The Dependent status lets holders of most work and study visas bring their spouse and children. Dependents may work up to 28 hours a week with permission — a cap that surprises many families and shapes household budgets more than any other rule.
Key facts
- Who can come
- Spouse & children only
- Parents
- Not covered
- Work
- 28 h/week with permission
- Period
- Tied to sponsor's status
- Sponsor requirement
- Ability to support financially
Who this visa is really for
Dependent (家族滞在, kazoku taizai) is the family attachment to a primary visa — gijinkoku, student, Business Manager and most other mid/long-term statuses can sponsor. The sponsor must show income or funds sufficient to support the family; there is no fixed public threshold, but stable payslips matter more than savings.
The 28-hour reality
Plan your household budget assuming one full income and one capped part-time income. At typical part-time wages, 28 hours yields roughly ¥120,000–140,000 a month before tax — meaningful, but not a second salary. Families targeting two full incomes should aim to convert the dependent spouse to a work visa; see how to find a job and the cost of living pages to size the gap.
Paperwork rhythm
Dependents renew alongside (or shortly after) the sponsor, and every change — sponsor’s job change, address move, a child starting part-time work — has a notification. The habits from the residence card rules apply to every family member individually.
Common mistakes & warnings
- The 28-hour cap is enforced the same way as for students — exceeding it endangers both the dependent's and the sponsor's renewals.
- "Dependent" requires actual dependency. A spouse earning a full independent income on this status contradicts it; upgrade to a work visa instead.
- Children's status does not automatically continue at adulthood — plan their transition (student visa, work visa) before they finish school.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sponsor my parents?
Not with this status. Parents are only possible in narrow cases (for example under Highly Skilled Professional conditions, or short visits on temporary visitor visas).
My spouse found a full-time job — what now?
They change status to their own work visa (commonly gijinkoku). Their dependent years count as residence toward permanent residency, so upgrading early is usually beneficial.
Do SSW (i) workers get dependent visas?
No — family sponsorship is one of the main things SSW (i) lacks. It becomes available at SSW (ii). Check the SSW pages for the upgrade path.
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency — Dependent status (2026-07-16)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.