If you wish to invite your spouse and children to stay with you in Japan, your family members must obtain “Dependant” status of residence.
To obtain a “Dependant” visa, you should first go to the Immigration Bureau in Japan to apply for the “Certificate of Eligibility” on behalf of your family members.

Required Documents

1. Application Form for Certificate of Eligibility(Dependant) for each applicant(your family member)
2. A 4×3 identical photograph(taken within 6 months) for each applicant
3. A copy of each applicant’s passport pages showing photo, passport number, and expiration date.
4. Certificate such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, or family registers that indicates the relationship between you and each applicant
   *If the document is written in any language other than Japanese or English, attach a Japanese/English translation.
5. Copies of your passport and Alien Registration Card
6. Certificate of Enrollment
7. Documents proving your financial ability to support the family during their stay in Japan (Please see here.)
8. A self-addressed envelope with \430 postage stamp attached

It usually takes one or two months to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility. After receiving it, send it to your family. Then your family should go to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate nearest to their residence and apply for “Dependant” visa. For the application, there are some other required documents besides the Certificate of Eligibility. Please inquire at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

Please be aware that the process for changing the visa status while in Japan is extremely difficult after your family enters Japan under the status of Temporary Visitor (normally called a “Tourist Visa”).