DEFINITION
If a foreign resident in Japan has a spouse or children in their home country and wants them to stay in Japan, then he/she must apply for Certificate of Eligibility for Dependent Visa.
REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION FILED WITH CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
- Applicant’s valid passport, properly signed by bearer
VISA APPLICATION FORM TO ENTER JAPAN (available here), completely filled out and signed by the applicant - One photograph (2″x 2″) attached to application form
- Original “Certificate of Eligibility” from the Ministry of Justice in Japan and one photocopy.
*Also, please be certain to remember that you must travel to Japan within THREE MONTHS of the issue date noted on your Certificate of Eligibility, regardless of any time limits noted on the actual visa you receive.
APPLICATION FILED WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
- Applicant’s valid passport, properly signed by bearer
VISA APPLICATION FORM TO ENTER JAPAN (available here), completely filled out and signed by the applicant - One photograph (2″ x 2″) attached to application form
- Documents certifying the applicant’s relationship with his/her sponsor such as birth certificate or marriage certificate
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport (if the sponsor has already obtained a visa/traveled to Japan, be sure to include pages with visa/immigration stamps) and proof of alien registration in Japan (if already registered)
- Documents certifying the sponsor’s financial stability:
If the sponsor is/will be employed in Japan, then an employment verification letter, Certificate of Tax Payment and/or a copy of a contract - If the sponsor is not employed, then applicant/sponsor’s bank statement and/or documents certifying the amount of grants/scholarships/stipends
- Documents certifying the sponsor’s financial stability:
- One clear photocopy of all the documents you are submitting
*Requirements may vary depending what country you are from.
The Embassy of Japan reserves the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.
Procedure
- Download the application form from Application for Certificate of Eligibility.
- Prepare the necessary documents.
- Apply for a COE at the Immigration Bureau.
- Receive the COE from the Immigration Bureau.
- Send the COE via international express mail to your family in your home country.
- With the COE, family members can apply for a visa at the Embassy of Japan in your home country.
