Dependent Visa Renewal: Process, Requirements, and Documents

The period of stay under a Dependent Visa is up to five years. If you wish to remain in Japan beyond this period, you must apply for a renewal. Certain requirements must be met, and various documents are required for the application.

Key points of this article are as follows:

✓You can apply to renew a Dependent Visa starting three months before its expiration. ✓The Dependent Visa is tied to the sponsor’s visa; if the sponsor’s visa expires, renewal is not possible. ✓To renew, you must submit documents proving family relationship, financial support, intent to support, and financial capacity. ✓You must not be engaged in work exceeding 28 hours per week to be eligible for renewal. ✓The renewal fee for a Dependent Visa is 4,000 yen.

This article provides an overview of the procedures, requirements, and necessary documents for renewing a Dependent Visa. It also covers important points to check before starting the process.

By understanding the steps and required documents in advance, you can ensure a smooth visa renewal. Be sure to read on.

1.What is a Dependent Visa?

A Dependent Visa is a type of visa that can be obtained by the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan under one of the following residence statuses.

Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Care Worker, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Cultural Activities (non-remunerative academic or artistic activities), Temporary Visitor, Student (at universities or equivalent institutions, specialized training colleges, or institutions for those who have completed 12 years of school education abroad), etc.

1-1. Period of Stay for a Dependent Visa

The period of stay for a Dependent Visa is set in one of the following 11 durations.

• 5 years
• 4 years and 3 months
• 4 years
• 3 years and 3 months
• 3 years
• 2 years and 3 months
• 2 years
• 1 year and 3 months
• 1 year
• 6 months
• 3 months

The period of stay is designated based on individual circumstances, not exceeding 5 years. If you expect to stay in Japan beyond the granted period under a Dependent Visa, you must apply for a visa renewal.

1-2. Renewal Applications for a Dependent Visa Can Be Submitted Starting Three Months Before Expiration

You can apply to renew your Dependent Visa starting three months before its expiration date. Therefore, the first step is to check your current visa’s expiration date.

When applying for renewal, it’s important to pay attention to the visa status of the sponsor (your spouse or parent). Make sure the sponsor holds a valid status such as Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Cultural Activities, or Student.

A critical point to note is when the sponsor has changed their visa status to Permanent Resident after your previous application. In such cases, a simple renewal of the Dependent Visa is not possible—you must instead apply for a change of status to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.”

As the conditions for renewal may vary depending on the sponsor’s visa status, it’s essential to confirm the necessary procedures in advance and start preparing early once your visa is nearing expiration.

1-3. A Dependent Visa Cannot Be Renewed If the Sponsor’s Period of Stay Has Expired

Although the Dependent Visa allows family members to live together in Japan, renewing it requires caution. If the sponsor’s period of stay expires, the dependent cannot renew their visa. This is because the renewal of a Dependent Visa is directly linked to the sponsor’s immigration status.

In other words, if the sponsor’s visa becomes invalid or is not renewed, the Dependent Visa cannot be renewed independently. It’s important to remember that the period of stay for a Dependent Visa is determined based on the sponsor’s visa status.

2.Requirements for Renewing a Dependent Visa

To renew a Dependent Visa, all of the following requirements must be met:

• Proof of the family relationship
• Recognition of the fact that the spouse or child is being financially supported
• The sponsor must have both the intention and the financial means to support the dependent
• The dependent must not be working beyond the permitted hours (no overwork)

Each of these requirements is explained in detail below.

2-1. Proof of Family Relationship

A Dependent Visa is issued when a person has one of the qualifying residence statuses mentioned above and is in a recognized family relationship with the dependent. If the dependent has divorced the foreign national sponsor or if the sponsor (spouse or parent) has passed away, the Dependent Visa cannot be renewed.

When applying for renewal, you must provide documents such as a family register (koseki), marriage certificate, or birth certificate to prove the family relationship.

2-2. Recognition of Financial Dependence by Spouse or Parent

Even if a family relationship exists, the Dependent Visa cannot be renewed if there is no financial support from the sponsor. For example, if the spouse holds the Dependent Visa, they must be financially dependent on their partner. If a child is the dependent, they must be under the care and support of the parent holding the residence status.

Additionally, the sponsor must have the intention to support their dependent spouse or child and act as their financial provider.

2-3. The Sponsor Must Have the Intention and Financial Ability to Support the Dependent

The sponsor who supports the spouse or child holding a Dependent Visa must provide documentation proving they have the financial means to do so.

Documents such as a certificate of employment (or a copy of a business license if self-employed) must be submitted to prove the sponsor’s occupation. Additionally, to verify income, the sponsor must submit a certificate of residence tax (indicating whether tax was imposed or exempted) and a tax payment certificate showing total annual income and payment status.

Since the cost of living increases with the addition of family members, a higher level of financial capacity is required depending on the number of dependents. While there are no fixed standards, factors such as the sponsor’s income, region, and housing costs are considered. As a general guideline:

• Spouse only: annual income of at least ¥2.5 million
• Spouse and one child: annual income of at least ¥2.8 million
• Spouse and two children: annual income of at least ¥3.2 million

Even if the income is below these guidelines, a Dependent Visa may still be granted based on other factors such as savings, years of employment, or company-provided housing (no rent expenses).

2-4. No Engagement in Overwork

The Dependent Visa is not a work visa, so in principle, work is not allowed. However, if you have obtained permission for activities outside your visa status (commonly known as a “comprehensive permit”), you may work up to 28 hours per week.

When renewing a Dependent Visa, you must not have violated the conditions of this permit. Working more than 28 hours per week is considered overwork and may be treated as unauthorized employment, which could lead to a denial of your visa renewal. Caution is advised.

3.Required Documents for Dependent Visa Renewal Application

If all the previously mentioned requirements are met, you may proceed with renewing your Dependent Visa. Prepare the following documents to complete the renewal process:

• Application form for Extension of Period of Stay
• Photograph
• Passport and Residence Card
• Documents proving the family relationship with the sponsor
• Sponsor’s passport or residence card
• Documents showing the sponsor’s occupation and income

Each of these documents is explained in detail below. If any documents are missing or incorrect, your visa renewal may be denied. To ensure a smooth process, make sure all documents are properly prepared.

3-1. Application Form for Extension of Period of Stay

Fill out the required information in the Application for Extension of Period of Stay. The form is available at the Immigration Bureau, or it can be downloaded from the following source:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜Application for Extension of Period of Stay

3-2. Photograph

One photograph is required. It must meet the following specifications and be attached to the Application for Extension of Period of Stay:

• Size: 40mm (height) × 30mm (width)
• Face size (from top of head to chin): 22–28mm
• Space from the top of the head to the top edge of the photo: 2–8mm
• Must show only the applicant
• No hat, facing forward
• No background or shadows
• Clear and high-quality image
• Taken within the last 6 months from the date of submission
• Applicant’s name written on the back of the photo

If the photo does not meet these conditions, you may be asked to retake it.

3-3. Passport and Residence Card

Both your passport and residence card are required. These documents are only shown for verification and will be returned immediately.

3-4. Documents Proving Family Relationship with the Sponsor

You must submit one of the following documents to prove your relationship with the sponsor:

• Family register (Koseki Tohon)
• Certificate of acceptance of marriage registration
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Other equivalent documents

3-5. Sponsor’s Passport or Residence Card

Either the sponsor’s passport or residence card is required. A copy (not the original) is sufficient.

3-6. Documents Showing the Sponsor’s Occupation and Income

Documents verifying the sponsor’s occupation and income are required. If the sponsor receives income or compensation, the following documents must be submitted:

• Certificate of employment or a copy of a business license
• Certificate of residence tax (indicating whether taxed or not) and tax payment certificate

If the sponsor does not receive income or compensation, submit the following documents instead:

• Bank balance certificate under the sponsor’s name, or a scholarship certificate showing the amount and duration of suppor
• Other documents equivalent to the above that show the sponsor is covering the applicant’s living expenses

4.Process for Renewing a Dependent Visa

The renewal procedure for a Dependent Visa follows these steps:

1. Confirm that you meet the renewal requirements
2. Prepare and submit the necessary documents to the Immigration Bureau
3. Pay the renewal fee

Each step is explained below.

4-1. Confirm That You Meet the Renewal Requirements

Make sure you meet all the requirements for renewing your Dependent Visa. If the requirements are not met, your application will not be accepted, and the visa cannot be renewed.

4-2. Prepare and Submit the Required Documents to the Immigration Bureau

You can apply starting three months before your current period of stay expires. Gather all required documents and submit them to the Immigration Bureau. Note that someone other than the applicant may submit the application on their behalf.

4-3. Pay the Renewal Fee

If your renewal is approved, you must pay the renewal fee. The fee is 4,000 yen, paid with a revenue stamp.

5.Summary

This article explained the key points you should know when renewing a Dependent Visa. To summarize:

✓You can apply to renew a Dependent Visa starting three months before its expiration. ✓The Dependent Visa is tied to the sponsor’s visa; if the sponsor’s visa expires, renewal is not possible. ✓To renew, you must submit documents proving family relationship, financial support, intent to support, and financial capacity. ✓You must not be engaged in work exceeding 28 hours per week to be eligible for renewal. ✓The renewal fee for a Dependent Visa is 4,000 yen.

Since you can begin the renewal process up to three months before your current period of stay expires, there is some time to prepare. However, it’s easy to get caught up in daily life and accidentally miss the deadline. Be sure to use the procedures and required documents introduced above as a reference and start preparing early.

If you’re unable to gather the necessary documents or find the renewal process too difficult to handle on your own, consider consulting a visa specialist for professional support.

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