Designated Activities (Parents/Family of Designated Research Activity Holders) - Required Documents
The Designated Activities (Parents/Family of Designated Research Activity Holders) visa status is for parents and family members of foreign nationals engaged in designated research activities or designated information processing activities to stay in Japan. This includes inviting parents for childcare or caring for a pregnant spouse of the eligible foreign national, as well as family members staying in Japan.
| Applicable Activities | Stay of parents or family members of foreign nationals engaged in designated research/information processing activities |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | Based on the period of stay of the principal (up to 5 years) |
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
- 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.
- For inviting parents: The household annual income of the foreign national engaged in designated research activities must be 8 million yen or more, and the purpose must be raising children under 7 years old or caring for a pregnant spouse.
- For family stay: The spouse or children of the foreign national engaged in designated research activities are eligible.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
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. Copy of the residence card of the foreign national engaged in designated research activities
Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the foreign national holding the designated research activities or designated information processing activities status of residence.
5. Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and the principal
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- For inviting parents: Documents proving parent-child relationship (birth certificate, family register, etc.)
- For spouse: Marriage certificate or family register
- For children: Birth certificate
6. Documents proving the child to be raised or pregnancy (for inviting parents)
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Birth certificate or certificate of residence for the child under 7 years old
- Medical certificate of the spouse’s pregnancy (if pregnant)
7. Documents proving household annual income (for inviting parents)
Submit documents proving the household annual income is 8 million yen or more:
- Residence tax taxation certificate (showing income amount)
- Copy of withholding tax slip
- Copy of final tax return, etc.
8. Documents proving cohabitation with the principal (for inviting parents)
Submit documents demonstrating planned cohabitation (written pledge regarding cohabitation, etc.).
9. Certificate of employment or documents proving the principal’s activities
Submit documents proving that the principal is engaged in designated research activities or designated information processing activities:
- Certificate of employment
- Certificate issued by the research institution or affiliated organization
10. Documents proving the ability to support dependents (for family stay)
Submit documents proving the principal’s ability to support their family:
- Residence tax taxation certificate and tax payment certificate
- Copy of withholding tax slip, etc.
Application for Change of Status of Residence
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. Copy of the residence card of the foreign national engaged in designated research activities
Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the foreign national holding the designated research activities or designated information processing activities status of residence.
5. Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and the principal
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- For inviting parents: Documents proving parent-child relationship (birth certificate, family register, etc.)
- For spouse: Marriage certificate or family register
- For children: Birth certificate
6. Documents proving the child to be raised or pregnancy (for inviting parents)
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- Birth certificate or certificate of residence for the child under 7 years old
- Medical certificate of the spouse’s pregnancy (if pregnant)
7. Documents proving household annual income (for inviting parents)
Submit documents proving the household annual income is 8 million yen or more:
- Residence tax taxation certificate (showing income amount)
- Copy of withholding tax slip, etc.
8. Documents proving cohabitation (for inviting parents)
Submit documents demonstrating planned cohabitation (certificate of residence, etc.).
9. Documents proving the ability to support dependents (for family stay)
Submit documents proving the principal’s ability to support their family:
- Residence tax taxation certificate and tax payment certificate
- Copy of withholding tax slip, etc.
Application for Extension of 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. Copy of the residence card of the foreign national engaged in designated research activities
Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the foreign national holding the designated research activities or designated information processing activities status of residence.
5. Documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and the principal
Submit documents proving that the family relationship continues.
6. Documents proving the child to be raised or pregnancy (for inviting parents)
- Certificate of residence for the child under 7 years old (confirming the child is still under 7 at the time of renewal)
- Medical certificate of the spouse’s pregnancy (if pregnant)
7. Documents proving household annual income (for inviting parents)
Submit documents proving the household annual income is 8 million yen or more:
- Residence tax taxation certificate (showing income amount)
- Copy of withholding tax slip, etc.
8. Documents proving cohabitation (for inviting parents)
Submit documents proving cohabitation (certificate of residence, etc.).
9. 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.
Reference Links
Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?
Easily create your Japanese status of residence application.