Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan｜Procedures for Bringing a Minor Biological Child to Live in Japan

1. What Is the Dependent Child Settler Visa for a Minor, Unmarried Biological Child?

1. Eligible Children: Minor, Unmarried Biological Children Who Are Financially Supported

The so-called “Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan” for a biological child refers to the status of residence that allows a minor, unmarried biological child who is financially supported by a Permanent Resident, Settler, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, or Special Permanent Resident to live in Japan.

In everyday language this is sometimes called a “visa for a dependent child,” but under this category the settler visa can be granted only to a biological child. As a rule, adopted children are not included (however, there may be a possibility of obtaining a settler visa for an adopted child under the age of six).

Screening focuses mainly on the child’s welfare, need for care, and living environment. Therefore, when applying for a dependent child settler visa for an older child, it is especially important to explain in detail the necessity of financial support and cohabitation, as well as the child’s schooling plan.

• Biological child: The blood relationship must be proven by a birth certificate or other official documents.
• Minor: The child must enter Japan before the day prior to their 18th birthday.
• Unmarried: If the child has a history of marriage, the immigration authority may consider the child more “independent,” and as a rule such cases fall outside the scope of this visa category.

In many cases, the purpose is to bring the biological child from overseas to Japan, so the first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If the child is already in Japan on a short-term stay, it may be possible, depending on the circumstances, to consider a change of status of residence to a settler visa for a dependent child.

2. Key Screening Points for a Child’s “Settler” Visa Application

“Settler” is a status of residence that the Immigration Services Agency may grant in exceptional cases, after comprehensively assessing the individual circumstances.
In particular, for a Dependent Child Settler Visa to enable the care and financial support of a minor, unmarried biological child in Japan, the following points are heavily emphasized because the visa aims to secure the child’s stable living environment.

• Genuineness of the family relationship:
  The most important factor is whether there are no contradictions in the birth certificate or other public documents proving the parent–child relationship and whether it is clearly confirmed that the applicant is the child’s biological parent. If there are inconsistencies in the name, date of birth, marital history, etc., additional explanations will be required.
• Feasibility of care and financial support:
  A concrete life plan is required, explaining from when and in what way the child will live together with and be financially supported by the parent in Japan. Immigration will check the planned school, whether the school can accept the child, the safety of the living area, prospects for Japanese language support, and the overall childcare system in Japan.
• Stability of livelihood:
  The authority will confirm whether the income, housing, social insurance coverage, and tax payment status are stable enough to raise the child. If income is unstable, additional documents may be requested, such as a detailed explanation of the household finances, savings, or information on any financial supporters.
• Best Interest of the Child:
  This internationally important concept is also given great weight in immigration screening. The authority will comprehensively consider whether living in Japan will provide the child with a better environment in terms of education, medical care, and safety, and whether separating the child from the parent would cause any disadvantage.

If the application is approved, the usual period of stay granted is 1 year / 3 years / 5 years, and the child’s work activities are in principle not restricted (except for activities that violate laws and regulations).
At renewal, immigration will strictly check whether the family is actually living as described in the original plan, including continued cohabitation of parent and child, ongoing care and financial support, the child’s adjustment to school life, and proper enrollment in social insurance and proper tax payment.

Especially for a minor’s status of residence, decisions are made based on the “best interest of the child.” Therefore, it is not enough to simply prepare the documents in a formal way. Demonstrating in detail that a safe and secure living environment is in place for the child to live in Japan is a crucial factor in obtaining approval for the Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan.

2. Procedures for Bringing a Foreign National Child from Overseas

(1) Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

When you wish to bring your foreign national biological child (dependent child) from overseas to Japan, the first step on the Japan side is to apply for a “Certificate of Eligibility (COE: Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence).”

In principle, this application is filed by the parent who resides in Japan. The purpose of the application is to have the child’s eligibility to stay in Japan as a “Settler” (dependent child settler visa) pre-approved before the child actually enters Japan.

Once the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, the visa issuance process at the Japanese embassy or consulate becomes smoother, and checks at the time of entry are simplified.

2. Typical Timeline from Application to Entry

When bringing a foreign national biological child (dependent child) from overseas, it typically takes about 2–4 months from preparation to the child’s entry into Japan. Screening includes verification of the parent–child relationship, consent from the other biological parent, and the parent’s financial capacity, and the total period may vary depending on the country and document situation. The outline and key points at each stage are as follows.

1. Preparation (about 2–4 weeks): Collect birth certificates, consent letters from the other biological parent, income certificates, and documents related to housing. Some overseas documents may require notarization, an apostille, or authentication by Japanese missions abroad, so it is crucial to start translation and authentication early. More than the format of the documents, a well-prepared statement of reasons that concretely explains the parent–child relationship and the actual living situation will greatly influence the approval rate.
2. COE screening (about 1–3 months): The Immigration Services Bureau examines the application for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The result is usually issued in 1–3 months, but the period may be extended if there are document deficiencies or if additional questions arise. Always keep copies of all submitted documents so that you can respond quickly if immigration requests clarification. At this stage, the genuineness of the parent–child relationship and the ability to maintain a stable livelihood are carefully examined.
3. Visa application (about 1–3 weeks): Once the COE is issued, the child applies for a visa at the local Japanese embassy or consulate. The visa is usually granted in 1–3 weeks, but the timing may vary according to the local screening situation. At the time of application, the embassy or consulate may ask to see the original COE, passport, application form, photographs, and sometimes copies of the consent letter from the other biological parent and family registry documents.
4. After entry (within 14 days): Upon arrival in Japan, the child undergoes immigration inspection at the airport and receives a residence card. Within 14 days, the child must complete resident registration and then enroll in the national health insurance and proceed with school enrollment procedures. For school-aged children, it is advisable to contact the municipal board of education or school as early as possible to ensure a smooth process. At this stage you can also receive information on medical services and Japanese language support systems available to children.

In this way, bringing a foreign national child to Japan under the Dependent Child Settler Visa goes through the stages of “family preparation” → “COE screening” → “visa application” → “entry and start of life in Japan.” Careful preparation of documents and the statement of reasons can shorten the overall schedule and lead to smoother entry. ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides comprehensive support at each stage, including checking required documents, arranging translations, and coordinating notarization.

3. Immigration Screening Period

The screening period is published and updated monthly. Please refer to the latest average processing times at the link below.

4. List of Required Documents (Birth Certificate, Family Registry, Letter of Guarantee, etc.)

The list of required documents is frequently revised due to legal and procedural changes, so please be sure to check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency website.

If you entrust the case to us, we will use the official list of required documents on the immigration website as a base and prepare a customized set of documents that we believe will give the highest likelihood of approval, based on your family’s specific circumstances.

3. When a Change of Status Is Possible Within Japan

As a general rule, the Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan (for a minor, unmarried biological child) is obtained by bringing the child from overseas through a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued outside Japan.
However, if the child is already staying in Japan and meets the definition of a minor, unmarried biological child, it may be possible, depending on the circumstances, to apply for a change of status of residence within Japan instead of using the usual route for the Dependent Child Settler Visa.

Temporary Visitor → Settler

In principle, a change of status from Temporary Visitor to Settler is not permitted. However, there have been exceptional cases where a change of status to a Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan was allowed only for a minor, unmarried biological child, when sending the child back to the home country would make proper care and protection extremely difficult. Such cases may include situations where the biological parent is no longer able to care for the child due to illness, or where a natural disaster or similar event makes it unrealistic for the child to return to their original living environment.

Family Stay → Settler

A second pattern is a change of status from Family Stay to Settler. This option is considered when a minor, unmarried biological child currently staying in Japan under a Family Stay status (as a dependent of a work visa holder, etc.) should instead be granted status on the basis of parental care and financial support as the primary reason for residence. This may be examined, for example, when the parent becomes a Permanent Resident or Settler, or when the parent’s status of residence changes, they leave their job, or the dependent relationship becomes weaker, and it becomes necessary to prioritize the stability of the child’s upbringing by switching to a Dependent Child Settler Visa.

Other Statuses (Student, Designated Activities) → Settler

In addition, if a minor, unmarried biological child is staying in Japan under another status (such as Student or Designated Activities), but in reality is living together with the parent in Japan and continuously receiving care and financial support, a change of status to a Settler Visa for a dependent child may be considered to better reflect the actual living situation.

In all of these cases, the key question in the change-of-status screening is whether the child’s current purpose of stay and living situation match the underlying purpose of the Dependent Child Settler Visa for a minor, unmarried biological child. In particular, when requesting a change from Temporary Visitor to Settler, it is essential to demonstrate in the statement of reasons—supported by objective evidence—that the case truly requires exceptional handling from the perspective of the child’s best interests.

4. Key Points in Screening a Child’s Settler Visa Application

When a minor, unmarried biological child applies for a Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan, the immigration authority does not only review formal documents. Instead, they conduct a comprehensive assessment of whether the child will be able to live stably in Japan. In particular, factors directly related to the child’s welfare—such as the genuineness of the parent–child relationship, the continuity of financial support, and the stability of the living base—are carefully examined. Below is an overview of the main points that are especially important in screening.

1. Genuineness of the Parent–Child Relationship (Verification of the Birth Certificate)

When applying for a Settler Visa as a minor, unmarried biological child, the most important factor is the actual existence and genuineness of the parent–child relationship.
The Immigration Services Agency carefully checks whether the submitted public documents are accurate and whether there are any inconsistencies between them.

• Biological child (eligible for the Dependent Child Settler Visa): Birth certificate (place of birth, parents’ names, date of birth) / identification of the biological parent / records of marriage and acknowledgment of paternity
• Consistency checks: Matching of name spellings (in the native language and Roman letters), date of birth, relationship, address, etc. If there are discrepancies, a “statement explaining inconsistencies” should be attached.
• Ensuring authenticity: Apostille, notarization, consular authentication, etc., plus a Japanese translation with the translator’s signature and date.

2. Financial Capacity and Stability of the Living Base

A key question is whether the parent in Japan (Permanent Resident, Settler, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, or Special Permanent Resident) can raise the minor biological child in a stable manner. More than just the income amount itself, the immigration authority places weight on the continuity of income, proper enrollment in social insurance, and stability of housing.

• Continuity of income: Certificate of employment, employment contract, payslips, tax certificates, and income tax returns
• Tax and social insurance: Payment status of income tax and resident tax, and records of enrollment in health insurance and pension
• Stable housing: Rental contract, property registry of owned house, floor plan (indicating the child’s living space), utility bills
• Household planning: Clearly describing the expected costs of school, food, and medical expenses (a simple household cash-flow chart is effective)

3. Living Environment and Educational Arrangements

Whether the minor child can live safely and appropriately in Japan is examined from the perspective of the “Best Interest of the Child,” which lies at the heart of Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan screening.

• Education: Records of inquiries to the planned school, information on transfer/admission, consultation records regarding Japanese language support (JSL classes, support classrooms)
• Medical care: Translated vaccination records, notices of health checkups from the municipality, summarized notes of medical history, and securing a primary-care doctor
• Daily life: Safety of the commute route to school, planned use of after-school care or local support programs, and rules for daily life at home
• Safety: Security of the residential environment, designated evacuation sites in case of disasters, and connections with the local community

4. Precautions Regarding False Applications or Fictitious Relationships

If there are doubts about the parent–child relationship, consent letters, or financial support plan, immigration may conduct additional inquiries, interviews, or verification with employers, and approval will become more difficult.
To prove that the applicant is indeed a minor biological child, it is important to submit supporting materials as primary documents together with a chronological explanation.

• Common problems (NG examples): Formal defects in consent letters, missing translations, mismatches in names or dates of birth, concealment of past violations of immigration rules
• Countermeasures: Thorough unification of name and date-of-birth notation, attaching an explanatory statement when inconsistencies exist, and responding concisely to additional inquiries with supporting evidence
• Transparency: Clearly explaining how consent from the other biological parent was obtained, who bears the costs, and providing communication records (messages, remittance records) where appropriate

5. Q&A on the Dependent Child Settler Visa for Foreign National Children

Even if a minor, unmarried biological child is granted a Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan, the period of stay (1 year, 3 years, or 5 years) does not necessarily have to be the same as that of the parent in Japan.

Immigration will decide an appropriate period of stay for the child after comprehensively assessing the parent–child care arrangement, stability of the household, and continuity of schooling.

Typical examples of how this is assessed:

• The first permission is often granted for “1 year”.
• If life and financial support are stable, renewal for “3 years” or “5 years” is possible.
• Even if the parent has a 5-year status, the child may still start with a 1-year permission.

In other words, the child’s period of stay is not automatically linked to the parent’s period of stay; it is determined based on the child’s welfare and stability of life.

As a general rule, it is not possible to change from Temporary Visitor to another status of residence. This is because the Temporary Visitor status is intended solely for “visits and tourism”.

However, in cases where there are very strong reasons related to the welfare and care of a minor biological child, there have been exceptional cases in which an in-country change to a Dependent Child Settler Visa was approved.

Examples where exceptional treatment is more likely to be considered:

• When the parent in Japan has become ill or affected by a disaster and urgent care for the child in Japan is necessary.
• When the child has already started living together and attending school in Japan, and sending the child back would clearly harm the child’s interests.
• When travel records and the actual living situation show that effective care and supervision are already being provided in Japan.

If you wish to request such an exception, it is crucial to prepare a detailed statement of reasons and supporting evidence that clearly explains “why it is necessary to provide care for the child in Japan immediately”.

This category of Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan is strictly limited to “minor (under 18), unmarried biological children”. Therefore, as a general rule, university students and children who have already reached adulthood are not eligible.

That said, if the child is a high school student under the age of 18, the application may be examined where there is a clear need to live under the parent’s care in Japan. In such cases, documents showing the preparation of the schooling environment (accepting school, Japanese language education, etc.) and the financial support plan are very useful.

On the other hand, children who have a history of marriage or who are already financially independent are not considered dependents and therefore fall outside the scope of this Dependent Child Settler Visa.

Yes. The basic procedure is the same regardless of whether the parent is a Japanese national, Permanent Resident, Settler, etc. In all cases, the application is examined under the same Dependent Child Settler Visa framework for a minor, unmarried biological child.

The parent in Japan applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and after it is issued, the child obtains a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate overseas. For Permanent Residents, immigration tends to examine the stability of income, housing, tax payment, and social insurance coverage even more carefully.

Regardless of the parent’s status of residence, the key points are always proof that the child is a biological child, consent from the other biological parent, and adequate preparation for the child’s education and daily life in Japan.

Having a low income does not automatically mean the application will be refused. In screening, immigration focuses on the continuity and realism of the plan to support the child’s living expenses, that is, whether the child can actually be supported in practice.

You can present the total household income (including the spouse’s income). You can also supplement the application with documents that show future stability, such as prospects for contract renewal, job offers, additional part-time income, and savings balances. A written “household financial plan” summarizing major expenses such as rent and school fees is also effective.

Even if your income is not high, proper payment of taxes and enrollment in social insurance are strong positive factors. Where necessary, you may also attach letters of financial support and remittance records from co-residing relatives to demonstrate a stable support structure at the household level.

7. Our Dependent Child Settler Visa Service for Bringing a Foreign National Child to Japan

1. Service Overview

This service provides professional support for applying for a Settler status of residence so that your foreign national biological child living overseas can come to Japan and live together with you under the Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan framework.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we handle everything from preparing evidence of the parent–child relationship, consent letters, and financial support plans to applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), change of status, and extensions of stay. We focus on designing an application strategy and preparing documents that maximize the chances of approval.

We provide support in cases such as the following:

2. What Our Service Includes

1. Advice and support in preparing the optimal set of documents—parent–child relationship, consent, and financial support plans—to improve the approval rate.
2. Filing the application on your behalf with the Immigration Services Agency for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or for a change of status of residence.
3. Support and checking for required translations, notarization, and apostille/authentication of overseas documents.
4. Monitoring of the application during the screening period, handling requests for additional documents, and responding to inquiries on your behalf.
5. Free re-application support in case of refusal, including analysis of the reasons and rebuilding of the application strategy.
6. Strategic advice aimed at obtaining a longer period of stay (3 or 5 years) and preparing for future Permanent Residency applications.

For a Dependent Child Settler Visa Japan, immigration authorities rigorously examine multiple aspects, including genuineness of the parent–child relationship, financial capacity, consent from the other biological parent, and the best interests of the child. Based on ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office’s extensive track record and practical experience, we consistently support you in preparing the most suitable application documents and statements of reasons so that your family can start a stable life together in Japan.

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Fees for Our Settler Visa Application Service (Tax Excluded)

・There are no additional fees based on your individual circumstances.

・Our services are available throughout Japan. Even clients living far from Tokyo can receive full support at the same fee.

・Payment by Visa and MasterCard is also accepted.

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