Dependent Visa → Permanent Residency approval

An application for permanent residency coming from a dependent visa can’t be done alone. The dependent visa holder needs to apply with their spouse or family member at the same time.

The status of “dependent” is attached to the person who is working in Japan, whether that is a spouse, parent, or other family member. In other words, it is attached to their work visa.

When applying with a family member who holds a work visa, it is possible to apply for permanent residence even if the dependent has not lived in Japan for more than 10 years or worked in Japan for more than 5 years. This is because when a dependent applies with a family member, they become a "spouse, child, etc., of a permanent resident," and because they fall under this status, they are not subject to the main requirements of permanent residency.

In the case of a spouse who is a dependent, they can apply for permanent residence together with their partner that holds some form of work visa if they have been married for at least 3 years and the dependent has been continuously residing in Japan for at least one year. Children can also apply for permanent residence together with their parents if they have resided in Japan for at least one year.