Family Members of EPA Nurses and EPA Care Workers - Required Documents
The Designated Activities (Family Members of EPA Nurses and EPA Care Workers) visa status is for the spouse or children of foreign nationals who are working in Japan as nurses or care workers based on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA).
| Applicable Activities | Daily activities of the dependent spouse or children of EPA nurses or EPA care workers |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | Designated to match the period of stay of the supporter (EPA nurse/EPA care worker) |
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- This status of residence is for family members of foreign nationals who have passed the national nursing examination or national care worker examination and are working as nurses or care workers based on EPA. Family members of candidates are not eligible.
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This application is for family members of EPA nurses or EPA care workers who wish to enter Japan for the first time.
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Document proving the family relationship between the applicant and the supporter (EPA nurse/EPA care worker) - 1
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
5. Copy of the supporter’s residence card or passport - 1
Must confirm that the supporter holds the Designated Activities status of residence as an EPA nurse or EPA care worker.
6. Certificate of employment of the supporter - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is currently employed as a nurse or care worker.
7. Supporter’s residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate - 1 each
Must show total annual income and tax payment status. Can be obtained from the municipal government office.
8. Copy of the supporter’s nursing license or care worker registration certificate - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is a nurse or care worker who obtained the Japanese national qualification based on EPA.
9. Statement of reasons describing the applicant’s activities, etc. - as appropriate
Describing the activities during the stay in Japan (daily activities).
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This application is for those already residing in Japan with a different status of residence who wish to change to family member of an EPA nurse/EPA care worker.
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Document proving the family relationship between the applicant and the supporter (EPA nurse/EPA care worker) - 1
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
5. Copy of the supporter’s residence card or passport - 1
Must confirm that the supporter holds the Designated Activities status of residence as an EPA nurse or EPA care worker.
6. Certificate of employment of the supporter - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is currently employed as a nurse or care worker.
7. Supporter’s residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate - 1 each
Must show total annual income and tax payment status.
8. Copy of the supporter’s nursing license or care worker registration certificate - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is a nurse or care worker who obtained the Japanese national qualification based on EPA.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This application is for those who wish to extend their current period of stay.
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Document proving the family relationship between the applicant and the supporter (EPA nurse/EPA care worker) - 1
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. Must be submitted even if there are no changes from the previous application.
5. Copy of the supporter’s residence card - 1
Must confirm the supporter’s current residence status.
6. Certificate of employment of the supporter - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is currently employed as a nurse or care worker.
7. Supporter’s residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate - 1 each
Must show total annual income and tax payment status.
8. Copy of the supporter’s nursing license or care worker registration certificate - 1
Documents proving that the supporter is a nurse or care worker who obtained the Japanese national qualification based on EPA.
Reference Links
Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?
Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.