Japan Dependent Visa (Family Stay): Bring Your Spouse & Children

Quick answer (30 seconds): The Dependent / "Family Stay" visa (家族滞在 / kazoku taizai) lets the spouse and minor children of a foreign national living in Japan on a work or student visa come and live with them. Important: this is different from the "Spouse of Japanese National" visa — Family Stay is for the family of a foreign "sponsor." A dependent cannot work by default; to take a part-time job they need permission, and then only up to 28 hours/week. The sponsor must show enough income to support the family, and you apply through a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which takes about 2–3 months. Rules are tightening in 2026 — confirm current criteria with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).

Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. Immigration criteria are changing in 2026 and each case differs — confirm with the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) or a licensed immigration specialist (行政書士).

Family Stay vs. Spouse of Japanese National (don't confuse them)

• Dependent / Family Stay (家族滞在): for the spouse/children of a foreign national on a work or student status. Work is restricted (permission needed; 28h/week cap).
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等): for the family of a Japanese citizen — unrestricted work, easier path to PR. (See the spouse-visa guide.)

If your partner is Japanese, you want the spouse visa, not Family Stay.

Who qualifies

• The legal spouse of the sponsor, and/or
• their minor children (including adopted or legally recognized children).

The sponsor must hold an eligible work or student status of residence, and must show they can financially support the family.

Parents, siblings, and adult children generally don't qualify for Family Stay.