Family-based statuses of residence

[Question]What types of statuses of residence are available for those who have family ties with residents in Japan?

[Answer]

The status of residence afforded depends on the marital/family relationships involved.

“Spouse of Japanese national etc.” status is for; 

Spouse of Japanese citizen
 Specially adopted child of Japanese citizen
 Child born by Japanese citizen (father or mother held Japanese citizenship at time of birth, or father of child holding Japanese citizenship had passed away at time of birth)

 “Spouse of Permanent Resident etc.” status is for;

  The spouse of someone living in Japan with “Permanent Resident” status
  The spouse of a “Special Permanent Resident”
  A child born in Japan to parents who hold “Permanent Resident” status, and who will        continue to reside in Japan after birth (including if either of the parents are living in         Japan at the time of birth as a permanent resident, or the father of the child holding         permanent resident status had passed away at the time of birth).
   Child born to a “Special Permanent Resident”, continuing to live in Japan after birth

 “Permanent Resident” stauts

It is not possible to enter Japan for the first time as a Permanent Resident, however, after entering Japan as the “Spouse of a Japanese National”, “Spouse of a Permanent Resident”, or “Long term resident, and fulfilling all the required criteria, it is possible to become a “Permanent Resident”.

 “Long term resident” status

Example:

  Spouse or child (adopted child) of refugee from Indo-China
  Third generation Nikkei (person of Japanese descent)
   Spouse of somebody in Japan with the status of “Spouse of Japanese national etc.” or “Long term resident,”
    Unmarried and juvenile child receiving support from person in Japan with status of “Spouse of Japanese national etc.” or “Long term resident.”
Parent with foreign citizenship rearing a child with Japanese citizenship
  Child of under 6 being reared by Japanese citizen, permanent resident, or long term resident

 Dependent

The status of residence of “Dependent” is granted to dependent spouses and children of foreigners who fall into the categories of professor, artist, religious activities, journalist, investment/management, legal/accounting services, medical services, research, education, engineer, specialist in humanities/international services, intra-company transferee, entertainer, skilled labour, cultural activities, and international student.

 

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[Question]I’m an international student. How can I have my wife and children come to Japan to live with me? May my wife have a part-time job here?

[Answer]

You will need to submit the following documents to the local Immigration Bureau, and apply for a certificate of eligibility for the status of residence of “Dependent”
(1) Document to certify the relation between you and your family members (marriage certificate etc)
(2) Proof of your employment and income 
(3) Copy of your passport or alien registration card

If your status is that of foreign student: as well as (1) and (3) you will also need to provide the following:
(a.) University ID card, or acceptance letter
(b.) Proof of scholarship (showing amount and length)
(c.) Documents proving you are able to financially support your family

In principle your wife will not be allowed to work, however, if she receives permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted from the Immigration Bureau she will be able to take on a part-time job. (There are limits on type of work and hours).

 

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[Question]I’m married to a Japanese man and have a 10-year-old child from my previous marriage. Can I have the child come over to Japan to live with us?

[Answer]

Your child may be granted a status of residence as a “long term resident.”
In order to stay in Japan as a long term resident, the child must satisfy the following conditions.
1)The parent should be staying in Japan under the status of residence of Spouse of a Japanese national.”
2)The child should be the parent's real child.
3)The child should be underage.

4)The child should be unmarried.

5)The child should be dependant on the parent.

If your child satisfies these conditions, you can apply to the local Immigration Bureau for a certificate of eligibility for the status of residence of "Long Term Resident" to have the child come to Japan.

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