Introduction

The Spousal and Dependent Visas are for all foreign nationals married to or accompanying Japanese nationals or Permanent Residents in Japan. All spouses and children/other dependents are eligible for this three-year visa, which is renewed every time you apply (the expiry is presumably to prevent those who divorce or otherwise separate from remaining in the country on the same visa).

Applications

All applicants must submit the following documents:

1. passport (generally must be valid for at least six months)
2. two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos)
3. two official visa application forms, available at the embassy or consulate or here
4. documents certifying the purpose of the visit (see the section for each type of visa below)

In addition, applicants have to submit the following documents in support of item 4 of the list above. In all cases, submit more rather than less. The more documents you provide, the less times you can be asked to submit other material and the quicker you should get your visa.

Spouse or Child of Japanese National

• Spouse ("applicant") of a Japanese national:
  1. Documents certifying that the applicant is the spouse of the Japanese national (marriage certificate etc.) and his or her resident card.
  2. Documents certifying the profession and the income of the applicant or his or her spouse.
  3. A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan.
• Child or adopted child ("applicant") of Japanese national:
  1. A copy of the family registration of the Japanese national concerned.
  2. The birth certificate of the applicant.
  3. Proof of the personal relationship between the parent and the applicant.
  4. Proof of profession and income of the applicant or the parent.
  5. A letter of guarantee (by Japanese national concerned or another person living in Japan).

The application for this visa can be carried out in Japan or abroad although application would generally be from within Japan. It is possible to change to this visa from other visa types (on completion of the standard application process). If the child of a Japanese national, the Japanese parent does not have to be in Japan, but a guarantor in Japan is necessary. In the case of a spousal visa, it is unlikely to be awarded if the Japanese spouse is not resident in Japan. The visa is for a maximum of 3 years. There are no restrictions on activities (i.e. you can legally work on this visa).

Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

• Spouse ("applicant") of a permanent resident:
  1. Documents certifying the personal relationship between the applicant and the permanent resident concerned.
  2. Copies of the certificate of alien registration or the passport of the permanent resident concerned.
  3. Documents certifying the profession and the income of the applicant or his or her spouse.
  4. A letter of guarantee by the permanent resident concerned.
• Child ("applicant") of a permanent resident:
  1. The birth certificate of the applicant and proof of personal relationship between the parent and the applicant.
  2. Copies of the certificate of alien registration or the passport (both if both held) of the permanent resident.
  3. Proof of profession and income of the applicant or of parent.
  4. A letter of guarantee (by the permanent resident concerned or another person living in Japan).

The application for this visa can be carried out in Japan or abroad although application would generally be from within Japan. It is possible to change to this visa from other visa types (on completion of the standard application process). The permanent resident should generally be in Japan. A guarantor in Japan is also necessary (usually this is the permanent resident). The visa is for a maximum of 3 years and there are no restrictions on activities (i.e. you can legally work on this visa).

Dependent Visa

1. Documents certifying the personal relationship between the dependent and supporter.
2. Copies of the certificate of alien registration or the passport of the supporter.
3. Proof of occupation and income of the supporter.

This is a more general visa for those accompanying spouses or parents on a work visa or occasionally on a ryugaku or cultural activities visa. Work is not permitted but it may be possible to apply for a permit to engage in part-time activities. Duration is up to 3 years, but will not be longer than that of the supporter's visa.

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