Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan family residence
Japan dependant and family visasStatus types and document preparation
If you plan to live with a family member in Japan, you first need to confirm which family status of residence applies to you. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your family and residence situation, then shortlists suitable administrative scriveners in Japan.
The consular visa fee and procedure, and the form of marriage, birth and other family certificates, vary with your nationality and the country that issues your documents. This page describes the general rule, often written from the position of applicants in Taiwan and Hong Kong; passport holders of the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Australia, Canada and other countries should confirm the position for their own nationality.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
What decides family residence? Start with the family member’s status
For family members to live in Japan long term, what counts is the family relationship and the family member’s status. Dependant (家族滞在), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等) and Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等) are different statuses of residence, each with its own conditions, documents and permitted activities. “Family visa” alone does not identify the application.
- Not every sponsor status qualifiesThe supporting family member in Japan must hold a status of residence within the range set by law; not every status allows dependants.
- Japanese translations for foreign documentsForeign-language certificates must come with a Japanese translation; documents issued in Japan usually need to be dated within the last 3 months.
- Student cases differSomeone attending only a Japanese language school cannot apply for Dependant status for family members.
Examines status of residence and related applications.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
Start with the family member’s status
Start with the closest situation:
Spouse or child of someone working in Japan, or similar
- WorkFull-time work is not allowed. With permission to engage in activity outside the status of residence (資格外活動許可), work is usually limited to 28 hours a week.
- What to prepareProof of the relationship with Japanese translations, and the supporting family member’s residence and income records.
- What the budget consists ofIf you are overseas: the COE costs ¥0 and a single-entry visa about ¥15,000 equivalent (about US$95); plus translation, obtaining certificates and professional fees.
Next steps
- Confirm that your family member’s status of residence in Japan allows dependants
Spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident
- StatusSpouse or Child of Japanese National and Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident are status-based categories, distinct from Dependant status.
- What to prepareDocuments on the marriage, family life and the spouse’s status, with Japanese translations of foreign-language documents.
- What the budget consists ofIf you are overseas, the route is a COE and a consular visa. If you are changing status in Japan, the change-of-status fee applies (for one year, ¥33,000 at the counter or ¥27,000 online; about US$205 and US$170). Plus translation, obtaining certificates and professional fees.
Next steps
- Have the marriage certificate and its Japanese translation ready
Divorce, bereavement or a change in support
If your status of residence rests on being a spouse, a statutory notification must be filed on divorce or the death of your spouse. Filing it does not mean you have obtained another status of residence; whether you can remain in Japan is assessed separately.
- What to prepareThe date of the change, your current status of residence and details of your living arrangements.
- What the budget consists ofWhere a change of status is needed, the fee depends on the period of stay granted. Professional fees are quoted according to scope.
Next steps
- Note the date of the change; do not wait until renewal to deal with it
Sources: Immigration Services Agency – Dependant status page, list of spouse-related statuses of residence, page on permission for activity outside the status of residence, guidance on notifications concerning the affiliated organisation and the spouse / Ministry of Foreign Affairs – visa fees page. Checked 29 October 2026.
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Who helps with the application?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshiA suitably qualified administrative scrivener can be engaged to prepare documents and submit residence applications on your behalf; where the law requires you to attend in person, you must still do so.
Lawyer
弁護士 · bengoshiGives legal advice on disputes and complex cases; submitting residence applications on your behalf requires separate qualification and notification.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Free consultation · clarifying the need · matching · follow-up
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptWhether a professional can be arranged
- You tell the Reader DeskFamily category, number of people, where your family member in Japan lives
- The Reader Desk checksWhether an administrative scrivener registered with the immigration authorities can be arranged
- The Reader Desk repliesIf it can be arranged, we say who will take it on. If no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What happens next?
Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskExplain your situation by WhatsApp or email and arrange a call.
- A written briefThe Reader Desk sets out the family relationship, your family member’s status in Japan and the state of your documents. Once you confirm it, the introduction is made.
- Introduction to a professionalIntroduction to an administrative scrivener. Before the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with them.
- Quote and engagementThe professional explains what is missing and quotes; you decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay them directly.
Have the points below ready before you get in touch.
- The applicant’s relationship to the family member in Japan (spouse, child and so on)
- The nationality and status of residence of the family member in Japan
- Whether the applicant is overseas or in Japan, and any current status of residence
- The income and housing arrangements of the family member in Japan
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
