Japan Family Visas 2026 — Dependent, Spouse & More
Bring your family to Japan — spouse visas, dependent visas, and long-term resident status
Japan provides several visa categories for family reunification. Whether you're married to a Japanese national, accompanying a working spouse, or have Japanese heritage, there's a visa pathway for your family situation.
Visa Categories
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Family Stay (Dependent)
Dependents (spouse/children) of foreign residents in Japan
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Spouse / Child of Japanese National
Spouse, child, or special adoptee of a Japanese national
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Spouse / Child of Permanent Resident
Spouse or Japan-born child of a permanent resident
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Long-Term Resident
Nikkei 3rd generation, refugees, and Chinese war orphans
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Permanent Resident
Permanent residence with no employment restrictions
Learn more →Family Visa Comparison
| Dependent (家族滞在) | Spouse of Japanese | Spouse of PR Holder | Long-Term Resident (定住者) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Spouse and children of work/student visa holders | Foreign spouse or child of a Japanese national | Foreign spouse or child of a Permanent Resident | Japanese descendants (Nikkei), refugees, ex-spouses of Japanese with a child, and other humanitarian cases |
| Sponsor must have | Valid work, business, student, cultural or similar long-term status | Japanese nationality and a registered marriage (koseki) | Permanent Resident (永住者) status | Japanese heritage or qualifying humanitarian tie (not always required) |
| Work rights | Part-time only: 28 hrs/week with separate permission | Unlimited — any job, any industry | Unlimited — any job, any industry | Unlimited — any job, any industry |
| Period of stay | Linked to sponsor: 3 months, 1, 3 or 5 years | 6 months, 1, 3 or 5 years | 1, 3 or 5 years | 6 months, 1, 3 or 5 years |
| Path to PR | Generally must first switch to a work or spouse status; dependent years alone rarely suffice | Fastest — 3 yrs marriage + 1 yr residence in Japan (5 + 3 from April 2027) | Same fast-track as Spouse of Japanese (3+1; 5+3 from April 2027) | After 5 years of continuous residence on 定住者 |
| Family benefits | No further dependents allowed under 家族滞在 | Children can take Japanese nationality or 定住者 | Children born in Japan do not become permanent residents automatically — apply to acquire a status within 30 days of birth (permanent residence can be applied for) | Spouse and minor children eligible for 定住者 |
| Common pitfalls | Working over 28 hrs/week invalidates the status; divorce terminates eligibility | Divorce/widowhood: must notify immigration within 14 days; extension requires evidence of real marriage | Same divorce rule; if sponsor loses PR, dependents may also lose status | Long absences count against PR: from April 2027, one trip of 6+ months or 2½ years abroad in total within 10 years |
Important Tips for Family Visas
- 💡Marriage to a Japanese national must be registered at a Japanese city hall
- 💡Dependent visa holders can apply for work permission (28 hrs/week)
- 💡Spouse of Japanese national visa holders can work without restrictions
- 💡Divorce or death of Japanese spouse may require visa status change
- 💡Children born in Japan to visa holders can get dependent status
- 💡Proof of genuine marriage/relationship is crucial — interviews may be conducted
Need Help with a Family Visa?
We specialize in spouse, dependent, and family reunification visa applications.