Introduction

When applying for the “Dependent” visa (Status of Residence: Dependent) in Japan, applicants must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support their family. Many wonder to what extent third-party financial support is accepted. This article explains, based on official government sources, how third-party support is treated, what points are examined, and what to keep in mind when applying.

Basic requirements for the Dependent visa

What is the Dependent visa?

The Dependent visa allows foreign nationals residing in Japan (with work or study status) to bring their spouse or children to live with them. Only spouses and children are eligible; siblings or parents are not included.

Proof of financial capability

Applicants must prove they have enough financial resources to support their family in Japan. There is no fixed minimum amount, but income, savings, rent, and local living costs are comprehensively reviewed.

Is third-party financial support accepted?

Basic approach to third-party support

In principle, the sponsor (the foreign national residing in Japan) is expected to support their family financially. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances, third-party financial support may be considered.

Who can be a supporter and under what conditions?

• Support from relatives
  Support from relatives (such as parents or siblings) is relatively likely to be accepted, provided the support is stable, continuous, and the reason for support can be reasonably explained.
• Support from non-relatives
  Support from non-relatives (such as friends) is also possible, but the necessity, background, financial capacity of the supporter, and the continuity of support must be thoroughly explained. Temporary or formal support is rarely accepted, and the review will be stricter.
• How to prove support
  Documents such as the supporter’s income certificate, bank balance certificate, remittance records, and a letter explaining the reason for support are required.

Special case for international students

For international students, since their income is limited, remittances from relatives (mainly parents) are often emphasized. If support comes from a non-relative, the stability and continuity of such support must be explained in detail.

Example cases

Example 1: Application with remittance from parents

Ms. A from China (international student) has no sufficient income in Japan. Her parents regularly send her money, and she submitted remittance records and her parents’ income certificates. The Dependent visa application was approved.

Example 2: Temporary support from a friend

Mr. B from Vietnam received temporary financial support from a friend, but the explanation of the support’s continuity and reason was insufficient, so the Dependent visa application was denied.

Key points in the review

• The support must be stable and continuous, not temporary or formal
• The supporter’s financial capacity and the reason for support must be clear
• The background and reason for support must be reasonably explained
• All required documents (remittance records, income certificates, letters of explanation, etc.) must be prepared

Conclusion

Third-party financial support may be accepted in Dependent visa applications, but the review is strict. In particular, support from non-relatives is closely examined for continuity and reasonableness. When applying, it is important to explain the details and reasons for the support and prepare all necessary documents. Always check the latest requirements on the Ministry of Justice website and consult a specialist if needed.