Japan Family Visa (Dependent)
For a spouse/child who is dependent on a person living in Japan; often a COE.
About visa
The Japan Family Visa (Dependent) is intended for Georgian citizens who wish to join a family member in Japan who already holds a long-term Japanese visa (e.g., work, student, or other type of visa). This visa allows spouses, children, or, in some cases, parents, to reside in Japan with the sponsor for the duration of their visa.
This type of visa is based on the sponsor's status and financial ability to prove that they can support their family member in Japan. This type of Japanese visa differs from a short-term visa , which is used for tourism or short business visits and does not provide for long-term residence in Japan. It is also different from a student visa or business visa , as its main purpose is family reunification, not study or work.
The Japanese family visa process often requires a sponsor in Japan to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the relevant immigration office. A COE is a preliminary approval that confirms that the applicant meets the conditions for long-term residence in Japan. Without this document, the chances of obtaining a visa are significantly reduced. After receiving the COE, the applicant can apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in Georgia.
Unlike family visas in other countries, such as Canada , where family reunification programs often involve complex sponsorship agreements and lengthy processing times, Japan's system is more streamlined at the embassy level through the COE, although the COE itself can take several months to obtain. Unlike Australian family visas, which are notorious for extremely long processing times (sometimes years), the Japanese embassy issues the visa relatively quickly after the COE is submitted.
A Japanese family visa usually allows you to live in Japan and, under certain conditions, work, if the sponsor's visa type allows for this and the immigration office issues the appropriate permission. The visa is usually valid for the same period as the sponsor's visa and can be renewed in Japan as long as the sponsor continues to reside legally in the country. It is important that the applicant accurately fulfills all requirements and provides accurate documentation to avoid rejection.
Required Documents
📄Basic Documents
💰Financial Documents
🛡️Civil and Security Documents
📋Other Documents
Application Process
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Your sponsor in Japan must apply to the Japanese Regional Immigration Bureau to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This process can take 1 to 3 months. The COE is a required document for a Japanese family visa application.
Gather the necessary documents
After receiving your COE, gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, photographs, marriage/birth certificates, sponsor documents (visa, residence card, employment certificate, financial documents), invitation and guarantee letters.
Fill out the visa application form.
Please fill out the Japan visa application form carefully. Make sure that all information is accurate and consistent with the other documents you have submitted. Any inaccuracies may result in your application being delayed or rejected.
Submit an application to the Japanese Embassy
Submit your complete application package, along with the original COE, to the Embassy of Japan in Georgia (Tbilisi). Advance registration may be required. Pay the appropriate consular fee.
Wait for the application to be reviewed.
The embassy will review your application. In the case of a COE, the review period is usually 5 working days, although it may be extended if additional checks or documents are requested.
Get a visa
If approved, the embassy will contact you to collect your visa. The visa will be affixed to your passport. Congratulations, you can travel to Japan to reunite with your family!
Important Tips & Advice
Processing Fees
Consular fee (single entry)
This is the standard consular fee for a single-entry visa. For long-term visas, including family visas, the fee may vary or be paid at the time of visa issuance, especially in the case of COE. Please check the official website of the Japanese Embassy for the latest information, as rates are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and why is it important <a href="/en/country/japan/dependent/">for a Japanese family visa</a> ?
A COE is a document issued by the Japanese Immigration Service that certifies that the applicant meets the conditions for long-term residence. It greatly simplifies the visa application process at the embassy, and without it, it is almost impossible to obtain a family visa.
Can I work with <a href="/en/country/japan/dependent/">a Japanese family visa</a> ?
Yes, family visa holders can usually obtain permission for work activities from the Japanese Immigration Service. Obtaining a work permit depends on the type of visa your sponsor holds and your specific circumstances.
What is the estimated processing time <a href="/en/country/japan/dependent/">for a Japan family visa</a> ?
It can take 1 to 3 months or more to receive a COE. Once the COE is submitted, the visa processing time at the embassy is usually 5 business days, although it may take longer due to additional checks.
What could be the reason for <a href="/en/country/japan/dependent/">a Japanese family visa</a> being denied?
Reasons for denial may include incomplete or false documentation, insufficient financial support from the sponsor, lack of documentation proving the relationship, or issues with the sponsor's status. It is important that all documentation is accurate and complete.
Is it possible to renew <a href="/en/country/japan/dependent/">a Japanese family visa</a> ?
Yes, if your sponsor continues to reside legally in Japan and meets the immigration requirements, your family visa can be renewed in Japan before it expires.
Japan Visa Types
Explore other visa options that might suit your needs