Can my family members (spouse, children) accompany me as holders of a "Dependent" visa? Are they allowed to work in Japan?

Sure, here is the translation:

Answer: Okay, no problem. Regarding the "Dependent Visa" (家族滞在), this is indeed a major concern for many friends preparing to come to Japan for work or study. I'll explain what I know in plain language.

Question 1: Can my family members (spouse, children) come with me as holders of a "Dependent Visa"?

The simple and direct answer is: Yes!

But there are a few key points you need to know:

Who counts as "family"? In Japan's visa system, the scope of "family" defined for the "Dependent Visa" is very clear: it refers to your legal spouse and children (including biological children and legally adopted children).
- Important: Your parents, siblings, or unmarried partners cannot apply for a "Dependent Visa". If they want to come to Japan, they need to apply for other visa types (like a short-term visit visa).
What are the prerequisites? The core condition is: You (the main applicant) must have the ability to support them. When applying, you need to prove to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (入国管理局, often shortened to 入管局) that your income or savings are sufficient to cover the living expenses of your entire family in Japan. Simply put, you must demonstrate you have enough money to support them; otherwise, immigration authorities will worry about your family facing hardship after arriving in Japan.
When to apply?
1. Apply together: When you apply for your own work or study visa, you can submit the "Dependent Visa" application materials for your family members at the same time. This is the most convenient way.
2. Apply later: You can also come to Japan first, get settled, and then apply for a "Certificate of Eligibility" for your family members at the Immigration Bureau in Japan. Once they obtain this certificate, they can apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Question 2: Can they (Dependent Visa holders) work in Japan?

The answer to this question is: Not by default, but they can after applying for permission!

This needs to be looked at in two steps:

The "Dependent Visa" itself = Cannot work The essence of this visa is to be "dependent" on your visa, with the purpose of allowing family members to live with you in Japan, not to work. Therefore, simply holding this visa does not allow any income-earning activity.
After applying for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" = Can do part-time work Although the visa itself doesn't permit work, the Japanese government also considers that family members might want to supplement household income or integrate into society. Therefore, they provide a "patch" called "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" (日文: 資格外活動許可 - shikakugai katsudō kyoka).
- What is this? You can think of it as a "work permit." Once your spouse or child obtains this permission, they can work legally.
- Work restrictions: This permission is not for finding full-time work. It has strict time limits: no more than 28 hours per week.
- Type of work: Basically, it covers what we commonly call part-time jobs or side jobs (in Japanese, アルバイト - arubaito). Examples include working at convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. It's important to note that any work related to the "adult entertainment industry" (such as hostess bars, pachinko parlors, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

How to apply for this "work permit"?

The procedure is actually very simple. I strongly recommend the first method:

Method 1 (Most Recommended): Apply directly at the Immigration Bureau counter at the airport when your family members first enter Japan. After getting off the plane, at the place where they receive their "Residence Card" (Japan's ID card), fill out an "Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" form. It can be processed on the spot. They will stamp the back of the Residence Card, stating the permission details. This is the fastest and easiest way – done in a minute!
Method 2: If you forget to do it upon entry, you can apply later at the Immigration Bureau office responsible for your place of residence. It's a bit more troublesome as you need to make a trip, but it can still be done.

To summarize the key points:

Can they come? Yes! As long as they are your legal spouse or children, and you can prove you can support them.
Can they work? Not by default. But by applying for something called "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence", they can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.
Best practice: When family members first enter Japan, apply for the "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" at the airport. It saves time and effort.

I hope this explanation helps! Settling in Japan is a process; just take it step by step. Best wishes to you and your family!