Many foreign nationals working in Japan wish to bring their spouses or children to Japan or live together. However, depending on the visa type and conditions, the methods for allowing family members to reside in Japan may be restricted. This article details the methods available for foreign nationals holding "Specified Skilled Worker" or other work visas to allow their family members to live in Japan.

Table of Contents

How to Accompany Family Members: Summary Table by Residence Status

Example of Combined Solutions for "Dependent" "Specific Activities" or "Student"

1. If the primary visa holder has "Technical Intern Training" / "Employment for Skill Development" status
2. If the primary visa holder has "Specified Skilled Worker (i)"
3. If the primary visa holder has "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)" Status
4. If the primary visa holder has "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" Status

Points to Note and Summary

Consulting a Professional

Support Services by Immigration Lawyer

 How to Accompany Family Members: Summary Table by Residence Status

 The table below summarizes the methods for bringing spouses and children to live in Japan based on the primary visa holder's status of residence.

 Example of Combined Solutions for "Dependent" "Specific Activities" or "Student"

 "Dependent" is generally not permitted under "Specified Skilled Worker (i)." However, by considering other residence statuses like "Designated Activities" or "Student," various combinations become possible.
 However, we recommend seeking professional legal advice to determine your eligibility. Proceeding with an application under the assumption that it is easy—and without addressing the potential risks—carries the serious danger of your family losing their residency status. Please use this explanation as a reference and consult with an immigration expert.

 1. If the primary visa holder has "Technical Intern Training" / "Employment for Skill Development" status

 If the spouse enroll in a Japanese language school, a "Dependent" visa will not be granted for the child, and the child cannot reside in Japan. Therefore, the spouse must enroll in a vocational school, university, or junior college.

 2. If the primary visa holder has "Specified Skilled Worker (i)"

 For "Specified Skilled Worker (i)," "Dependent" is generally not permitted. While bringing family members is strictly restricted, it may still be possible to find a solution through exceptions or by combining different residency statuses, depending on your specific situation.
 For example, the following methods may be considered:

 Obtaining "Dependent" status directly is not possible for either the spouse or children. However, since there is a category under "Designated Activities," there is a possibility of approval.
 First, the worker—currently under a status like "Student" or " Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services "—brings their family to Japan as "Dependent." Once the family is here, the worker applies to change their own status to "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" while simultaneously applying for the family's change to "Designated Activities."

The "Specific Skilled Worker (i)" visa holder cannot be the primary visa holder in this pattern; instead, the spouse obtains a "Student" visa. With considering the spouse as the primary visa holder, the child can obtain a "Dependent" visa.
 However, if the spouse is enrolled in a Japanese language school, the child's "Dependent" visa is not permitted.

 While children can naturally obtain a "Student" visa by enrolling in a university or vocational school, this option may also be considerable for children of compulsory education age. In such cases, the spouse can reside in Japan under a "Designated Activities" visa.

 To make these options feasible, early confirmation of the specific requirements and thorough preparation are crucial. 

 3. If the primary visa holder has "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)" Status

 Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is a residence status for foreign nationals working in specific fields such as construction or shipbuilding, and it includes provisions for accompanying family members.

 4. If the primary visa holder has "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" Status

 If the principal applicant has stable income, the screening process for spouses and children to obtain a "Dependent" visa may proceed smoothly.

 Points to Note and Summary

 Confirm Conditions in Advance
 When bringing family members to Japan, verify conditions such as income, cohabitation, age, and education background in advance. These are the basic requirements for "Dependent."
 Additionally, other requirements apply for categories like "Designated Activities."

 Prepare Required Documents
 Applying for a "Dependent" visa requires documents proving family relationships and employment certificates. Be sure to submit all required documents without omission.

 Consulting a Professional
 Consulting an immigration lawyer regarding conditions and procedures can help ensure a smooth application process.

 Support Services by Immigration Lawyer

 Our corporation provides support for visa applications related to bringing family members to Japan. Our knowledgeable staff will propose the optimal approach tailored to your specific circumstances.
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