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The family stay visa in Japan is a residence status necessary for the spouses and children of foreign workers to live in Japan. This visa allows family members to join their loved ones from their home country and live together in Japan. However, there are restrictions on employment, and working is only permitted if certain conditions are met. This article provides a detailed explanation of the permission for activities outside the scope of the visa required for family stay visa holders to work, as well as how to apply for such permission.
What is the Family Stay Visa?
The Family Stay Visa is designed to support the family members who are being financially supported by the primary visa holder, allowing them to live stably in Japan. By living together, the dependent family members (such as a spouse and children) and the sponsor (the foreign national holding the primary visa) can reside together in Japan. While this visa allows family members to live in Japan, there are restrictions on employment. Family members generally cannot work unless they obtain permission for activities outside the scope of their visa, which allows for limited employment under certain conditions.
- Eligible Applicants: The Family Stay Visa is primarily intended for the spouses and dependent children (minor children or students who are financially dependent) of foreign nationals holding a work visa in Japan. To apply for this visa, the sponsor (the primary visa holder) must be residing in Japan. Additionally, only the spouse and children of the sponsor are eligible; other family members, such as parents or siblings, are not eligible for this visa.
- Employment Restrictions: As a general rule, individuals holding a Family Stay Visa are not permitted to work in Japan. If they wish to work, they must first obtain permission for activities outside the scope of their visa. This permission allows for part-time or limited work within specified conditions.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay for the Family Stay Visa is aligned with the sponsor’s (primary visa holder’s) residence status. The visa can be renewed for up to 5 years, but since it is based on the sponsor’s visa, any changes to the sponsor’s residence status may affect the renewal of the Family Stay Visa.
Requirements for Obtaining the Family Stay Visa
To obtain a Dependent Visa, the following requirements must be met.
- A clear relationship between the sponsor and the dependent must be demonstrated.
For a spouse or child to apply for a Dependent Visa, documents proving the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, are required. These documents must be submitted along with a Japanese translation. - The sponsor’s financial capability to support the dependent.
The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support their spouse or children. To prove that the sponsor has sufficient income, documents such as salary slips, tax certificates, and employment verification letters must be submitted. These documents ensure that the applicant has adequate financial resources to live in Japan. - Co-residence of the sponsor and the applicant is required.
The Dependent Visa is based on the premise that the sponsor and the applicant will live together. Independent living by the applicant is not permitted, and it is mandatory for the applicant to reside with the sponsor in Japan.
Dependent Visa and Work Restrictions
The Dependent Visa is not primarily intended for employment. To work part-time or engage in temporary jobs, holders must obtain a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence.” With this permission, Dependent Visa holders can work under certain conditions.
What is Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence?
Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence is a special authorization that allows activities (such as employment) outside the scope of the original visa. There are two types of such permissions, and obtaining it enables individuals to work part-time or take up temporary jobs for up to 28 hours per week. However, certain industries, such as those involving adult entertainment, are excluded from this permission.
- Comprehensive Permission: This type of authorization is required for engaging in general part-time or temporary work and applies to a wide range of occupations.
- Individual Permission: This authorization is granted for specialized forms of work, such as freelance or contract-based employment. It requires a specific review for each type of occupation.
How to Apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence
Generally, most cases involve applying for comprehensive permission. To obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence, the following steps must be completed at the Immigration Services Agency:
- Required Documents:
Application form
Copy of your passport
Residence card - Application Process: Gather the required documents, submit them to the Immigration Services Agency, and wait for the review results.
- Important points: Working hours are limited to within 28 hours per week, and you must work within the income limit of your dependent status. Please note that permission will not be granted for certain industries, such as adult entertainment.
By properly obtaining and utilizing Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence, individuals holding a Dependent Visa can work within the permitted restrictions.
Required Documents for a Dependent Visa Application
The following documents are required to apply for a new Dependent Visa:
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
- Return envelope (self-addressed and with sufficient postage)
- One of the following documents to prove the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor:
(1) Family Register
(2) Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration
(3) Marriage Certificate (copy)
(4) Birth Certificate (copy)
(5) Other documents equivalent to the above (1)-(4) - A copy of the sponsor’s residence card or passport.
- Documents verifying the sponsor’s employment and income.
（１） If the sponsor is engaged in income-generating business activities or activities that involve receiving compensation:
a. Copy of employment certificate or business license, etc.
※Please submit a document that verifies the sponsor’s occupation.
b. Resident tax (or exemption) certificate and tax payment certificate (stating total income and tax payment status for the year)
※These documents are issued by the municipal office, city hall, or ward office of the city or town where you resided as of January 1st.
※As long as the document includes both the total annual income and tax payment status (whether taxes have been paid), either certificate will suffice.
(2) If the sponsor is engaged in activities other than those mentioned in (1).
a.A bank statement in the name of the supporter or a certificate on scholarship payment indicating the amount and period of payment.
b.Documents equivalent to the above (a) that verify the ability to cover the applicant’s living expenses.
The above are basic examples of required documents. The necessary documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances.
For detailed information about the required documents, please contact the Immigration Services Agency.
If you wish to consult with an administrative scrivener regarding your situation, please reach out to the “Contact Information” provided below.
Immigration Services Agency – Residence Status “Dependent”
Summary
Holders of a Dependent Visa must obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence to work in Japan. This permission allows limited employment; however, there are strict restrictions on working hours. Violating these rules may result in the cancellation of the visa status. To support the sponsor’s household, it is important to plan employment in accordance with the rules and adhere to the conditions of the visa.