Introduction

The “Dependent” visa is essential for foreign nationals working in Japan who wish to live with their spouse or children. With globalization, it is increasingly common for sponsors to be assigned to long-term overseas business trips. This article explains the risks of applying for a Dependent visa when the sponsor is absent from Japan for extended periods and provides practical solutions. The content is based on the latest official sources, including the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

What Is the Dependent Visa?

The Dependent visa—officially termed “Dependent” in government translations—allows a legally employed foreign national in Japan to bring their spouse and children to live together. The critical points in screening are the validity of the family relationship, cohabitation, and sufficient financial resources .

Eligible Family Members

• Spouse
• Child (biological, acknowledged, or adopted)

Siblings, parents, and grandparents are not eligible.

Impact of Long-Term Overseas Assignments by the Sponsor

Key Screening Points

Important criteria for Dependent visa review include:

• Proof of legal family relationship
• Sufficient means of financial support in Japan
• Actual daily cohabitation in Japan

Main Risks When Sponsor Is on Long-Term Assignment

• When the sponsor is absent from Japan, immigration may doubt the genuine “cohabitation and support” relationship.
• The degree of scrutiny depends on whether the trip is genuinely temporary or amounts to an effective transfer of residence.
• If the sponsor is no longer under a Japanese employment contract or has deregistered their residence, the risk of refusal rises.

Specific Risk Examples

• Immigration may suspect no intention or reality of living together in Japan.
• Insufficient evidence of the sponsor’s financial or residential base in Japan raises red flags.
• Additional documents may be requested if suspicions of nominal sponsorship arise.

Solutions to Reduce Risks

1. Emphasize the Temporary Nature of the Overseas Trip

• Submit business trip orders, a schedule showing the return date, and company explanatory letters confirming the assignment is temporary.
• Provide documentation showing the sponsor’s residence in Japan, such as a lease contract and utility bills.
• Include bank statements or records of remittances from the sponsor to the family in Japan.

2. Objective Evidence of Support and Daily Life

• Submit the sponsor’s employment contract, pay slips, tax certificates, and proof of assets in Japan.
• School attendance certificates, medical records, and utility payment history for the family.

3. Prepare a Clear Written Explanation

• In application forms, explain the reason and period for the sponsor’s absence and measures to maintain a base in Japan.
• Family photos and communication logs (such as video calls) can help demonstrate family unity.

4. Case Example

Example: Mr. A, a 35-year-old engineer, is sent to India for three months while his spouse and two children remain at their home in Japan. Mr. A submits his long-term business trip order and a return schedule, documents showing that he continues to maintain a home in Japan, and remittance records to his family. The spouse submits proof of the children’s school attendance and healthcare usage. Their Dependent visas are approved.

5. FAQs and Cautions

• If the sponsor will be absent for more than a year: It may be judged that Japan is no longer their principal place of residence, making Dependent visa approval or extension unlikely.
• If residence registration is removed during the trip: Immigration may conclude there is no longer a base in Japan, increasing the risk of refusal.

Conclusion

Even if the sponsor is sent abroad for an extended business trip, a Dependent visa may be approved if you can clearly prove the family relationship and maintain residence and daily life in Japan. However, the longer the absence, the stricter the review. Check government sources such as the Immigration Services Agency and MOFA regularly for updates13. When in doubt, consult a professional.