I want to invite my (biological) child from my home country to come live in Japan with me. What should I do?

Children need a visa and status of residence. Ask the Immigration Services Agency, an information center, or some other authority for details.

Question counters related to status of residence

Depending on the child's age, it is also necessary to think about sending them to school. Check here for details.

More information

differences between visa and status of residence

Visa…Visas are obtained from a Japanese embassy or consulate in the home country before arriving in Japan, and is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Status of residence…Status of residence is obtained when entering Japan, and is issued by the Immigration Services Agency.

differences between "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" and "Permanent Resident" status of residence

  Spouse or Child of Japanese National Permanent Resident
Period of Stay

6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years
(Renewal is necessary)

 Unlimited
(Residence Card renewal paperwork is necessary)
In the case of divorce or the death of the Japanese spouse In this case the status of residence cannot be renewed, so a new status of residence must be obtained in order to continue residing in Japan.

※After the divorce or death, you can stay in Japan until the current status of residence expires.		 This does not affect your status of residence, so you can continue to stay in Japan.
  • 「Permanent Residency」means that an individual has the right to live permanently in Japan while retaining their foreign nationality. Apply for permanent residency at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Permanent Residency is one type of residency status.

  • 「Naturalization」refers to a foreign national obtaining Japanese citizenship, thereby becoming a Japanese person. Apply at the Legal Affairs Bureau.


Akita Regional Legal Affairs Bureau, Family Registration Division
Telephone：018-862-1129
Available days and times：8:30 - 17:15 (Weekdays only)

related to education and bringing children from overseas

Before bringing a child to Japan from overseas think carefully about the following issues

  1. The child's age
  2. The child's Japanese language ability
  3. Education in Japan