Dependent Visa Application | Japan Immigration Support for HR

Japan Immigration Support for HR ＞ Corporate Services ＞ Dependent Visa Application

The “Dependent” status of residence is granted to the spouse or children of a foreign national who holds a work or student visa in Japan, provided that they are financially supported by that individual, allowing them to reside together in Japan.

“Financially supported” means the sponsor has both the intention and the ability to provide support. For a spouse, this generally implies cohabitation and financial dependence. For children, it refers to being under the sponsor’s care and upbringing. Activities as an economically independent spouse or child are not included.

A “spouse” refers only to a person currently in a legally valid marriage. Those who are divorced, widowed, or in a common-law partnership are not eligible. Same-sex marriages, even if legally recognized abroad, are not recognized for this visa category.

Eligible dependents therefore include spouses and children (including adult children if financially supported, and both biological and adopted children). Parents, nieces, nephews, and other relatives are not eligible for this visa.

Inviting parents or other relatives generally falls under the category of a Temporary Visitor Visa. The activities permitted under a Dependent Visa are limited to daily life, and employment is not allowed in principle.

However, if you obtain Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence, you may work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.

Please note that part-time work in businesses related to the adult entertainment industry is strictly prohibited. This includes cabarets, dance halls, bars where customers are entertained, pachinko parlors, mahjong halls, private massage services, etc.

1. Certificate of Eligibility (Inviting Family from Overseas)

Below is the process for applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

*1 A COE is valid for 90 days from issuance. If the holder does not enter Japan within this period, it becomes invalid.

2. Change of Status of Residence (From Another Visa Type)

Below is the process for applying to change from another visa type to Dependent status.

• Established in 1986, with an industry-leading record of over 40,000 visa applications
• Trusted by more than 1,000 corporate clients
• No travel expenses – nationwide service at a flat rate
• Services available in English and Chinese
• ISO 27001 certified – ensuring strict compliance

40,000 Visa Applications Since 1986 – One of Japan’s Most Experienced Providers

ACROSEED has specialized in immigration services since 1990, when legal reforms allowed administrative scriveners to handle immigration procedures. As of March 2025, we have processed over 40,000 visa applications.

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa cases annually, with immigration visits twice a week to stay current on screening trends and regulation changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you benefit from the most up-to-date insights and extensive hands-on experience in the industry.

Our Track Record

ACROSEED’s track record in corporate services, publications, media coverage, and seminars

Trusted by Over 1,000 Corporate Clients

ACROSEED’s dedicated corporate team handles all visa-related and licensing procedures associated with foreign employee hiring.

We offer two distinct service types:

We customize our support based on your company’s structure, challenges, and employment needs, referencing real-world examples.

Our services are trusted by a wide range of clients, from publicly listed corporations to small and mid-sized businesses.

Case Studies

We present case studies of companies that actively promote the employment of foreign nationals by utilizing ACROSEED’s services.

Nationwide Flat-Rate Service with No Travel Costs

Our office is based in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we serve immigration offices across Japan with no additional travel costs.

We also offer online consultations via Zoom or Skype, allowing face-to-face communication from any location.

English and Chinese Language Support

Our bilingual staff can communicate directly with foreign employees in English or Chinese.

We assist with application explanations, status tracking, and employee coordination — reducing the burden on HR teams and improving the applicant experience.

ISO 27001 Certified for Information Security Compliance

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management (ISMS).

ACROSEED was an early adopter of this certification in our field, demonstrating our commitment to secure and compliant client service.

This gives even highly regulated, publicly listed companies the confidence to trust us as their immigration partner.

・Final fees vary depending on the service requested, workload, and case details. We provide detailed proposals and quotations free of charge—please contact us for more information.

* ACROSEED provides services nationwide in Japan.

Certificate of Eligibility (Inviting Family from Overseas)	Approx. ¥50,000
Change of Status of Residence	Approx. ¥50,000
Extension of Period of Stay	Approx. ¥50,000

If you are considering outsourcing long-term visa application and residency management, please see the following page:

Outsourcing Visa Applications and Residency Management

From hiring to retirement, ACROSEED supports HR teams with expert solutions for managing foreign employees, ensuring compliance and reducing workload.