Dependent Visa for Freelancers in Japan: Gray Zones, Risks, and Legal Alternatives

Many foreigners living in Japan on a Dependent Visa（家族滞在ビザ – kazoku taizai biza） want to earn extra income through freelancing, online work, or remote clients.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

👉 Freelancing on a dependent visa exists in a legal gray zone.

This article explains:

• What is technically illegal

• What immigration often tolerates

• Where people get into trouble

• Safer alternatives if you want to freelance long-term

This is based on immigration rules, real cases, and enforcement patterns—not wishful thinking.

The Legal Position (Black and White)

Dependent Visa Basics

A dependent visa is issued for:

• Spouses

• Children
  of a primary visa holder

Purpose:

• Family residence

• NOT economic activity

By default:
❌ Work is NOT allowed

Exception: Part-Time Work Permission

You may apply for:

Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted
（資格外活動許可 – shikakugai katsudō kyoka）

This allows:

• Up to 28 hours per week

• Non-harmful activities

But here’s the key issue:

⚠ Freelancing is not clearly defined under this permission

Why Freelancing Is a Gray Zone

Immigration Law Was Written for Employees

The law assumes:

• Employer

• Fixed workplace

• Fixed hours

Freelancers:

• No employer

• Variable hours

• Multiple clients

• Often overseas income

This creates ambiguity.

What Immigration Tends to Tolerate (Unofficial Reality)

While not guaranteed safe, immigration has historically been more lenient when:

✔ Income is small
✔ Work is irregular
✔ Clients are overseas
✔ No Japanese company is involved
✔ You stay under 28 hours/week
✔ You declare income properly

This does NOT mean it’s legal—only that enforcement is inconsistent.

Activities That Are HIGH RISK on a Dependent Visa

🚫 Contracting with Japanese companies
🚫 Issuing Japanese invoices
🚫 Long-term client relationships
🚫 High monthly income
🚫 Advertising services in Japan
🚫 Registering as a sole proprietor
🚫 Working full-time remotely

These strongly suggest economic independence, which violates dependent status.

Income Limits: A Hidden Risk

Even if hours seem compliant, income level matters.

Red flags:

• Income close to full-time salary

• Stable monthly revenue

• Dependence no longer financial

Immigration may conclude:
👉 You are no longer a “dependent.”

Taxes Make It More Complicated (and Riskier)

Declaring freelance income:

• Is legally required

• Does NOT legalize the work

Income declaration types:

• Miscellaneous income（雑所得 – zatsu shotoku）

• Business income（事業所得 – jigyō shotoku）

Declaring business income is especially risky on a dependent visa.

Tax compliance ≠ immigration compliance.

Real Consequences People Face

If immigration decides your activity violates your status:

❌ Visa renewal denial
❌ Forced visa change
❌ Shortened period of stay
❌ Status revocation
❌ Difficulty switching to work visa later

These cases often surface during:

• Visa renewal

• PR application

• Status change review

Safer Alternatives If You Want to Freelance

Option 1: Switch to a Work Visa

If eligible:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
  （技術・人文知識・国際業務 – gijutsu jinbun chishiki kokusai gyōmu）

Requires:

• Japanese employer

• Relevant education or experience

Option 2: Business Manager Visa

Business Manager visa
（経営・管理 – keiei kanri）

Requires:

• ¥5 million capital (or employees)

• Office space

• Business plan

High barrier, but fully legal.

Option 3: Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Highly Skilled Professional
（高度専門職 – kōdo senmonshoku）

If you qualify:

• Faster PR

• More flexibility

• Clear legal standing

Option 4: Minimal, Temporary Side Work (Risk-Aware)

Some dependents choose to:

• Earn very small amounts

• Keep work irregular

• Avoid Japanese clients

• Stop well before renewal

⚠ This is risk management, not legal protection.

What Immigration Officers Look For

During reviews, officers assess:

• Income stability

• Nature of work

• Client location

• Dependency reality

• Tax consistency

• Work continuity

They ask one core question:
👉 Are you still truly dependent?

Final Advice (Honest Take)

Freelancing on a dependent visa is not clearly legal, even with permission.

Many people do it quietly.
Some get away with it.
Others get caught later—often at the worst time.

If freelancing is:

• Long-term

• Income-significant

• Career-defining

👉 Change your visa.

Related GaijinBlog Posts

• Dependent Visa Japan: Rules for Working, Studying, and Renewal

• Dependent Visa to Permanent Residency in Japan: Complete PR Pathway Guide

• Dependent Visa PR Rejection Case Studies (Japan)

• Dependent Visa PR Approval Case Studies (Japan)