What is a Dependent Visa?
A Dependent Visa allows the spouse and children of a foreign national who is working or studying in Japan to live together with them in Japan.
Holders of this visa are not allowed to work full-time, but they may work part-time or engage in other paid activities if they obtain special permission (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted).
What is the Extension of Period of Stay?
The Extension of Period of Stay procedure allows dependents to continue living in Japan when their current Dependent Visa is about to expire.
By renewing the visa, spouses and children can maintain their residence status and stay together in Japan legally.
※Family members who are abroad and don’t have a visa yet need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE）
When is it required?
- When the validity period of a dependent’s residence card is nearing expiration
- When the main visa holder (worker or student) continues to stay in Japan
- When the family wishes to continue living together in Japan
👉 If you fail to apply before the expiration date, the dependent may be considered an overstayer, which can have serious consequences.
Who applies?
- In principle, the dependent (spouse or child) themselves applies at the Immigration Bureau.
- A parent or spouse may submit the application on their behalf.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can also handle the procedure as a representative.
Required documents (example)
- Application form for Extension of Period of Stay
- Passport and residence card of the dependent
- Copy of the main visa holder’s residence card
- Proof of income of the main visa holder (tax certificates, withholding slips, etc.)
- Resident record (juminhyo) listing all household members
- Documents proving family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
※ Additional documents may be required depending on the visa type and family situation.
Application process
- Prepare the necessary documents
Collect income certificates, proof of family relationship, and identification. - Submit to the Immigration Bureau
Applications can be filed up to 3 months before the visa expires. - Screening (about 1–2 months)
Immigration reviews the family’s financial stability and the main visa holder’s status in Japan. - New residence card issued
If approved, a new residence card with an extended period of stay is granted.
Examples
- Spouse of a worker
Spouse of a foreign IT engineer → Current stay: 1 year → Applies for extension → Granted a 3-year extension. - Family of a student
Wife and child of a student in Japan → Student continues studies → Family’s Dependent Visa is extended accordingly.
What Immigration checks
- Whether the main visa holder is legally and stably residing in Japan
- Whether the family has sufficient financial resources to live in Japan
- Whether the family relationship is genuine (not a fraudulent marriage, etc.)
Important notes
- Forgetting to apply may result in overstaying and possible deportation
- If the main visa holder loses their job or drops out of school, the dependent visa extension may be denied
- Unpaid taxes or incomplete documents often cause rejection
Benefits
- Ensures the family can continue living together in Japan
- May result in a longer period of stay (3 or 5 years)
- Avoids disruption to children’s education and family life
Why consult a professional?
- To prevent mistakes or missing documents in the application
- To confirm financial and legal requirements are met
- To reduce the risk of rejection and ensure smooth approval
Summary
The Extension of Period of Stay for Dependent Visa is an essential procedure to ensure that families can continue living together in Japan.
By applying early and preparing the required documents properly, you can maintain a stable and secure family life in Japan.