Introduction
Many international students in Japan wish to bring their spouse or children to live together. However, obtaining a “Dependent” status of residence generally requires the sponsor (the student) to have a certain level of income. So, under what conditions can a dependent visa be granted even if there is no income? This article explains the key points for obtaining a dependent visa without income, based on official information from the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Basic Requirements for the Dependent Visa
What Is a Dependent Visa?
The Dependent visa allows foreign nationals residing in Japan with a work or student visa to bring their legally recognized spouse and children (including adopted children) to live together in Japan.
General Requirements
- The sponsor (student) must have the intention and ability to support their family financially
- The family members to be invited must actually be dependent on the sponsor
- Official documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Living together in Japan is a prerequisite
Conditions for Approval Without Income
1. Proof of Savings or Assets
Even without income, if the sponsor has sufficient savings, a dependent visa may be granted. Immigration authorities focus on “stability of life,” so submitting a bank balance certificate or asset statement can prove the ability to cover living expenses for a certain period.
Key Points
- The bank balance certificate should be recent (within the last three months)
- Fixed deposits or securities can be submitted as supplementary documents
- Attaching a living expense estimate or expenditure plan increases credibility
2. Scholarships or Grants
If the student receives a scholarship or grant, submitting an official certificate showing the amount and period of the scholarship can demonstrate the ability to support the family. The scholarship must be sufficient to cover the living expenses of all family members.
Notes
- The scholarship certificate must be an official document from the provider
- The amount must be enough to cover the family’s living expenses
3. Support from a Third Party
If there is financial support from relatives or others, submitting remittance records or a letter of support can supplement the ability to cover living expenses. The support must be stable and continuous.
4. Other Considerations
- If housing costs are covered by a company or dormitory, actual living expenses may be lower
- The sponsor’s length of employment or past tax records
- Differences in living costs depending on the region and family size
Example Cases
Case 1: Approval Based on Savings
Ms. A, a 25-year-old graduate student from China, had little part-time income but over 2 million yen in savings. By submitting a bank balance certificate and a living expense estimate, she was able to obtain dependent visas for her spouse and one child.
Case 2: Approval Based on Scholarship
Mr. B, a 28-year-old student from Vietnam, received a scholarship of 100,000 yen per month. By submitting a scholarship certificate and a living expense plan, he was able to bring his spouse to Japan on a dependent visa.
Example of Required Documents
| Document Name | Purpose/Content |
|---|---|
| Application for Certificate of Eligibility | Basic application form |
| Photo | ID photo of the applicant |
| Proof of family relationship | Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. |
| Copy of sponsor’s residence card | Proof of status of residence in Japan |
| Bank balance certificate | Proof of financial ability through assets |
| Scholarship certificate | Proof of receiving a scholarship |
| Living expense estimate | Explanation of expenditure plan |
| Remittance certificate | For cases with third-party support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is approval guaranteed if there is no income?
A. Approval is not guaranteed. You must provide concrete documents proving your ability to cover living expenses through savings, scholarships, or other means. The review is comprehensive, and additional documents or explanations may be required depending on the situation.
Q. How much savings is required?
A. There is no clear standard, but depending on the number of family members, region, and planned period of stay, several hundred thousand to several million yen in savings may be required. It is important to submit a living expense estimate together with your application.
Conclusion
International students wishing to bring their spouse or children to Japan on a “Dependent” visa can be approved even without income if they can prove their ability to cover living expenses through savings, scholarships, or third-party support. The review is comprehensive, so it is important to prepare all necessary documents and provide additional explanations as needed. Always check the latest information on the official websites of the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
