When a child is born to a foreign couple living in Japan, several procedures are required. In particular, in order for the family to continue to live in Japan, the child’s status of residence must be obtained.
This section explains the case of a foreigner working on a work visa and his spouse (wife and child) who are considering obtaining a ‘Dependent'(「家族滞在」) visa for their child.
*This article is mainly intended to explain the ‘Dependent’ visa for a baby born to a working foreign couple.
Procedures when a child is born to a foreign couple
When a foreign couple living in Japan has a child, they will have to go through procedures regarding the child’s birth and residence status. This is a busy time as you begin to bring up your child, but it is important to note that all the procedures to be completed have time limits.
1.Submission of the ‘Birth Certificate’.
First, within 14 days of the child’s birth, go to the municipal office and submit a ‘Birth Certificate'(「出生届」).
This is a procedure that everyone living in Japan, regardless of nationality, has to do.
When you submit a ‘Birth Certificate’, you receive a ‘Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report'(「出生届受理証明書」). This is used for subsequent procedures.
When you submit a Birth Certificate, you also report your child’s name. It’s hard to think of a name for a child within 14 days, but it’s a very happy time.
2．Report birth and apply for passport at the Embassy in Japan.
Go to the embassy or consulate of your home country to report and register the birth.
You should also apply for your child’s passport.
3.Complete the procedures for obtaining the status of residence ‘Dependent’.
Children of foreign couples born in Japan need a status of residence (visa) to live in Japan. Children of foreigners working on a work visa are classified as ‘Dependent’, while children of permanent residents are classified as ‘Permanent Resident’ (「永住者」)or ‘Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident'(「永住者の配偶者等」). This article explains the case of ‘Dependent’.
When must the procedure be completed?
Within 30 days of the child’s birth, an ‘Application for permission to obtain status of residence'(「在留資格取得許可申請」) is filed at the Immigration Service Agency.
After obtaining residence status, present your child’s original passport and you will receive a residence card.
*If you do not have your child’s passport at the time of application, it is OK as long as you have it by the time you receive your child’s residence card.
Where the procedure is carried out
Complete the procedures at the nearest Immigration Service Agency (the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over your place of residence).
Who can apply
The child’s father and mother are ‘legal representatives’ and can apply on behalf of the child.
It is not necessary to take the newborn baby to Immigration Service Agency at this time.
The second sheet of the application form can also be signed by the legal representative (father or mother).
A notified ‘Agent'(「取次者」) can make the application on behalf of the applicant. Examples of ‘Agents’ are administrative scriveners(行政書士) and lawyers.
*You can also ask an administrative lawyer to do this for you.
Required documents
| In the case of a child |
|---|
| ・Application for permission to obtain status of residence(在留資格取得許可申請書) ・Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report(出生届受理証明書) ・Certificate of employment (在職証明書) of the supporter(father/mother) ・Resident tax taxation certificate and tax payment certificate(住民税の課税・納税証明書)of the supporter(father/mother) ・Child’s passport (*Presented. In the case of Application for permission to obtain status of residence） ・Residence card and passport of the supporter (* presented) |
*In addition to the above, documents that provide supplementary explanation about your life and documents that show your past status of residence may also be required. The above is the minimum required documentation.
Procedures for bringing children born in the home country or abroad to Japan
If you wish to invite a child born in your home country or abroad to live with you in Japan, you must apply for a ‘Application for Certificate of Eligibility’ (「在留資格認定証明書交付申請」)for ‘Dependent’ status. Once the ‘Certificate of Eligibility’ is issued and the child’s visa is issued, the child is allowed to enter Japan.
Who can apply
When bringing a child from abroad, basically, a family member resident in Japan who is bringing the applicant (child of foreign nationality) can apply on behalf of the applicant. For example, if the mother gave birth in her home country and the father is working in Japan, the father can apply to bring the child to Japan.
If the mother (wife) has residency remaining, she can enter Japan directly if she has a re-entry permit, or if she does not have residency, the father (husband) can call his wife and child at the same time.
In the case of ‘Dependent’, if both spouses are abroad, the supporter’s accepting organization (employer) can act as the application agent.
A notified ‘Agent’ can make the application on behalf of the applicant. Examples of ‘Agents’ are administrative scriveners and lawyers.
*You can also ask an administrative lawyer to do this for you.
Where the procedure is carried out.
The Immigration Service Agency nearest the family member’s place of residence (the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over the place of residence) or the Immigration Service Agency of the place where the family member plans to live.
Required documents
| In the case of a child |
|---|
| ・Application for Certificate of Eligibility（在留資格認定証明書交付申請書） ・a copy of Birth certificate（出生証明書） ・certificate of employment （在職証明書） of the supporter(father/mother) ・resident tax taxation certificate and tax payment certificate（住民税の課税・納税証明書）of the supporter(father/mother) ・Residence card and passport of the supporter (* presented) |
*In addition to the above, documents that provide supplementary explanation about your life and documents that show your past status of residence may also be required. The above is the minimum required documentation.
Conclusion
The above explains the procedure for applying for a visa for a child’s ‘Dependent’ status and the steps required before applying for a visa.
You don’t have much time, as the ‘Birth Certificate’ must be filed within 14 days of the birth and the ‘Application for permission to obtain status of residence’ within 30 days. The procedure is basically carried out by the child’s father/mother. Please note the time frame for the procedure.
【Advice from administrative scriveners】
Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
We understand that it can be very difficult to manage so many procedures during the newborn period.
At our office we offer a very accessible and affordable ‘obtaining residence status’ procedure for babies, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
