家族滞在

Dependent

FamilyContent reviewed on 2026-10-23

What it allows

For the spouse or child supported by a person living in Japan on one of the work or cultural statuses or a higher-education student status listed in the rules. It is not available to dependants of Specified Skilled Worker (i) holders, technical interns or short-term visitors. It covers everyday activities; working needs separate permission for activities outside the status, up to 28 hours a week.

Period of stay

Set individually by the Minister of Justice, up to 5 years.

Requirements

You are the spouse or child of a person living in Japan on a work, cultural or higher-education student status the rules list (not Specified Skilled Worker (i), Technical Intern Training or a short stay)
The family member in Japan supports you financially · Confirm with the official source

Related rulebook entries

What it is

For Student the proxy for a Certificate of Eligibility is a staff member of the school the student will attend, and for some student categories the body or person paying the scholarship or fees, or a relative living in Japan, may also file; for Dependent it is the person who will support the applicant, a relative living in Japan, or a person acting as proxy in the supporter's own application; for Training it is the receiving organisation's staff; for Cultural Activities it is staff of the host body, an instructing specialist or a relative in Japan.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第四（第六条の二関係）（出入国在留管理庁掲載の抄録）別表第四（第6条の2関係） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Dependent status covers the spouse or child of a person holding one of the listed work, culture or student statuses, who carries out daily-life activities while being supported by that person.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When acquiring status without landing (for example a baby born in Japan), a person may stay up to 60 days from the birth without a status, and must apply for acquisition within 30 days of the event if they will stay longer.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十二条の二第一項・第二項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's photo specification for residence applications is 4 cm high by 3 cm wide, the applicant alone, facing front with no hat and no background or shadow, sharp, taken within the 6 months before the filing date, with the name written on the back unless printed on the form.
提出写真の規格写真のサイズ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA guidance for Dependent children moving to Long-term Resident after high school says the 4x3 cm photo must be taken within 3 months before filing.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ提出資料（２）写真 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person may be permitted to run a business or take paid work outside the activities of their status only to the extent that it does not hinder those status activities, and the agency head may attach necessary conditions to the permission.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第十九条第二項 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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The Dependent status covers the daily activities of a spouse or child supported by a person holding a listed work status, Cultural Activities, or Student status.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Freelance or self-employed work can fall under the comprehensive permit only when the working hours can be objectively verified, for example a delivery order taken as an individual contractor and paid by results.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について 1(注) · Checked on 2026-10-22
The agency says the length of stay is decided by factors that differ by status but generally rest on whether notification duties were met, whether taxes and public charges were paid, and the size of the sponsoring institution.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q18 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a five-year period the agency also looks at school attendance of children of compulsory-education age and at the main earner's tax compliance for residence-type statuses, and where five years is not given it decides three years, one year or similar from the planned stay and the person's record.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q18 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person granted a stay of three months or less falls outside the group of mid- to long-term residents, the group that carries the residence-card and notification duties.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン 8 中長期在留者の範囲 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Partly confirmed: The spouse or child supported by a Business Manager can hold Family Stay status; the ISA publishes no separate rule for the dependants of a Business Manager who fails the new standard, so their status follows the supporter's.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Who qualifies

A Family Stay holder needs a blanket permission to do paid work or run a business for up to 28 hours a week, and the ISA treats a sole proprietor with objectively checkable hours, such as delivery work paid by results, as covered by that blanket permission.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For work beyond the blanket permission, a Family Stay holder needs an individual permission, which is granted only if the period of work does not exceed half of the period of stay set for the status.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可 (2) · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Family Stay dependant who wants to set up a company, hire employees or run a business from premises must change to Business Manager; the work permission only covers small sole-run activities.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について３その他（注） · Checked on 2026-10-23
By statute, Dependent status is not available to dependants of diplomats, officials, Specified Skilled Worker (i) holders, technical intern trainees or short-term visitors.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）別表第一の四の表 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the landing standards ordinance, a Dependent applicant must be supported by a holder of a Schedule I-1 or I-2 status, Cultural Activities, or a Student status limited to higher-education study (university or equivalent, technical college, specialised college, or night-time graduate school; Japanese-language-only courses excluded).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（平成2年法務省令第16号）法別表第一の四の表の家族滞在の項の下欄に掲げる活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a COE or landing application, Long-term Resident is limited to the categories the Minister has pre-announced by notification, while Dependent (Schedule I-4) activities must also satisfy the standards set by Ministry of Justice ordinance.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第七条第一項第二号 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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A person staying as a Short-term Visitor can have status changed only for unavoidable special circumstances, which limits switching to a spouse status after entering as a visitor.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第二十条第三項ただし書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The notification applies to holders of Dependent (spouse activity only), Spouse of Japanese National (spouse capacity only) and Spouse of Permanent Resident (spouse capacity only); Long-term Resident and child categories are not covered.
配偶者に関する届出手続対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For work beyond what the blanket permission allows, Dependent holders need an individual permission; among its requirements, the activity period must not exceed half of the granted period of stay.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
As a general rule, ISA grants no outside-status permission for activity at premises operated as adult-entertainment businesses or specified late-night entertainment businesses, or for work in the related non-shop sex-entertainment, video-transmission and telephone-introduction businesses; the narrow Dependent-only pachinko exception is covered in its own entry.
資格外活動許可について１資格外活動許可の要件（一般原則） · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent child who finished compulsory education in Japan and has graduated (or is due to graduate) from a Japanese high school may be able to change to Long-term Resident if they entered Japan under 18, have stayed in Dependent status continuously (a status that is Dependent-eligible, such as Student, also counts), have a job secured (required when working beyond the 28-hour weekly permission), and are meeting public obligations such as address registration.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ「定住者」の在留資格への変更対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
As an alternative, a Dependent child who graduated from a Japanese high school, entered under 18, has a job offer and whose supporter stays on as guarantor may change to Designated Activities; those who transferred into a Japanese high school also need JLPT N2-level Japanese.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ「特定活動」の在留資格への変更対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline treats failure to pay taxes as a negative factor, and says large or long-standing arrears of taxes or legally required premiums such as national health insurance are handled the same way when they are judged malicious.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline accepts household-level livelihood: independent livelihood is met if the household as a unit has stable means, and even someone who is a public burden is weighed against humanitarian reasons for allowing stay.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン５ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent or notified Long-term Resident who later stops meeting age or support requirements after entering Japan is not automatically refused renewal.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Foreign children have no legal school-attendance obligation in Japan, but if the family wants public compulsory school, the child is accepted free of charge on the same basis as Japanese children.
外国人の子等の就学に関する手続について（就学事務Ｑ＆Ａ） 13 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA states that there is no age limit for entering as a Dependent as long as the person is supported, so an adult child can qualify as a dependant of a work or study status holder.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q48 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's Dependent page names only holders of listed work, culture and student statuses as supporters; Long-term Resident, Spouse of Japanese National and Spouse of Permanent Resident holders are not in that list, so their family members use other statuses.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Online filing is open to everyone for Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident and Long-term Resident, but for Dependent only when the supporter's own status is within the online scope.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）オンラインで申請可能な在留資格 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A foreigner can use the online system only if they are a mid-to-long-term resident aged 15 or over, and a spouse, child or parent may file for them only in principle if the applicant is under 16 or cannot apply because of illness or similar reasons; the last day of the stay period cannot be filed online.
在留申請のオンライン手続対象 / 利用可能な期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The special re-entry permit is not available to those whose status is under revocation proceedings, those under an exit-confirmation hold, those with a detention order, holders of Designated Activities pending a refugee claim, or people the Minister has designated for public-safety reasons; they must obtain an ordinary re-entry permit.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）対象外 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's change-and-renewal guideline treats a long absence abroad under a re-entry permit (including the special re-entry permit) as a negative factor unless there is a justifiable reason, so extended absence can count against a renewal.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン３現に有する在留資格に応じた活動を行っていたこと · Checked on 2026-10-22
A domestic-violence victim who does not report a change of address in order to hide from the perpetrator is given by ISA as an example of a justifiable reason, so the revocation ground for not reporting a new address within 90 days of moving out need not apply to that case.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q80～Q149） Q120 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Holders of Student or Dependent status may not run a business or receive remuneration for activities outside their status unless they obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted by the status.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第十九条第一項第二号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a Dependent to get an individual work permit for activity outside the comprehensive permit, the period of the activity must not run beyond the majority of the authorized period of stay.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について · Checked on 2026-10-23
Activity at establishments operating as adult-entertainment or similar businesses cannot be permitted under the part-time work permission.
資格外活動許可申請入管法第19条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Student can sponsor a Dependent only when the student's study is at the university-level types of institutions (university, technical college, specialized college course) or night graduate courses, not Japanese-language-only or lower-school study.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令家族滞在の項の下欄 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent who finished compulsory education in Japan and graduates from a Japanese high school can change to Long-Term Resident if they entered under 18, kept Dependent status continuously, meet public duties such as residence reporting, and have a job or job offer (required when they will work beyond the 28-hour weekly limit of the work permission).
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ · Checked on 2026-10-22
On the Designated Activities route for former Dependents, a person who transferred into a Japanese high school must also show Japanese ability at about the JLPT N2 level in addition to graduating.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Work at premises running adult-entertainment businesses, including by out-of-status permission, is barred even within the 28 hours, and the bar also covers work for mail-order or video-transmission sex businesses and similar telephone businesses.
資格外活動許可について 1(4)イ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A pachinko-venue permit requires that the venue holds an adult-entertainment business licence of the type that covers gaming halls, and that the employer signs a pledge, including to encourage workers to get the My Number-integrated residence card and to check combined out-of-status hours.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について 2(3)(4) · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Work under a service-outsourcing or contract-for-work agreement needs an individual permit when the standard working hours are not clear in the contract; if they are clear, the comprehensive permit is enough.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について 3(2) · Checked on 2026-10-22
Setting up a new company, hiring employees or opening an office goes beyond small-scale self-employment and requires a change of status to Business Manager.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について 3(1)(注) · Checked on 2026-10-22
Someone who already holds one type of out-of-status permission can obtain the other type only if the agency judges that the additional work does not hinder their main activity.
資格外活動許可について 2 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Large or long-running unpaid taxes and unpaid public charges such as national health insurance premiums count against a renewal or change when the case is judged malicious; tuition arrears are not named in the guideline.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン 7 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Only a spouse or child supported by a person in the covered status can be brought as a mid- to long-term resident, and no status is granted to a foreigner's parents on that basis, apart from the preferential treatment of highly skilled professionals.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q56 · Checked on 2026-10-22
There is no age limit for coming to Japan as a Dependent as long as the person is supported.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q48 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a Dependent grows older or the support relationship ends after entry, the landing standards may no longer be met, but the agency says this alone does not mean an extension is refused.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン 2 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent who wants to become a Student is reviewed flexibly because Dependents are excluded from some scholarships such as those of JASSO.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q47 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the Long-Term Resident change, a person who transferred into a Japanese high school must also submit proof of JLPT N2 or higher, or a BJT Business Japanese score of 400 or more.
「家族滞在」の在留資格をもって在留し、高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を希望する方へ · Checked on 2026-10-23
Partly confirmed: No ISA text says how the dependants of a Business Manager are treated during or after the transition; Family Stay is defined as the status of a spouse or child supported by a holder of listed statuses including Business Manager, so their position follows the supporter's and any special case must be asked of the bureau.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Numbers and tests

A Dependent holder who wants to earn income by employment, or by self-employment whose working hours can be objectively verified, for up to 28 hours a week needs a blanket permission to engage in activity outside status, and only the application form is required.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 28-hour weekly limit applies to the combined hours of all outside-status activities a person is permitted to do, whether under blanket or individual permission.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a Dependent application, ISA asks for documents showing the supporter's occupation and income: an employment certificate or business licence plus a resident-tax certificate and a tax-payment certificate (one is enough if it shows both total income and tax payment), or, if the supporter has no earnings, a bank-balance certificate or a scholarship-award certificate. No minimum yen amount is stated.
在留資格「家族滞在」提出書類扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Comprehensive permission lets holders such as students and dependents work up to 28 hours per week in part-time style work.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）２（１）包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent needs comprehensive permission to work up to 28 hours per week.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 28-hour weekly cap is tested over any seven-day span: whichever weekday a week is counted from, the hours must always stay at or below 28, so a Monday-to-Sunday calendar week is not the test.
就労資格の在留諸申請に関連してお問い合わせの多い事項について（Q&A）令和8年7月 (Q1)(4) · Checked on 2026-10-22

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In the conditions for the new pachinko-venue permit, the Immigration Services Agency requires that hours worked under all out-of-status permissions, whether comprehensive or individual, add up to no more than 28 hours a week.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について 2(5) · Checked on 2026-10-22
For Dependents, holding several part-time jobs is allowed, but the hours of all jobs combined must not exceed 28 per week.
遊技場営業店舗（ぱちんこ店等）でのアルバイトについて · Checked on 2026-10-22
Partly confirmed: The ISA page sets no yen figure for the supporter's income or savings; it asks for evidence that the supporter can cover the applicant's living costs, so a calculator should treat the required level as unknown and refer the user to the bureau.
在留資格「家族滞在」扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 (2) · Checked on 2026-10-23

Periods

The period of stay for Family Stay is set individually by the Minister of Justice and cannot exceed five years.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For COEs approved in August 2026 the averages were 120.9 days for Spouse or Child of Japanese National, 105.8 for Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, 93.9 for Long-term Resident, 74.1 for Dependent, 63.7 for Student and 31.6 for Cultural Activities.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分）（出入国在留管理庁）在留資格認定証明書交付処分（交付）までの日数 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The period of stay for Dependent status is individually designated by the Minister of Justice, up to a maximum of 5 years.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Enforcement Regulations provide that the period of stay for Dependent status is whatever period up to 5 years the Minister designates for each person.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則（昭和56年法務省令第54号）別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a Certificate of Eligibility application is 1 to 3 months.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's standard processing period for a change-of-status application is 1 to 2 months.
在留資格変更許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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ISA's standard processing period for a period-of-stay extension application is 2 weeks to 1 month.
在留期間更新許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The special re-entry permit (the no-application kind) lasts one year from the day of departure, or until the period of stay ends if that comes first, and applies to holders with a period of stay over 3 months who carry a valid passport and residence card.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
An ordinary re-entry permit, single or multiple-trip, is granted for a validity within the current period of stay and at most 5 years (6 years for special permanent residents), is issued the same day, and must be applied for before leaving Japan.
再入国許可申請再入国許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A residence card issued to a holder whose status has a fixed period of stay (all family statuses except permanent resident) remains valid until the end of the period of stay; the 2026 card revision did not change this.
特定在留カード交付申請についてＱ４－３ · Checked on 2026-10-23
Under ISA's earlier residence card design, the card of a child under 16 whose status has a fixed period of stay expires on the earlier of the end of the period of stay or the day before the 16th birthday (for cards issued from 1 November 2023).
「在留カード」はどういうカード？在留カードの有効期間（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The standard processing period for a permit to engage in activity outside the status is two weeks to two months.
資格外活動許可申請入管法第19条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a renewal or change application is filed before the stay expires and no decision is made by then, the person may keep the previous status until the decision or until two months after expiry, whichever is earlier.
特例期間とは？入管法第20条第6項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The period of stay for a Dependent is set individually by the Minister of Justice, up to five years.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for a certificate of eligibility is one to three months.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for an extension of the period of stay is two weeks to one month.
在留期間更新許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for a change of status of residence is one to two months.
在留資格変更許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permits granted in August 2026, the average actual time for Dependents was 74.1 days to issuance of a certificate of eligibility, versus 39.2 days for an extension and 38.6 days for a change of status.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分）家族滞在 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A certificate of eligibility is valid for three months from the day it is issued, and it loses effect if the holder does not apply to land within that time; its validity is separate from the visa's validity.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q6 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Deadlines

A Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months from issue; if you do not apply to land within that time it loses effect.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A 在留資格認定証明書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An extension can be filed before the stay period ends, and from 3 months before expiry for those holding a period of 6 months or longer.
在留期間更新許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person with Dependent (spouse activity only), Spouse of Japanese National (spouse capacity only) or Spouse of Permanent Resident (spouse capacity only) status must notify ISA within 14 days of divorce or the spouse's death.
配偶者に関する届出手続概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change-of-status application may be filed from the moment the reason for the change arises until the end date of the current period of stay.
在留資格変更許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the Immigration Control Act, a mid-to-long-term resident who changes address must report the new address through the municipality within 14 days of moving, and a report made with a municipal move-in notification counts as the immigration notification.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第19条の9第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who leaves on the special re-entry permit while an extension or change application is pending must return by the earlier of 2 months after the old period of stay ended or 1 year from departure, and collect the result before the 2 months run out, or they become an overstayer.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q61 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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A spouse holding Dependent (as a spouse), Spouse of Japanese National or Spouse of Permanent Resident status must also report a divorce or the spouse's death within 14 days of the event.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第19条の16第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A renewal application can be filed from three months before the stay expires (for holders of a stay of six months or more), up to the expiry date.
在留期間更新許可申請入管法第21条 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of residence address must be reported within 14 days of moving, and taking the residence card to the municipal office for the resident-register notice counts as the immigration notification.
住居地の変更届出（中長期在留者）入管法第19条の9第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of name, birth date, sex or nationality on the residence card must also be reported within 14 days.
住居地以外の在留カード記載事項の変更届出入管法第19条の10 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent spouse who loses the spouse through divorce or death must notify the immigration agency within 14 days.
配偶者に関する届出入管法第19条の16第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Fees

Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility costs nothing.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The old fee for a change of status or extension was a flat 6,000 yen at the counter; the revised fee now depends on the length of period granted.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Counter fee for a change or extension granting a period of 3 months or less is 10,000 yen, over 3 up to 6 months is 18,000 yen, and over 6 months but under 1 year is 25,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Counter fee for a change or extension granting exactly 1 year is 33,000 yen, and for over 1 year but under 3 years is 48,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Counter fee for a change or extension granting 3 years up to under 5 years is 64,000 yen, and for 5 years or more is 75,000 yen.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Online applications are cheaper: 10,000 yen (3 months or less), 15,000 (to 6 months), 21,000 (under 1 year), 27,000 (1 year), 42,000 (under 3 years), 56,000 (3 to under 5 years) and 65,000 yen (5 years or more), plus a separate payment-processing fee.
Fees for residence procedures for foreign nationals will be revised from October 1, 2026 (ISA leaflet, English) Regarding the Revision of Residence Permission Fee Amounts · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01

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People who qualify for a fee reduction (those in hardship close to welfare-eligible level who also need humanitarian consideration) pay 10,000 yen for a change or extension regardless of the period granted; the online system does not handle reductions, so the application must be filed at the counter.
在留資格変更許可申請手数料（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
An application for acquisition of status (for example for a baby born in Japan) costs nothing, in contrast to change and extension applications which carry a stamp fee.
在留資格取得許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A reissue application for a residence card lost or stolen costs nothing, but it must be filed within 14 days of learning of the loss (a separate explanation document is needed if later) and requires a photo.
紛失等による在留カードの再交付申請手数料 / 申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change-of-address notification must be made within 14 days of moving into the new residence and costs nothing.
【住居地に変更があったとき（引っ越したとき）】住居地変更の届出申請期間 / 手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Japanese visa fee abroad, set by a Cabinet order effective 1 July 2026, is about 15,000 yen for a single-entry and 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa, paid in local currency, and no fee is charged if the visa is refused; fees may differ by purpose and nationality.
Visa Fees Visa Fees · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-07-01
A re-entry permit costs 4,000 yen for a single trip or 7,000 yen for multiple trips at the counter (3,500 and 6,500 yen when filed online); applications received by 31 March 2025 still paid the older 3,000 and 6,000 yen.
再入国許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
There is no fee for applying for permission to engage in activity outside the status.
資格外活動許可申請入管法第19条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
At the counter from 1 October 2026 the fee is 10,000 yen for a stay of 3 months or less, 18,000 yen for over 3 up to 6 months, 25,000 yen for over 6 months up to under 1 year, and 33,000 yen for 1 year.
収入印紙の購入について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
At the counter from 1 October 2026 the fee is 48,000 yen for a stay of over 1 up to under 3 years, 64,000 yen for 3 up to under 5 years, and 75,000 yen for 5 years or more.
収入印紙の購入について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
For online applications from 1 October 2026 the fee is 10,000 yen for 3 months or less, 15,000 yen for up to 6 months, 21,000 yen for under 1 year, 27,000 yen for 1 year, 42,000 yen for 1 to under 3 years, 56,000 yen for 3 to under 5 years and 65,000 yen for 5 years or more, plus a payment-processing fee of 330 yen (permits under 3 years) or 550 yen (3 years or more).
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
People living in near-destitution or needing humanitarian consideration may get the change or extension fee reduced to 10,000 yen, but reductions are not supported in the online system, so they must apply at the counter.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Applying for a certificate of eligibility costs nothing.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An application for acquisition of status of residence, for people who stay in Japan without a landing procedure, such as a child born in Japan, is also free, and must be filed within 30 days of the event.
在留資格取得許可申請手数料・申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A re-entry permit costs 4,000 yen for a single trip and 7,000 yen for multiple trips when filed at the counter, paid by revenue stamp, or 3,500 yen and 6,500 yen when filed online; these fees apply to applications received from 1 April 2025.
再入国許可申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-04-01
Reissuing a residence card because it was lost is free and is normally done the same day, and it must be applied for within 14 days of learning of the loss.
紛失等による在留カードの再交付申請 · Checked on 2026-10-23

How it works

For applications made through the online system, the fee must be paid by convenience-store or bank payment; revenue stamps are no longer accepted, while counter applications still use revenue stamps.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等についてオンライン申請に対する許可又は交付手数料の納付方法の変更について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The spouse notification can be filed online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no supporting documents; it can also be brought to a regional immigration office together with the residence card, or sent by mail.
配偶者に関する届出届出方法 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A baby born in Japan to a Dependent family files for status acquisition with proof of birth; submitting a juminhyo is only recommended, but it puts the registered address on the new residence card and removes the need for a separate municipal address notification.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格取得許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent in Japan may file a COE application for their own child who is abroad with the other parent, because a relative can act as representative for the application.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q49 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Since April 2022, applicants aged 18 or over must file change, renewal and similar residence applications themselves, except through an approved agent such as a registered lawyer or administrative scrivener.
在留資格変更許可申請申請提出者 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2022-04-01
A Certificate of Eligibility application cannot be posted: ISA does not accept it by mail and applications are filed in person at the immigration office with jurisdiction over the intended residence (or the host's location for an agent).
在留資格認定証明書交付申請申請先・受付時間・相談窓口 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Immigration counters accept residence applications on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., though some procedures have specific days or hours.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請受付時間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
To use the special re-entry permit the traveller must carry a valid passport and, for mid-to-long-term residents, the residence card, and must tell the immigration inspector on departure that they intend to return, by ticking the re-entry box on the departure record.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）みなし再入国許可の手続 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person leaving under the special re-entry permit cannot extend its validity from abroad, and if the person plans to stay abroad more than one year after departure, they must instead apply for an ordinary re-entry permit at their local immigration office before leaving.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q57 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When a mid-to-long-term resident leaves Japan other than under a re-entry permit, ceases to be a mid-to-long-term resident, or dies, the residence card must be returned to the immigration authorities.
「在留カード」はどういうカード？「在留カード」の返納 · Checked on 2026-10-23
ISA's procedure pages give no administrative appeal route for a refused Certificate of Eligibility, change of status or extension; the page entry is simply 'none', so a person refused would need to re-apply with stronger evidence or consult a lawyer about a court challenge.
在留資格変更許可申請不服申立方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permit can be applied for online only when it is submitted together with a change-of-status, extension or status-acquisition application.
資格外活動許可申請入管法第19条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent applicant must submit a document proving the family relationship to the sponsor, such as a family register, marriage certificate or birth certificate.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The sponsor's income documents include residence-tax assessment and tax-payment certificates, or for sponsors without income activity a bank balance or scholarship certificate in the sponsor's name; the page states no minimum income figure.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent who loses the spouse through death or divorce must file a notification about the spouse.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The residence card lists a summary of any out-of-status permission on its back and in its chip, so employers are asked to check the back of the card as well as the passport sticker or permission certificate.
資格外活動の許可（入管法第19条） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Certificate-of-eligibility applications cannot be sent by post, but they can be filed through the online system.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請申請先 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Beyond the applicant, an application may be filed by an approved staff member of the institution that employs or teaches the applicant, by a lawyer or administrative scrivener notified to the bureau, or, for a person under 16 or unable to attend due to illness, by a relative; applicants aged 18 or over file in person unless an agent is used.
在留期間更新許可申請申請提出者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When status is revoked for not doing the main activity for three months (six for some Highly Skilled Professionals) or similar grounds, the Minister normally sets a departure period of up to 30 days within which the person must leave.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第7項 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Penalties

Failing to make the notification is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（昭和26年政令第319号）第七十一条の五第三号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The residence card must be carried at all times and shown on request by immigration officers or police; not carrying it can lead to a fine of up to 200,000 yen, and refusing to show it to imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
新しい在留管理制度に関するQ&A（Q1～Q79） Q34 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The permission can be revoked if the holder violates an attached condition or if continuing it is judged inappropriate.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第十九条第三項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Working without permission is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to 2,000,000 yen, or both, unless the person is clearly engaged mainly in such work, which falls under the heavier Article 70.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七十三条第一号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Article 70 provides up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both for a set of offences that includes clearly engaging mainly in unpermitted income-earning activity.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七十条第一項第四号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Residence status can be revoked if the holder is not carrying out the status activity and instead engages or intends to engage in other activities, unless there is a justifiable reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第二十二条の四第一項第五号 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Residence status can be revoked if the holder continuously does not carry out the status activity for three months or more, unless there is a justifiable reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第二十二条の四第一項第六号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Failing to make the address, card-item or school-change notifications is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第71条の5 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Status can be revoked if a person newly becoming a mid- to long-term resident fails to report an address within 90 days, or if they leave the reported address and do not report the new address within 90 days, unless there is a justifiable reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第1項第8号・第9号 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Lists and tables

A Family Stay certificate-of-eligibility application needs proof of the relationship to the supporter (family register, marriage registration or certificate, or birth certificate), a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and documents showing the supporter's occupation and income.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Where the supporter runs a business or earns pay, the ISA asks for an employment certificate or business licence copy plus a resident-tax certificate and tax-payment certificate; where the supporter has another kind of activity it asks for a savings balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate.
在留資格「家族滞在」扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 (1)(2) · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Dependent COE needs the form, a photo, a return envelope, a document proving the relationship to the supporter, a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and proof of the supporter's occupation and income such as an employment certificate and resident-tax and tax-payment certificates.
在留資格「家族滞在」（出入国在留管理庁）在留資格認定証明書交付申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent COE application needs one document proving the family relationship with the supporter: a family register extract, a marriage notification acceptance certificate, a marriage certificate copy, a birth certificate copy, or equivalent.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A copy of the supporter's residence card or passport and documents showing the supporter's occupation and income are required: an employment certificate or business permit plus resident-tax and tax payment certificates (one certificate showing both total income and payment status is enough).
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the supporter has no work income (for example a student), a deposit balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate stating amount and period can be submitted instead.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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ISA's guideline says whether there is 'reasonable ground' to approve a change or renewal is judged at the Minister's discretion, and activity/standing, conduct, finances, tax, employment conditions and notification duties are all weighed.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Dependent renewal needs the application form, one photo, the passport and residence card shown, one proof of family relationship (family register, marriage notification certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate or equivalent), a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and the supporter's occupation and income documents.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of status from Student or a work status to Dependent uses the same documents as renewal: the supporter's proof of relationship, residence card or passport copy, and occupation and income certificates, plus showing the applicant's passport and residence card.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the Dependent's supporter has no work or business income, such as a student, ISA accepts a deposit balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate stating the payment amount and period as proof that the family can be supported.
在留資格「家族滞在」提出書類扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A COE application includes a return envelope (standard-size, addressed, with simple-registered-mail postage stamps); ISA's pages do not state a yen amount for the stamps, so the figure depends on the postal rate.
在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA's online system accepts seven kinds of application: Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, extension, acquisition of status, certificate of employability, and a re-entry permit or permission for activity outside status only when filed together with a change, extension or acquisition.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）申請可能な申請種別 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The general conditions for any out-of-status permit include that the activity does not hinder the main activity, the person is actually doing the main activity, the person has no bad conduct record, and the employing or sponsoring institution consents where a contract exists.
資格外活動許可について 1(1)~(7) · Checked on 2026-10-22
The agency's online system covers certificate of eligibility, change of status, extension, status acquisition, re-entry permit, out-of-status permission and work-qualification certificate applications.
出入国在留管理庁オンライン申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Recent changes

From 1 October 2026 the fees for change of status, extension and permanent residence permission were revised, and they apply to applications filed on or after that date.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Applications received by 30 September 2026 still pay the old fee even if permission is granted on or after 1 October 2026.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Residence card photos are now required for everyone aged 1 or older for cards issued on or after 14 June 2026; before that only people under 16 were exempt.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（外国人（申請人）の方が日本人の配偶者（夫又は妻）である場合）在留資格変更許可申請提出書類（写真） · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-06-14
From 1 October 2026 only Dependent holders (not students) can get an individual permission to work at amusement-hall shops such as pachinko parlours, subject to extra conditions and the same combined 28-hour weekly cap.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
For a Dependent child who grew up in Japan, the Designated Activities to Long-term Resident change requires a Japanese high-school graduation or higher, 5 or more years in work-purpose Designated Activities or a work status (study at a Japanese university or specialist school counts toward the 5 years), a job, independent livelihood and compliance with notification duties.
高等学校卒業後に日本での就労を考えている外国籍を有する方へ注２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
In the June 2026 revision of the change-and-renewal guideline, a note was added that ISA may base the decision on information about tax and similar obligations that other agencies provide at ISA's request; the guideline does not state a start date other than the June 2026 revision.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７納税義務等を履行していること（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22

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From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension depends on the length of stay granted, replacing the old flat fee of 6,000 yen at the counter and 5,500 yen online; applications received up to 30 September 2026 pay the old fee.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター）改正入管法施行令第25条第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
For residence cards issued from 14 June 2026, a photo is required for applicants aged one year or older, whereas previously children under 16 did not need a photo.
在留資格「家族滞在」 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
From 1 October 2026 only Dependents, not Students, may work in pachinko parlours and similar gaming venues, and only with an individual permit.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The agency's guideline for changes and extensions was last revised in June 2026, when it added a note on information received from other bodies about tax compliance; it says the results of that information can be used in decisions.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-01

Open the official page ↗ · As of 2026-10-23

Information only. Not legal advice and not an official service. Check the official source and consult the Immigration Services Agency or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) before you decide.