When applying for a Business Manager Visa in Japan, we often receive two important questions: “Can I bring my spouse and children to Japan?” and “Is my spouse allowed to work in Japan?”
This article explains the conditions under which family members with a Dependent Visa can work, and clarifies the latest legal requirements if you want your spouse to work in your own company.
Can a spouse with a Dependent Visa work in Japan?
When a spouse or children accompany the applicant, they usually obtain a Dependent Visa. In principle, working is not permitted. However, if they apply for and receive a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted, they can work part-time up to 28 hours per week.
If they wish to work full-time, they must change their status to another work-related visa (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker, etc.).
Work conditions for Dependent Visa holders (Summary Table)
| Status of Residence | Work Permission | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Visa | Principle: Not allowed | If special permission is obtained, part-time work up to 28 hours per week |
| Dependent Visa + Work Permission | Allowed | Up to 28 hours per week (part-time or casual work only) |
| Full-time employment | Not allowed | Must change to another work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker, etc.) |
If you want your spouse to work in your own company
Many applicants ask: “Can my spouse be employed by the company I manage?”
This situation can be considered in the following ways:
1. Keeping Dependent Visa status
- If a work permission is obtained, the spouse can be employed
- However, limited to 28 hours per week
- Salaries must follow proper procedures such as tax withholding and social insurance
2. Having the spouse obtain a Business Manager Visa
- The spouse must actually serve as a business owner or manager (e.g., representative director, executive director)
- They must meet the latest requirement: at least JPY 30 million in capital and employment of at least one full-time employee
- It is not automatically granted due to marriage. Proof of capital contribution, position, and management involvement is required
Comparison Table
| Status of Residence | Can work in own company? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Visa | △ (Limited) | With work permission → part-time up to 28 hours per week |
| Dependent Visa → Change to Work Visa | 〇 | Change to an appropriate work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker) → Full-time work possible |
| Business Manager Visa (Spouse) | 〇 (as Business Owner/Manager) | Must meet requirements: JPY 30 million capital + 1 full-time employee, and apply as an independent business manager |
Conclusion
If the spouse of a Business Manager Visa holder stays only on a Dependent Visa, working is not permitted in principle. With work permission, part-time work up to 28 hours per week is possible. To work full-time, a change to another work visa is necessary.
If you want your spouse to work full-time in your own company, they must obtain a Business Manager Visa themselves and meet the latest requirements (JPY 30 million capital + at least 1 full-time employee).
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