Dependent PR Application Document Checklist (Japan)

Applying for Permanent Residence (PR) in Japan as a Dependent Visa holder requires far more documentation than most applicants expect. Missing or outdated documents are one of the top reasons for delays or rejection.

This guide provides a clear, practical, and complete checklist so you can prepare your PR application with confidence.

1. Applicant (Dependent) Documents

These documents relate directly to you, the PR applicant.

Required

• ✅ PR Application Form
  (Permanent Residence Permission Application Form)

• ✅ Residence Card (在留カード)
  Front and back copy

• ✅ Passport
  Photo page + all visa history pages

• ✅ Certificate of Residence (住民票 / Jūminhyō)

  • Issued within last 3 months

  • Must show household members

• ✅ Photo (4cm × 3cm)

  • Taken within 3 months

  • Plain background, no editing

2. Sponsor (Primary Visa Holder) Documents

Your sponsor is usually your spouse or parent holding a work or PR visa.

Employment & Income

• ✅ Employment Certificate (在職証明書)

  • Issued by employer

  • Shows position, contract type, start date

• ✅ Income Certificate (課税証明書)

  • Last 3 years

  • Issued by city hall

• ✅ Tax Payment Certificate (納税証明書)

  • Confirms taxes are fully paid

Legal Status

• ✅ Residence Card (Sponsor)
  Front and back copy

• ✅ Passport (Sponsor)
  Photo + visa pages

3. Tax, Pension & Insurance Documents (Critical)

Immigration places extreme importance on compliance.

Required (Last 3–5 Years)

• ✅ National Pension Payment Records

• ✅ Health Insurance Payment Records

• ✅ No-payment gaps or late payments

📌 Even small gaps must be explained in writing.

4. Relationship Proof Documents

For Spouse Dependents

• ✅ Marriage Certificate

  • Japanese or official translation

• ✅ Family Register (if applicable)

For Child Dependents

• ✅ Birth Certificate

• ✅ Parent–child relationship proof

5. Letter of Guarantee (保証人書)

• ✅ Completed and signed by sponsor

• Sponsor must be:

  • Japanese national or

  • PR holder or

  • Long-term resident with stable income

📌 Sponsor and guarantor are often the same person.

6. Reason / Explanation Letters (Strongly Recommended)

While not always mandatory, these dramatically increase approval chances.

Recommended Letters

• ✍️ Reason for PR Application

• ✍️ Household Financial Explanation

• ✍️ Work Activity Explanation (if applicable)

• ✍️ Special Circumstances Explanation

These letters should explain:

• Stability

• Long-term settlement intention

• Compliance awareness

7. Work Permission Documents (If You Worked)

If you ever worked while on a Dependent visa:

• ✅ Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than Permitted

• ✅ Income Statements

• ✅ Tax filings (確定申告 if applicable)

📌 Freelance or overseas income must be fully disclosed.

8. Additional Supporting Documents (Optional but Helpful)

• Japanese language certificates (JLPT)

• School records (for long-term residents)

• Community involvement proof

• Rental contracts / home ownership proof

9. Final Checklist Summary

10. Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejection

❌ Missing pension records
❌ Sponsor with unstable job history
❌ Undeclared side income
❌ Outdated certificates
❌ Weak or no explanation letters

Processing Time (Typical)

• 6–10 months (average)

• Complex cases may exceed 12 months

Final Advice

PR approval for dependents is about risk assessment, not sympathy.

Immigration wants proof that:

• You will not become a financial burden

• Your household is stable long-term

• You understand and follow Japanese systems

Related Articles (Internal Links)

• Dependent Visa → PR Pathway Explained

• Dependent PR Approval Case Studies

• Dependent Visa PR Rejection Case Studies

• Dependent Visa Freelance Rules (Gray Zones)