For third-generation Japanese descendants (Nikkei Sansei) planning a new life in Japan with their families, questions about the visa status of a spouse or child are a primary concern. Many believe their children will fall under the strict requirements of the “Nikkei Yonsei (fourth-generation)” visa.

However, it is a little-known fact that by meeting certain requirements, your family may be eligible for the more stable “Long-Term Resident” status, allowing you all to immigrate to Japan at the same time.

This article offers a professional perspective on the legal basis for this status, the specific application procedures, and a detailed list of the necessary documents.

 

This article in Japanese   日系三世の家族：子供は「四世ビザ」ではない？在留資格『定住者』について

 

 

Why Your Family May Qualify as Long-Term Residents

 

This advantageous treatment is based on a clear legal foundation: a public notice issued by the Minister of Justice under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, commonly known as the “Public Notice on Long-Term Residents.”

This regulation establishes a national policy to grant “Long-Term Resident” status to individuals with special ties to Japan, a category that includes the families of Nikkei Sansei.

(Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Visa: Long-Term Resident”)

Let’s examine the specific cases for spouses and children.

 

 

 

Case 1: Visa for a Spouse

A spouse in a legal marriage with a Nikkei Sansei may be granted “Long-Term Resident” status as the “Spouse of a Third-Generation Japanese Descendant” (per Item 4 of the Public Notice).

Key Points:

• The marriage must be legally valid in both countries.
• The couple must demonstrate a stable economic foundation for living in Japan.
• The authenticity of the marriage must be objectively proven to rule out a marriage of convenience.

 

 

Case 2: Visa for a Child

This is the most critical point. Although the child of a Nikkei Sansei is fourth-generation (Yonsei), they can obtain “Long-Term Resident” status as a “Child of a Third-Generation Japanese Descendant (Long-Term Resident)” by meeting the following requirements (per Item 6, Sub-item (d) of the Public Notice).

Main Requirements:

• The parent (Nikkei Sansei) must hold “Long-Term Resident” status.
• The child must be financially dependent on the parent.
• The child must be a minor and unmarried.
• The child must be the biological child of the parent.

 

Key Differences: “Long-Term Resident” vs. “Nikkei Yonsei” Visa

 

The advantages of a child obtaining “Long-Term Resident” status are significant. The difference is clear when compared to the more restrictive “Nikkei Yonsei” visa.

Category	Long-Term Resident (Child of Nikkei Sansei)	Nikkei Yonsei Visa
Employment Restrictions	None	None
Period of Stay	5 years, 3 years, 1 year, etc. (Renewable)	Max. 5 years (Limited renewals)
Main Requirements	Dependent on a parent, etc.	• Age restrictions (18-30) • Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4 level) • A designated supporter in Japan

 

 

Important: Your Entire Family Can Apply and Immigrate Together

 

We are often asked, “Do we have to apply one by one?” or “Do I need to go to Japan first?” The answer is no.

Applications for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you (the Nikkei Sansei), your spouse, and your child can all be submitted simultaneously. Upon approval, your entire family can obtain their visas, travel together, and start your new life in Japan at the same time. There is no need to worry about being separated from your family.

 

List of Required Documents

This is a general list of documents for a “Certificate of Eligibility (COE)” application, assuming your family is currently residing outside Japan.

 

(1) For a Spouse

 

Documents Prepared by the Nikkei Sansei in Japan:

 

1. Letter of Guarantee

2. Documents Proving Your Status as a Nikkei Sansei:

• Koseki-tohon or Joseki-tohon (Family or Removal Register) of your Japanese grandparents.
• Birth and marriage certificates of your parent (Nikkei Nisei).
• Your birth certificate.
• It is crucial to provide a continuous chain of official documents proving the blood relationship from your grandparents to you.

3. Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) (listing all household members).

4. Documents Certifying Occupation and Income:

(If employed) Certificate of Employment, Tax Certificates (Kazei/Nozei Shomeisho).

(If self-employed) Tax return copy, business license, etc., and Tax Certificates.

 

Documents Prepared by Your Spouse Abroad:

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility
2. Photograph (4cm x 3cm)
3. Marriage Certificate (issued by a public institution in your home country).
4. Documents Certifying Nationality and Identity (Birth certificate, passport copy).

 

 

(2) For a Child

Documents Prepared by the Nikkei Sansei in Japan:

1. Letter of Guarantee

2. Official Documents Proving Your Parent-Child Relationship:

• Koseki-tohon or Joseki-tohon of your Japanese grandparents.
• Your birth certificate.

3. The Applicant’s (Child’s) Birth Certificate

4. Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) (listing all household members).

5. Documents Certifying Occupation and Income (Same as for a spouse).

 

Documents Concerning the Child Abroad:

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility
2. Photograph (4cm x 3cm)

 

 

As you can see, a successful application for your family’s visa depends on thorough preparation based on a correct understanding of the law.

The lists above are general, and depending on your specific circumstances, additional supporting documents may be requested. Collecting and translating official documents from overseas can also take more time than anticipated.

At Amie Immigration Law Office, we carefully assess each client’s unique situation to propose the optimal application strategy. To realize your important goal of immigrating to Japan with your entire family, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.