The short answer
- A Dependent status depends on the main holder keeping their own status.
- Dependents can work up to 28 hours a week with permission. Spouses of Japanese nationals can work freely.
- A marriage must be registered both in Japan and in your home country.
- Permanent residency rules for spouses were reported to be tightened from April 2027.
Dependent
The Dependent status is for the spouse and children of a foreign worker, student or other resident with a qualifying status. Your period of stay follows the main holder, and your status ends if theirs does. It does not cover parents, partners who are not married to the main holder, or siblings in most cases.
You apply with a Certificate of Eligibility, obtained by the main holder in Japan, together with marriage and birth certificates and proof that the main holder can support you. Dependents may work up to 28 hours a week after obtaining permission.
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
If you marry a Japanese citizen, you can apply for this status. It is granted for one, three or five years, and has no restriction on the kind of work you do or the number of hours. Authorities check that the marriage is genuine, and may ask about how you met and live.
To apply, you register the marriage in Japan, and in your own country if required, then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or change status in Japan. The Long-Term Resident status covers other family situations, including some children and divorced or widowed spouses.
Marriage, divorce and notifications
Marriage registration is a separate process at the city office, and you may need documents from your home country translated into Japanese. Registering a marriage does not give you a status. You still apply for one.
You must tell immigration within 14 days of a marriage, divorce or the death of your spouse, since these affect your status. After a divorce you may be able to change to another status if you qualify.
Good to know
- Gather certificates early, since translations and certification abroad take time.
- Keep a record of your relationship, such as photographs and messages, in case officials ask.
- If your marriage ends, ask an immigration bureau or a professional about your status promptly.
Words you will see
- 家族滞在 kazoku taizai
- Dependent status
- 日本人の配偶者等 nihonjin no haigūsha tō
- Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
- 定住者 teijūsha
- Long-Term Resident
- 婚姻届 kon'in todoke
- marriage registration form
See also
Based on information from the Immigration Services Agency. Rules and fees checked in November 2026. Requirements depend on your nationality, status and case, and officials have some discretion. The Immigration Services Agency has the final word.