Applying for Japan Dependent Visas for My Wife and Child: The Full Process

After receiving a work visa in Japan, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, you can start preparing a Dependent status of residence application for your family. Here, “family” mainly means a spouse and children. I am not very familiar with other relatives, so this article does not cover them.

After a year and a half, my family members all arrived in Japan smoothly, so I am updating the process here.

For official information, first read the Immigration Services Agency page about the Dependent status of residence:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/dependent.html

Required Documents

Below is the official document list for applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Dependent status.

My Translation of the List

Documents required for the Dependent status of residence when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility:

1. Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
   Visit the official page linked above and download the relevant form.
2. Photo, 4 cm x 3 cm
   • Taken within six months before the application, front-facing, no hat, no background, usually white, and clearly visible.
   • Write the applicant’s name on the back and attach it to the application form.
3. Return envelope
   • Use a standard envelope with the recipient’s name and address written on it, and attach the required postage for simple registered mail.
   • This is used to send back the result, such as the COE.
4. Document proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter, choosing one of the following:
   • Household register
   • Marriage registration certificate
   • Copy of marriage certificate
   • Copy of birth certificate
   • Equivalent document
5. Copy of the supporter’s residence card or passport
6. Documents proving the supporter’s occupation and income
   • If the supporter is engaged in income-generating work or paid activity:
     1. Employment certificate or copy of business license
        • Submit a document showing the supporter’s occupation
     2. Tax certificate and residence tax certificate showing annual income and tax payment status
        • These should be issued by the city, ward, town, or village office where the supporter currently lives
        • As long as annual income and tax payment status are both shown, either document may be acceptable
   • If the supporter is engaged in other activities:
     • Bank balance certificate in the supporter’s name or scholarship certificate showing amount and period
     • Similar documents proving ability to cover the applicant’s living expenses

Filling in the COE Application Form

For the Application for Certificate of Eligibility, I recommend downloading the PDF version from the Immigration Services Agency website. It is easier to print at a convenience store. In practice, you only need to print the three example pages below.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004048.pdf

Below, I use an example where Xiaoming applies for a Dependent status for his wife Xiaohong, and show how to fill in the application form.

Students Can Also Apply for Dependents

The following note was added by a friend in Japan, Tetsu:

The method is broadly similar to the work-visa case. The key is to write the reason letter properly.
If you are in graduate school, it is easier. If you have a child, I heard the approval rate is almost certain, and large scholarships from the school may also prioritize this group.

Receiving the Certificate of Eligibility

From submitting the application to immigration to receiving the COE, it took us about two and a half months. The time varies by case.

Next, I mailed the COE back to China. EMS through the post office took about five or six days and cost around 1,500 yen.

Applying for the Visa in China

While waiting to receive the COE, family members in China can contact an agency authorized to handle Japanese visa submissions. Eligible agencies can be found on the official website of the Japanese embassy.

After contacting an agency, prepare the passport and COE, fill in the required forms, and submit the visa application.

The fee was around RMB 400 to 500 per person, and the processing time was five working days.

Procedures After Arriving in Japan

1. Move-in Registration

After arriving in Japan, the first step is to go to the local city or ward office and complete move-in registration. One detail to watch is the relationship field. If you do not bring proof of relationship, the relationship may only be registered as living together, which can affect later procedures.

If you have a minor child, you will then handle child allowance and school enrollment procedures.

2. Mobile Phone SIM Cards

Mobile phone plans can be applied for online. This is relatively fast and may arrive in about three days.

3. Bank Accounts

If there is no urgency, bank accounts can be opened later. New arrivals often start with a Japan Post Bank account. This can also be applied for online and may be ready in about a week.

4. School Enrollment for Children

After choosing a school at the city or ward office, wait for the school to notify you of a consultation time. After the consultation, you can decide the start date.

Then you will need to open an account at the bank designated by the school and buy uniforms, school bags, and many school supplies.

During compulsory education, public schools generally only charge textbook-related and activity fees. Textbooks themselves are free, but there are many courses and activities, so various learning materials may still be needed. The fees are deducted from the bank account. From my impression, several tens of thousands of yen per year is usually enough.

5. Health Insurance Card and My Number Card

The health insurance card is usually handled through the company. The government also provides medical support for children. In other words, once a child has the insurance card and subsidy, medical visits are usually free for the child, while adults pay 30% out of pocket.

For the My Number Card, after receiving the application notice, you can apply online. After entering Japan, the notice usually arrives from the local city or ward office in about two to three weeks.

6. National Pension

Handle the National Pension procedures as required.

7. Other Minor Matters

For example, getting a transportation IC card.

If you have other questions, feel free to contact me.