Can You Bring Family When You Study in Japan? The Basics of the "Dependent" Status, and Why Japanese Language School Students Cannot Bring Family Under It

When they plan to study abroad, some people wonder whether their family can come to Japan with them. To say the conclusion first: students at Japanese language schools cannot bring family under the "Dependent" status of residence. Whether you can bring family depends on the type of school you attend. This guide explains the basics of the system for bringing family and the points to watch, using official information.

We checked the official pages listed at the bottom on 7 November 2026. How the system is applied can change, and individual decisions are made by the Immigration Services Agency. Before you make plans to bring your family, confirm the details with your school and the Immigration Services Agency's latest guidance. We cannot guarantee a permit.

The conclusion first

• Students at Japanese language schools: According to the Immigration Services Agency's Q&A, when the supporter is a student at a Japanese language institution, they are not eligible to bring family under the "Dependent" status of residence, whatever the type of school.
• Students at universities and similar schools: According to Study in Japan (JASSO), the spouse and children of an international student enrolled at a university can live in Japan under the "Dependent" status of residence.
• Which family members: In principle, a spouse or children who are supported by a person living in Japan. There is in principle no status of residence granted because you are the parent of a foreign national.
• Entering on a "Temporary Visitor" status (a short stay for tourism, etc.) and then changing is in principle not allowed.

What the "Dependent" status is

"Dependent" is a status of residence for the spouse or child of a foreign national living in Japan, supported by that person, to carry out daily activities (Immigration Services Agency). The period of stay is a period the Minister of Justice designates individually (not exceeding five years).

According to JASSO, the family of a university student can live in Japan under the "Dependent" status, based on the period of stay of the student supporting them.

If you are a student at a Japanese language school

Students at Japanese language schools cannot bring family under the "Dependent" status. If you want your family to come from your home country, think about the following.

• While you are at a Japanese language school, plan to live apart from your family.
• When you go on to a university or similar school, check at that time under the system then in force whether you can bring your family. The Immigration Services Agency decides each case individually.
• Do not simply believe a study-abroad agent who says you can bring your family. For anything you are unsure about, check with your school and the Immigration Services Agency.

For going on to further study after language school, see the guide to going on to further study after language school.

If you are a university student or similar (JASSO's guidance)

JASSO gives the following guidance.

• It recommends bringing your family only after you are used to life in Japan and are financially stable.
• If your family first enters on a "Temporary Visitor" status for tourism or similar and then tries to obtain the "Dependent" status, it becomes difficult.

The Immigration Services Agency's Q&A also says that changing from "Temporary Visitor" to another status of residence is limited to cases with unavoidable special circumstances and is in principle not allowed. If you want to stay longer in Japan, it directs you to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or similar.

Documents needed to apply (Immigration Services Agency)

For a Certificate of Eligibility for the "Dependent" status, when you newly enter Japan, the main documents needed are:

• The application form, a photo and a return envelope
• A document proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter (one of: a family register, a certificate of acceptance of the marriage notification, a copy of the marriage certificate or a copy of the birth certificate)
• A copy of the supporter's residence card or passport
• Documents proving the supporter's occupation and income. For a company employee, for example, a certificate of employment and tax certificates. Otherwise, a bank balance certificate in the supporter's name, or a certificate showing the amount and period of a scholarship.

Certificates issued in Japan must be within three months of the issue date. Attach a Japanese translation to documents in a foreign language. The documents needed differ by the type of application, so check the latest guidance.

Work (part-time) for family members

To work, a person with the "Dependent" status needs permission to engage in activities other than that permitted. With a comprehensive permission, there are limits such as working within 28 hours a week (Immigration Services Agency). If you go beyond the range of the comprehensive permission, an individual permission is needed. Check the Immigration Services Agency's guidance for details such as limits on the type of work. The part-time work rules for students are explained in the part-time work guide.

What to think about when bringing family

1. 1Check the type of school: While you are at a Japanese language school, you cannot bring family under the Dependent status.
2. 2Think about costs: Bringing family increases housing, living and insurance costs. Documents proving the supporter's income or savings are also needed. See also the cost guide.
3. 3Think about housing: You need to find a place where your family can live. See the housing guide.
4. 4Do not enter as a tourist and try to stay on: In principle, a change is not allowed.
5. 5Consult your school and the Immigration Services Agency early: The system can change. At the Foreign Resident General Information Center (0570-013904) you can get guidance in Nepali too (see the guide to where to get help). However, they cannot answer about the outlook for an individual permit or the result of an examination.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my family if I attend a Japanese language school?

You cannot bring them under the "Dependent" status of residence. When the supporter is a student at a Japanese language institution, they are not eligible to bring family under the "Dependent" status, whatever the type of school. For other arrangements such as a short visit, check the Immigration Services Agency's latest guidance according to the purpose and period.

Can I bring my family if I am a university student?

According to JASSO, the spouse and children of a university student can live in Japan under the "Dependent" status of residence. However, there are documents and an examination, and a permit is not guaranteed.

Can I bring my parents?

There is in principle no status of residence granted because you are the parent of a foreign national. The Immigration Services Agency's Q&A also says that those who can be brought are in principle a spouse or children who are supported.

Can my family come first as tourists and change to the Dependent status later?

In principle, it is not allowed. JASSO also says it becomes difficult.

Can my family work in Japan?

They need permission to engage in activities other than that permitted. Even with permission, there are limits on hours and the type of work.

What to do next

If you are thinking of living with your family, think about the type of school and your plan for further study from the time you choose a school. See How to Choose a Japanese Language School and the school list. For the full process, see How to Study in Japan from Nepal. You can contact us, but we do not guarantee admission or a visa. Decisions about individual statuses of residence are made by the Immigration Services Agency. This site is free to use.