mean time she is 07months pregnant now and we need to deliver baby in Japan since she has followed Japanese hospitals and doctors so far.
But if my COE gets delayed she has to go back for the delivery.
So i am seeking a way to get my COE result little earlier than expected time frame.
So i need to confirm that if she informs the immigration about her pregnancy, would they make process of my COE more speedy?
You are doing great job and thank you very much.
Kasun
Hi Kasun,
Unfortunately, I do not think that the Immigration Bureau would agree with your statement that she has to go back to your country if you do not get your CoE in time. They would ask why she can’t simply give birth in Japan even with you not there. (It is not terribly uncommon for women in Japan to give birth without their husbands present).
So, I don’t think that would work as an official reason to accelerate your processing. On the other hand, it can’t hurt. You might find someone there who is sympathetic and can help check on the status or push it through in an unofficial way.
I would recommend that she try to contact them, let them know that she’s about to give birth and tell them that she’s worried that if the CoE doesn’t arrive before she gives birth, that she wouldn’t be able to pick it up in the mail and send it to you in a timely fashion. That would be a good “excuse” to ask the to check on its status and see if there is any way to accelerate it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for your kind advices and now it is almost two months since my wife applied for my COE in Japan. but the worst situation is she is seven months pregnant now and you know that its risky to fly after certain stage during pregnancy.
Therefore, i am seeking your advice if she notify about her pregnancy to the immigration whether is there any possibility to receive a quick response from the immigration due to her pregnancy.
Moreover, we have shown 2 .6 million yen (two point six million) as a living cost since she doesn’t have a government grant as a student. would it be sufficient for the baby and both of us.
Further, is it possible to apply for tourist visa while my COE is pending?
Hope you would help me to solve this matter by providing your expertise knowledge.
Thanking You,
Kasun
Hi Kasun,
It sounds like your wife is already in Japan and you will go to join her, is that correct? In that case, I’m not sure why she would be flying.
Since she is already in Japan, notifying the Immigration Bureau about her pregnancy probably would not have any impact, because she is not the one who will be traveling due to the visa process.
I don’t know how long of a visa you applied for, but the general rule for financial support is at least 80,000 yen for one person for one month. If she is a student and paying tuition on top of her living costs, I would expect them to want to see more than that for just her (100,000 yen/month or more). To add you and a baby on top of that, my guess would be that they would want to see at least 160,000 – 180,000 yen per month available. This is by no means an official calculation, just a guess!
If you have applied for a 1-year CoE, then the 2.6 million yen should be sufficient.
The CoE review process should take a maximum of 3 months, so you should have the result before she gives birth. In the meantime, if she is going to give birth in Japan, I assume you want to be there to support her, so applying for a tourist visa would also make sense in the meantime as a backup plan. However, I can’t say for sure whether you would end up being able to change from tourist to dependent status while in Japan, as you would have to justify that to the immigration bureau and rely on their determination.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I have a sick mother in Tokyo Japan and now she is living alone in the house as my step Japanese father was already dead. My step father already applied for our residential or family visa I think when I was there in Japan with my son last 2008. It happened that we went back to the Philippines and that’s the time when our papers came out from the embassy that we can stay now in Japan.
Please tell me what to do and how can we get the residential so that I can be with my
mother or visit her any time with out applying visa every time I wanted to visit her. Is there a way on how I can have my family Visa
Hi Ella Ramos,
Unfortunately, your question is well out of my area of expertise.
So much depends on your mother’s nationality, her residence status, your age, how many people you want to apply for visas for. . . You’d really want to speak to someone with expertise in your area.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your response. I have another question in where I want to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa to Japan and this is because my mother was sick and I wanted to be there right away in case of something happen or emergency,
The question is, what are the things that I need to prepare as documents in applying A multiple entry visa? Is the embassy will give me that kind of visa even for visiting parents? My mother will not be able to give or send any documents because of her condition, I only have her Birth certificate that proves that she is my mother.
Me and my sister is planning to be in Japan as soon an we have our passport renewed. I have been to Japan for how many times but this situation is different as my mother is really sick.
Please help us on what to do. I really appreciate the advice you are giving.
Thank you
Hi Ella,
I think you would need a tourist or temporary visitor visa for that. If you check the Japanese embassy’s website, they should have directions for applying for a visa to visit family members. (Depending on your nationality, you might not need to apply for a visa at all, but again, you’ll have to check the embassy’s website).
I don’t have any particular experience or expertise with tourist/temporary visitor visas, but I know the process is much simpler and you wouldn’t need a Certificate of Eligibility for that.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis. Your posts are so informative and helpful. I would like to ask about visa for parents of permanent resident. I invited my mother in Japan in the year 2014, short term visa. She’s 70 yrs. old now, widowed and I am her only child. I send her financial support. I file my ITR yearly and declared her as my dependent so my taxes are low. I wanted to invite her again to stay longer and live with us coz she lives alone in the Philippines. Though I’m not sure if she’ll be granted, I will try to apply for COE first but I don’t know which visa category is applicable for her. Any thoughts? TIA.
Hi May,
Visas for parents are out of my area of expertise. Dependent visas can only cover your spouse or your children. They cannot cover other legal dependents, including parents.
I have heard some immigration lawyers talk about a “Designated activities” visa for caring for elderly parents (čč¦Ŗę¶é¤), but from what I have been able to find, there are no precise standards for getting it. You would have to prove that your mother is incapable of living on her own without your support, and it sounds like it would be up to the Immigration Bureau’s judgement.
If you’re interested in that process, I would suggest that you work with an immigration lawyer to learn more and better your chances!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, Travis! I am a Filipina and I am planning to marry my husband, who is a Filipino at the Philippines. Do I need some documents here before we marry? I am planning to get him here through spouse visa. Thank you very much!
Hi Kloeen,
I’ve written another article about International Marriage in Japan that describes how you would get married under Japanese law.
Since neither of you are Japanese, though, you aren’t required to register your marriage in Japan. If you want to do it only in the Philippines, then you would not need any documentation in Japan.
If you are a permanent resident of Japan, you can apply for a spouse visa for him. Otherwise, you would have to apply for a dependent visa for him after your marriage.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, Travis! Thank you for helping me! I have few more questions.
Do I really need to have a lawyer for me to fix all the documents that I need for my husband’s COE application? Can I already apply for his COE after a month or two of our marriage? What is the first thing that I should do?
Thank you very much!
Is it possible for me to get him through a dependent visa right away? Iāll be arranging the documents as soon as I arrive here again. Do I need to arrange the documents at the prefecture where I am living now? If I apply for his COE, can I still use my pre-married name so it would still match with the passport? Thank you very much for the help, Travis! Sorry for my long message.
Hi Kloeen,
You would need to use your name as it appears on your Residence Card, since that is your legal name in Japan.
Yes, you can only apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Bureau Office in your prefecture.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Kloeen,
No, you don’t need a lawyer. It’s a very simple and straightforward process (as I hope I made clear in the article above – which also includes all of the steps you need!).
You can get started right away.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much, Travis! (: How about for the English documents? So I only need to have it translated in Japanese before I submit those to the immigration?
Hi Kloeen,
You would need official translations for any of government-issued English documents, such as your certificate of marriage. But you don’t to translate your passport, etc., since the Immigration Bureau can read that without a problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, Travis! Do I need to have our application for marriage license authenticated in the Philippine Embassy here in Japan? Thank you for always answering my queries!
Hi Kloeen,
Unfortunately, I am not an expert in Philippine law or procedures. I know that if you get married under Japanese law, you have to report your marriage to the Philippine embassy, but I don’t know the procedures.
I have heard from other commenters that if you can provide proof of having completed the procedures at the embassy/consulate, that is enough to move forward with your Certificate of Eligibility application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, Travis! I arrived here in Japan last Oct 3, 2016 and I’ll be marrying my fiance on January 2018. We are both Filipinos and we will have our wedding at the Philippines. Is it possible for me to get him through a dependent visa right away? I’ll be arranging the documents as soon as I arrive here again. Do I need to arrange the documents at the prefecture where I am living now? If I apply for his COE, can I still use my pre-married name so it would still match with the passport? Thank you very much!
Hi Kloe,
Congratulations on your pending marriage.
You can start applying for your husband-to-be’s Dependent Visa as soon as you have your marriage records, but it will take some time to process. You’ll need the marriage records from the Philippines and your income records from Japan.
You would need to file the CoE application in the prefecture where you are a registered resident.
You should use your pre-married name, since your name has to match your passport and residence card.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for giving a lot info regarding the dependent visa and COE.
For me, I am going to study at Japanese graduate school from next year by own cost and want to bring my family (husband and 2 kids) with me. I have a couple of questions :
1. In order to show the sufficient finance, I have to open a bank account in Japanese bank through transferring my money from home country, or, is it acceptable just to bring the bank statement from bank of home country?
2. In case of opening bank account in Japan, what do you think that at least how much yen would be sufficient for 2 years for family with 4 members for COE?
3. Students are not able to bring their dependents to Japan at the same time with them. In case of must bringing them with me, can I bring them by tourist visa (1-3 months) and after that can I change their visa status while in Japan when their COE is ready? Or, they have to back home and apply again for dependent visa?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jam,
You’re welcome! I’m glad you’ve found it useful.
1. A bank statement from your home country is fine.
2. I knew a MEXT scholar in the past who brought his wife and two small children to Japan based on his monthly stipend of approximately 150,000 yen, but since you’re not a MEXT scholar, I would think you’d want to show more than that… at least 180,000/month (more if your children are older and have more expenses).
3. My understanding is that you cannot change from tourist visa to dependent visa in Japan, at least not directly, so you’d need to apply for a CoE for them, not just a Change of Status of Residence. Once you get the CoEs, they may be able to change from tourist to dependent without leaving the country. (That should work, but unfortunately, there’s not set rule on the subject, so I can’t guarantee it will).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you very much for your response. It is so useful.
All the best,
Jam
My age is 17 years 8 month. Can i get a dependent visa ?
Hi Prantor,
You have to be the spouse or child of a foreign national with a valid residence status in Japan who depends on your spouse/parent for support.
Age is not one of the eligibility criteria.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I would like to ask you a question regarding dependent visa.
I am currently in Qatar and my wife is in Japan. She got the working visa on last week and we both plan to live in Japan as long as we can.
To apply the dependent visa, I should be in my country or possible to apply from anywhere?
After receiving the dependent visa, I should go to my country or i can go directly from Qatar?
Kindly advice.
In advance, thank you.
Best regards,
Dipen
Hi Dipen,
I would recommend that you check with the Japanese embassy in Qatar to make sure that they will accept visa applications from applicants with other nationalities. If they say it’s fine, you wouldn’t have to return to your home country.
Once you have received the dependent visa, it does not matter what country you enter Japan from. You would not have to return to your country just to fly to Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your information. I really appreciate.
Kind regards,
Dipen
Dear Travis,
I am a regular reader of your useful articles and have posted couple of questions before as well.
I have applied for my spouse COE last month exactly 0n 14/07/2017 and still awaiting for their response. how long will they take for this?
moreover one person here “Deb on 2017幓7ę24ę„” commented similar situation and if they required additional documents will they notify as soon as possible?
It would be glad if she can share her story which is quite similar to mine as Immigration Bureau has requested additional financial documents from her and glad to know within how many days they have notified her?
I would really appreciate your expertise advice.
Thank You,
Kasun
Hi Kasun,
Unfortunately, there’s no consistent answer. The time it takes to process depends on where and when you apply. There are peak busy times throughout the year, and there is also variance from location to location. The whole process can take up to three months, so at this point, you’re still relatively early in the application timeframe. In my experience, for applicants with no issues, they usually find out within 1.5-2 months, but again, there is some variety, so if it takes longer, that’s not necessarily a bad sign.
Unfortunately, I never heard any more details from Deb than were in her comment, so I can’t really offer any additional details there. I do know that if they notice any missing documents, they will notify you to supply them as soon as they can, because they want to get the paperwork finished, too. Usually, you’ll get that notice by mail.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
The do notify you as soon as possible
Hi Travis! Thank you for your time spent to help people. I found your site very informative. I have a question. I’m planning to go to Japan to learn Japanese through language course. And maybe after a year or two apply for a master degree. Will I be able to bring my husband and 3 kids in Japan while I’m in a language course not waiting until I apply to university? I’ve heard that you can’t bring your family members while studying in just a language course/school. You have to be enrolled in bachelor or master program to bring your family. Is it true? Please clarify. I will be grateful.
Hi Haliun,
As far as I know, that is not true. You’d have the same visa and residence status for the language school that you would as a full-time student in a degree program, so I do not see what the problem would be, but I do not have any direct experience, so maybe some other commenters on here can provide more advice.
I have heard that immigration is a little stricter on language school students because there are a lot of people who come to Japan and enroll in language school, but never attend and just secretly work instead. They’ll want to make sure that you really are studying there.
Aside from that, you’ll just need to prove that you’ll be able to support your family financially while you’re there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for clarifying this.
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your all posts.
We really need your advice!!!
I and my husband enrolled to the University. And our study starts in mid of September. I am a sgu-mext scholarship holder. My husband is waiting for his CoE, and we are expecting tk have it by mid of August. The problem is, we have a daughter. She is 7 months old, we need to bring her with us to Japan, as there is nobody who we can leave her in our home country. So, we need a CeO for our daughter’s dependent visa. How can we get it if we both are not in Japan yet?! Is there any way?!
Any advices and suggestions would be appriciated.
Thank you very much in advance,
Best regards, Assyl and Turar
Hi Assyl and Turar,
I would recommend that you consult with the Japanese embassy in your country. It looks like there may be a way to bring your daughter to Japan on a tourist visa then change her status to dependent once you are there so that you can all stay together, but this requires pre-consultation and possibly pre-approval by the embassy and immigration bureau.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any more information about it, so I recommend you contact them directly!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for your respond!!! We tried to get a tourist visa for her, but , unfortunately, we were rejected as she is very young only 7 months. š
Hi Assyl and Turar,
I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I don’t have any other ideas in your situation other than to contact the embassy or perhaps an immigration consulting office to ask for their advice.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello travis,
U r really helpful by this post .
Im from pakistan my husband is in japan n applied for the family eligibility certificate and the past 20th julay completed three months duration ..plz tell me when r we going to get any news or reply from them
Hi Nusaiba,
Unfortunately, there’s no way to know when the Immigration Bureau will get back to you with a reply. It can take 1-3 months.
If more than 3 months have passed, I would suggest having you husband contact them to ask about the status. Normally, they will not answer, but since it has been so long, they may be able to.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have a question about permanent residency. In the distant future, I would like to apply for permanent residency. I am currently on a work visa and my husband is on a dependent visa. We are both foreigners from USA. My question is, if I become a permanent resident, what would become of my husbandās visa status? A spouse of permanent resident? Or still a dependent? FYI: We both plan to live in Japan for the minimum of ten years before we proceed with the process. Unfortunately, it does not look likely that my husband will be able to obtain a work visa within the allotted time. So, we were curious as to what his status will become when I become a permanent resident.
Thank you!
Hi S. Johnson,
Once you receive your permanent residency, your husband would be able to apply to change his residence status to “Spouse of Permanent Resident,” which offers a lot of advantages over dependent (including a shortened timeline to permanent residency for him, too!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, and thank you for your extensive website with heaps of helpful information. However, I do have a question that I can’t seem to find the answer to…
I am a US citizen and have been living in Japan for nearly a year. I am here on a 3 year professor visa. Last week, my husband and I got married here in Japan at city hall. He is a Turkish citizen and had entered Japan on a 90-day tourist visa. He has visited the immigration office and submitted the COE among other documents. His tourist visa is going to end soon, in about 10 days. The immigration officer told him that he has to go back to Turkey before the tourist visa ends. Though what is unclear is does he have to be out of Japan during the entire waiting process of the COE approval? Does he really have to go back to Turkey specifically? Can he go to another country which is much closer? And most importantly, can he return to Japan on another tourist visa before the COE is approved, and stay in Japan while waiting for all the paperwork to be finalized?
Thank you so much for your time and sharing your knowledge!
Hi Emily,
I am sorry for the late reply.
Congratulations on your recent marriage!
If your husband already had a CoE and submitted it to the Immigration Bureau along with the application for “Change of Status of Residence”, then he should be able to stay in Japan for up to 60 days from the date of submitting that application, even if his period of stay expires. However, if he just submitted his application for a CoE, then, yes, he would have to leave Japan.
He does not need to be outside of Japan for the entire time while waiting for the CoE to process. In fact, if he returns to Japan and the CoE is issued during that time, he may even be able to change his status of residence in the country without leaving. (This is not guaranteed to work.)
He does not specifically need to go back to Turkey, but he needs to be somewhere where he has a mailing address where you can reach him and be in a country where the Japanese embassy will accept visa applications from third-country nationals. When you get the CoE, you will need to mail it to him by EMS, etc., so that he can apply for his visa.
In most countries, Japanese embassies and consulates will accept visa applications from anyone of any nationality, but I know that in some where human trafficking is a concern, they have restrictions on who can apply for visas there, so he should contact the Japanese embassy first in the country where he wants to stay to make sure he can apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz,
I am currently a student in Japan. I was on scholarship before up to March this year, but not anymore. I recently got married and already applied for a CoE for my husband to join me in Japan. The immigration bureau has asked for a letter and documents to show how we will support ourselves. Since am just working part-time jobs, what would be your advise? Would they accept a guarantor e.g a Japanese in addition to my part-time jobs? Thank you.
Hi Deb,
In your case, you don’t need a guarantor, you need a financial supporter – someone who has promised to provide you with a certain amount of money each month to support your financial needs. That person can be Japanese or a foreigner, even living abroad. (For example, if your husband’s parents were to send money, that would work).
Typically, you have to show an income of at least 80,000 yen/month for one person. For a second person living with you, I don’t have an exact guideline, but I would think they would want to see at least 120,000 – 140,000 month for a couple.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, TranSenz
Your blog is very helpful i appreciate and very thankful to you. I am willing to bring my family to Japan as i have read your blog ang got to know that i have not enough income to support.
Please help me to understand what is the difference between guaranter and financial supporter. And how to prove and show to immigration that this person is going to support us financially which documents should be enclosed with the application.
Thanks
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for your kind words.
A guarantor has to be a resident of Japan earning income inside the country. That person guarantees that they will ensure that the visa applicant follows the laws of Japan and, if necessary, will help fund that person’s travel to leave Japan if they can no longer stay here.
A financial supporter, on the other hand, can be someone outside of Japan, such as a relative in your home country who will send you money each month to cover your living expenses. It is possible to have both a guarantor and a supporter, or to have only a guarantor.
Your guarantor, or any financial supporter living in Japan, should submit their income tax reports to show that they have the funds to support you. A financial supporter living outside of Japan could submit a bank account balance statement or proof of salary to show that they can provide you with the support you need.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks Travis one more question
I have a known person in Japan he is indian and have permanent resident status. He has funds in his account but he has retired 2 years back so he has no income and tax records can he be a guaranter or financial supporter
Regards
Hi Kumar,
If your guarantor in Japan is retired, he should be collecting a national pension, I think. Or if not, then he should at least be able to get documentation from the city hall stating that he is exempt from paying income tax because he has no income. He would need to supply that certificate from the city hall for your application as well as his bank account statement showing sufficient resources to be able to assist you if he needs to.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Please let me know how should i introduce my guarantor to the immigration department as we don’t have any relation.
Thanks
Hi Kumar,
There is no place on the application form to describe your relationship with your guarantor. So, my recommendation to you would be to submit a letter from your guarantor stating that he or she agrees to support you financially, as well as that person’s financial documentation (tax statements, etc.).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi thanks a lot i got more information from your site. My question is my boy friend is in japan now. We are going to marry in next year after he came to sri lanka. Can i go with him defenately after our marriage
Hi Gayathri,
After you get married, he will have to return to Japan alone first to apply for your Dependent Certificate of Eligibility. Once he sends that to you, you can pply for your visa and join him in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you. This information was great. I am getting married next month and plan to bring my new wife into Japan. Quick question. The translation of documents like the marriage certificate etc, does this have to get done by an official translation company or can it be done by anyone who can read and write Japanese?
Hi Bryan,
Translations of official documents have to be done by a professional translator.
(In fact, my wife and I initially founded TranSenz as a translation company specifically to offer those kinds of translations to international families on an affordable basis, because of our experience trying to get the translation work done. Unfortunately, we’ve since ceased operations on the translation side.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I am french and planning to marry a foreign student in Japan but I need a visa to stay together in Japan (Dependant visa).
I would like to know if it is possible for me to apply for the visa while being in Japan?
Best regards,
Safia
Hi Safia,
It depends on what your current status is. If you are living in Japan now on a student residence status, too, then you can change your status of residence to dependent.
However, if you are in Japan on a Temporary Visitor status, then you are not allowed to change to Dependent without leaving the country.
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
This is Olivia I have seen that you have very interactive site.I am in a big doubt here . My husband has applied for dependent visa on 15th april we have called so many times to osaka embassy but didnt hear any satisfactory answer now they have told that our appkication has moved to hirosima ,could you please let me kniw how much time it takes to get dependent COE .
Hi Olivia,
I am fortunate to have an interactive site here – but sometimes I can’t keep up with all of the activity in a timely fashion. For your comment, it looks like I was even slower to respond than Immigration. I hope you’ve gotten your answer by now!
Typically, it takes up to three months to process, but if your application moved to another office, it might take a little longer if they had to start over, etc.
The embassy wouldn’t have anything to do with the Certificate of Eligibility application, so I don’t think calling them would help. You should be going through the Immigration Bureau where your husband is registered as a resident.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! Thank you very much for your blog and your explanations!
Could you please give a comment on my situation: my husband got a contract in Japan and his company has already got him his COE but they did’nt want to do it for me, so we had to find an agency to apply for my COE. We wanted to leave France where we are living now by the end of June, but the agency is now saying that my husband should be in Japan to be able to apply for my COE. SO the question is: it is really necessary for the sponsor to be in Japan at the time of the COE dĆ©pendent application? If yes, why the agency is needed then? My husband could apply by himself. But the idea was really to make my COE now and leave to Japan at the same time. I am getting really stressed out by the idea to be forced to stay in France on my own for 3 months (I have already quit my job) waiting for my COE. Is there an agency that can apply for my COE while both of us are still in France? For the record my husband works in a company of Category 2 and got his COE in 3 weeks time.
I hope I didn’ t make it too complicated to read.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Sincerely
Hi Claire,
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.
Yes, it really is necessary for the sponsor to be in Japan to apply for the CoE.
I’ve never heard of an “agency” to do this for you and there is absolutely no reason you would need one. There is nothing an agency could do to help you speed up the process, anyway. I think they may just be there to rip you off.
Hopefully by now your husband has arrived in Japan and started the application. But if you’ve had any further questions or problems, please let me know!
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! this post was really helpful . it gave me the gist of what dependent visa is about and how to obtain it.
however though, my situation is a bit different. I am planning to go to Japan this year with my son, 2y.o with just tourist visa. While we are there I would be attending job interviews as instructor/teacher with companies that sponsors for work visa. You said on your post that companies can help me with obtaining dependent visa for my son as long as the meet the criteria, right? but my son, by that time, would be in Japan too with me. Do we still have to go back to our country Philippines to process everything? or everything can jist be process from within Japan? You also mentioned about sponsoring a dependen all by yourself? Can I also do that if the company won’t be able to sponsor my son? Can i do that even if my son is staying with me in Japan as tourist too.?
I don’t know if I have explained my situation properly.
I am also thinking about the possibilities of obtaining Certificate of Eligibility for me and my son without the help of any company. Meaning to say, I get it on my own and then return to our country and apply for work visa for me and dependent visa for my son. Do you think that would be possible? I really would appreciate any inputs from you.
Thank you so much!!! ššš
Hi Maika,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.
Based on my limited knowledge, in all likelihood, both you and your son will have to leave Japan after you find a job to apply for a visa and return. I have worked with dependent visas for students, but I have no direct experience with employer-supported dependent visas.
You would have to secure a job very quickly to be able to change your residence status from temporary visitor to working status within Japan. While that might be possible, I don’t know of anyone personally who has done it.
Even if you were able to change your status without leaving the country, you certainly would not have enough time to apply for a Dependent Certificate of Eligibility for your son on your own, since you can only start that process after you have your working status.
That means if the company cannot do it, then you would have to leave Japan and apply for his visa from the Philippines.
To get a Certificate of Eligibility for an employment visa, you would need an employer. It is not possible to apply for one on your own without some support (at least documentation) from a company.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! My husband and I we’re planning to live together with our daughter. He has a Family visa for 3 years and can renew and after a couple of years his next renew is permanent resident. He worked in japan. And we are planning to apply for CoE. Do you know what type of visa should we apply? A dependent visa or a long-term visa? Thank you!
Hi Nix,
“Family Visa” isn’t an official name and could refer to a couple of different things, so I’m afraid I don’t know exactly what you’re referring to. If you could find the official name (from your husband’s residence card), I might be able to provide more detailed information.
In any case, if he is not a permanent resident now, then you would need dependent visas for both you and your daughter. Your husband can get that started by applying for the Certificate of Eligibility.
When he changes his status to Permanent Resident, then you and your daughter will be able to apply to change your residence statuses to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.” You will be able to apply for that change within Japan, and the application process is nearly identical to the application for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Spouse.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there
I found the article very helpfull but i have a few more questions if you don’t mind.like can one apply for a dependent visa if they just got married?? And what if the applicant does not have a birth certificate??is that a problem??
Would be greatfull if you could answer.
Best regards
Hi Tsering,
Yes, you can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility and visa immediately after getting married.
Your birth certificate shouldn’t be required for the Certificate of Eligibility application process (just your marriage certification). In some countries, it might be required to apply for your visa, but since that’s on a country-by-country basis, I’m afraid I don’t have any detailed information about where it is required.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
IVe been here in japan for almost 5years i want to get my husband a dependent visa and i can provide all the documents but im afraid for my low annual income 124äø because i ask a immigration lawyer told me my income is insufficient to get my husband! Is it? Can you tell me what is your opinion regarding this matter! thank you!!
Regards,
Arly
Hi Arly,
Unfortunately, I think your lawyer is right. 124äø is rather low for two people. The Immigration Bureau typically wants to see a minimum of 80,000 per person per month, and preferably 100,000, based on what I’ve seen in the past. That would mean 192äø-240äø per year for two people. You could probably get away with a little less, since you’ll be sharing some costs, but not that much.
The problem is that Dependent is a non-working status, so they will assume that your husband won’t contribute to the income. A surer way to bring him to Japan would be to help him find a job opportunity and come on a working status, if that is possible. If not, then you’ll need to find someone who can act as a long-term financial supporter for the two of you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Those information are helpful! I would like to clarify your note.
“Note: Any documents in a foreign language must have a Japanese translation attached.”
My Marriage Contract is written in English, does it still need to be translated? I initially thought since the document is in English language, I don’t need a translated document.
Does it also mean the COE form should be in Japanese language?
As I am planning not to get a lawyer to process my papers.
Do you think I may need a laywer to successfully process my application of dependent visa for my husband?
Thanks! š
Hi Ann,
Your answers to the CoE application form can be in English, but your marriage contract would have to be translated into Japanese.
You do not need a lawyer for this application process. It is straightforward and simple. At most, you will need a translator to translate your marriage contract and maybe a Japanese-speaking friend to help you ask questions to the Immigration Bureau office if you need any clarification from them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! š
Thank you for your reply. I called the Immigration Bureau and they seems to have an English support (for the residence name card change). I hope for COE application they also have English support. š
Thanks!
Ann
Dear TranSenz,
This is a highly informative article for people like myself who are planning to move to Japan. I have a quick question and I hope that I will get an answer to it. I had applied for a job in a Japenese company and recently they informed me that they have obtained my certificate of eligibility from the immigration bureau. Now I am hoping to have my visa issued at the local Japanese embassy. Now, there are a few things I need to know about the family/dependent visa in Japan.
I am married with two children, having the official government issued marriage/family registration certificates with me
I want to know how long do I have to wait before applying for my dependents’ via after arrival in Japan
What will be the length of visa in years that the local japanese embassy will grant to me (1 or 3 years)? The company that has hired me is a medium sized enterprise. If they issue my visa for one year or less, will i still be able to apply for my dependents’ visa upon arrival?
Hoping to hearing from you soon.
Hi Ahmad,
You can apply for your dependents’ visa as soon as you have arrived in Japan and started your employment.
As for the length of visa you will receive, that should have been stated on your Certificate of Eligibility. If you still have that document or a copy, the length should be specified approximately halfway down, in parentheses, on the right hand side of the box that says “Status.”
Even if your visa is for a year, you should be able to apply for dependent visas for your family to join you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi.im tin..im married to a japanese.my husband apply for coe last oct.but it denied last dec.my husband one more time apply for my coe last dec.2016,the immigration sent him a letter regarding additional document.my husband.already submitted all the documents..i called the immigration to ask about my coe and my child.he said that the verification already finished but they are not yet mail the coe to my husband.i asked the staff if i passed the verification,he said Maybe..how is it?is it already ok?tnx
Hi Tin,
I’m afraid that’s really not enough information for me to figure out whether or not your CoE would be approved or not. I have never heard of anyone being told “maybe” before, so I’m not sure what they mean.
It should take a maximum of 3 months from when your husband submitted it to get the result, so you should be hearing soon!
Good Luck
– Travis from TranSenz
hi travis..i heard from immigration that they will going to send the result of my coe tom..hope it will be ok..ill update u soon..tnx for the message..
Hi Travis,
I have another question. My lawyer is in Tokyo and she is asking me if I want the COE application to be submitted in Tokyo. I live in Kobe and I am not sure which is the best thing to do. I am just worried that Tokyo immigration is too busy right now and might cause some delay. Is it possible if I will submit all the application here in Osaka? Thank you!
Hi Joanna,
I don’t think it’s going to make a significant difference in processing time if you file in Osaka/Kobe as opposed to Tokyo. At least, there’s nothing I can say with certainty.
It is possible for you to submit the paperwork yourself in Kobe, but you might have to redo some parts of it if you had originally completed it with the intent of having your lawyer file in Tokyo.
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you, Travis. I already submitted everything in Kobe Immigration and just waiting for the result. I am hoping and praying for the best. I will post updates once I got the result. š
Hi Travis,
My lawyer is almost done preparing all the documents and translation for the application of COE. I just want to know which is a better option. My lawyer lives in Tokyo and she suggested to have the COE application in Tokyo but I’m worried that it’s a very busy immigration so it could cause delay. Another option is to apply the COE in Osaka or Kobe area since I am staying here and I currently live here. I am not sure if the application would be easier here. Thank you.
Hi Joanna,
If you want your lawyer to be able to file the application and take care of all the follow-up, then I think you have no choice but to file in Tokyo. If you want to submit the application yourself, then you can do it in the city where you’re living.
Osaka and Kobe are both rather large cities and destinations for foreign residents, themselves, so I really don’t think applying there would make much of a difference in terms of processing time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
This is so helpful! Thank you so much. My question is, is it OK if he is currently on a temporary visa for business while I apply for the COE? The Dependent COE application ask if he has previously visited Japan and for date of entry/departure. At the time that his application is being done (COE) he will be with me on the temp visa which is not unusual because he is actually on business for his company in his home country. But I want to know if applying for the COE while he has not left Japan as yet is OK.
Dear Shana,
It’s not a problem if he is in Japan for business when you apply or if he comes to visit again while the application is processing. It’s not that uncommon of a situation.
For his current trip, you can fill in the date he arrived and the day he is scheduled to leave. (If he’s here for business, I assume he has a plane ticket back).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for your response. You’re doing a great job.
Hi, I have a similar question – if I move to Japan with a working visa, could my husband come over with me on a 90-day tourist visa while I apply for his COE, then return to the UK to complete his dependent visa application? Obviously the less time we have to spend in separate countries the better!
Thank for all of the info by the way, it’s really been very helpful!
Hi Katy,
I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t work!
He might not even have to go all the way back to the UK, if you can time it right. He could be eligible to apply in another country, closer, to save on airfare. But you’ll want to check with the Japanese Embassy in that country first to make sure they’ll accept visa applications from someone who is in the country as a tourist.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there,
A quick question; if I have not worked for a full year in Japan yet, will I still be able to apply for a COE for my wife. What should I do about the tax certificate?
Hi Dario,
For the Dependent Visa, you should be able to submit just a Certificate of Employment that states your salary instead of the tax records.
Double-check with the Immigration Bureau to be sure, but that was what I submitted for my status renewal before I had the expected tax records, and it was not a problem then.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for the reply. Your site is incredibly helpful. It has put my mind at ease. As you suggest, I will double check with the IB when I get a chance.
Best,
Dario
Hi Travis,
I have a question, i am applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for my partner. We have not yet married but we’ve been living together like couples for quite long. We have a plan to get married later after I graduate. Can you please advice what should I do. I want my partner to stay with me to support me in my studies. He is now in Japan with me on a visitors permit but will be expired in February.
I would really appreciate your kind advice.
Thank you
Hi Lolin,
Unfortunately, there is no “fiance visa” in Japan. If you are not legally married, then you cannot apply for a dependent Certificate of Eligibility for him.
If he wants to stay in Japan without getting married, then he would have to enroll in studies or find a job and get one of those organizations to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for him.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
I want to know,
1. Application of COE can be done in Japan from A to Z right?
2. How about after getting COE, is applying the dependant visa can be done only at the Japan Embassy in the applicant’s home country?
* note:
– my husband is a student in Japan
– I am currently in Japan under the 90-days tourist visa
-we are both Malaysians
Hi Nunu,
1. The application for the CoE MUST be done in Japan from A to Z.
2. You can only apply for a “visa” from outside of Japan. (In Japan, a “visa” is permission to enter the country, only, not permission to stay here, so it only applies if you are outside the country. Permission to stay is called a “residence status.”) However, if your CoE is issued before your 90-day tourist stay is up, you may be able to take it to the local immigration office and apply for a Change of Status of Residence. If they allow that application, it would let you convert your status from “Tourist” to “Dependent” without leaving the country. However, there are no specific rules surrounding this practice and it is solely up to the discretion of the local office whether to permit it at all.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi im longterm residence one year in japan now with my daughter my salary jan to april was 140000 yen then april to oct was around 350000 can i apply egilibility for my husband ang other daughter she is 4years old
Hi Tamiya,
In terms of salary, you should have a sufficient amount now to prove that you can bring your husband and other daughter to Japan.
However, if you are on a “long-term resident” status (å®ä½č ), then you wouldn’t be applying for a dependent status for them, there are other specific statuses for dependents of Long-Term Residents, depending on your category. But I’m sure you already know that from having brought your first daughter!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I posted my question (COE – Spouse Visa) under different category you made for your blog so I am posting my question here again. š Thank you very much for all the useful information you made.
Hi! Iād like to ask how long should I work here in Japan before I can apply for a dependent visa for my husband. I arrived here last October 5 and I am working as an English teacher. I was given Engineering / specialization in human services visa which is good for 5 years. I tried to contact some Japanese immigration lawyer with regards to my concern and I might meet him before the end of the month. I just want to know your idea before consulting a lawyer since I think I have to pay for the consultation. By the way I am Filipina and my husband is also a Filipino. Thank you! š
Hi Joanne,
You don’t need to wait before applying for a Dependent CoE for your husband. As soon as you are able to collect all the required documents (particularly the proof of financial resources, such as a certificate of employment with salary from your employer), you can start the application process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much Travis. I’ve been in contact with an immigration lawyer now and hopefully everything will run smoothly. I will give an update once the I have the dependent visa.
Hi Travis,
I just have one more question. Since I just got married before coming here in Japan, my last name which appears in my passport is my last name when I was single. Do I have to change first my passport? I just have my passport renewed last July 2015. Thank you!
Hi Joanna,
You don’t have to change your name to your spouse’s name (unless it’s required by your country’s laws). You can keep your pre-married name if you want. You’re going to use your marriage certificate to prove that you’re married, not your last name.
If you do plan to change your name in your passport, I recommend you do it before you apply for your CoE. Your name in your passport and your name in your CoE must match.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your e-mail. I am just waiting for my marriage contract and advisory of marriage from the Philippines and I will have my lawyer translate everything in Japanese. I thought I really have to change my passport first but as you have mentioned, the marriage certificate is more important. Hopefully next week, all the documents will be ready to be submitted in the immigration office.