Introduction
Many foreign professionals seeking to work in Japan with a Highly Skilled Professional visa hope to bring their families, but there are several pitfalls in the family stay visa application process.
Overview of Family Stay under Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan offers significant preferential measures for highly skilled professionals, including flexible family stay options. Qualified dependents include spouses, children, and—in certain cases—parents, based on strict requirements (such as “Dependent,” “Designated Activities” No. 33/34).
Key Requirements for Application
- Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates)
- Financial means (annual income above JPY 3 million for basic dependents, JPY 8 million for parent accompaniment)
- Secured residence
- Proper translation and certification for documents
Frequent Refusal Scenarios
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient financial ability to support all dependents
- Incomplete or incorrectly prepared application documents
- Lack of adequate evidence for family relationship
- Repeated short-term stays raising doubts about applicant’s intentions
- Failure to meet cohabitation requirements for working spouse
Countermeasures
To maximize success:
- Prepare all documents in correct format and translation
- Clearly demonstrate financial stability, supplying the latest employer statements and tax certificates
- Provide credible relationship evidence, properly translated and certified
- Explain previous short-term stays with valid supporting evidence (invitations, receipts, etc.)
- Describe household composition and support roles in detail
- Consult with an immigration law expert before submission
Sample Case
Example: Mr. A (HSP visa, income ¥9 million) applied to bring his wife, minor child, and mother-in-law from China. The application was refused due to mistakes in his tax certificate and lack of certified Japanese translations for the mother-in-law’s documents. On reapplication after expert advice, all materials were properly prepared, and approval was granted.
Conclusion
Family stay visa applications for Highly Skilled Professionals are subject to strict evaluation for errors, financial stability, and legal requirements—but careful preparation and adherence to Immigration Services Agency and Ministry of Justice guidelines greatly increase approval rates. Always consult official resources and prepare meticulously for success.
