Can I get a Dependent Visa even with only 5 months at the company? Criteria for determining dependency-supporting ability and key points for proof

When foreign nationals working in Japan bring their families (spouses or children) from overseas, or when changing visas within Japan, what is important is the "Dependent visa."

One of the most strictly evaluated points in the application is the sponsoring party's (supporter's) "ability to support (ability to cover expenses)."

Especially in cases where only five months have passed since changing jobs or starting a new career, quite a few people feel anxious, wondering, "Will I be granted permission even though it hasn't been long since I joined the company?"

Conclusion,Even with only five months on the job, if you can prove your future continuous income with appropriate documents, there is a strong possibility that your ability to support dependents will be fully recognized.

This article clearly explains the examination criteria for a Dependent visa during the early stages of employment and the know-how for proving your case to secure approval.

1. Key points checked by the Immigration Services Agency when applying at the 5-month mark after joining the company

In the examination for a Dependent visa, the Immigration Services Agency does not merely look at past income performance. It comprehensively assesses future continuity, determining whether the applicant will be able to stably live in Japan while supporting their family moving forward.

In the case of being with the company for 5 months, the latest fiscal year's "Tax Certificate / Tax Payment Certificate" does not sufficiently reflect the salary from the current company (or only lists income from a previous job, or is untaxed due to being a new graduate).

Therefore, the examiner will focus primarily on the following two points during the examination.

1. Validity of the income amountCan your current monthly salary fully cover the living expenses of your household (dependents + family)?
2. Employment continuity and stabilityWhether the probationary period has ended and there is a prospect of continued long-term employment in the future

2. "Income benchmark" required as dependency capacity

Legally, there is no fixed numerical standard defined such as an "annual income of XX million yen or more." However, as a general screening criterion in practice, the following monthly or annual income serves as a guideline.

Dependent to be brought over	Estimated monthly income	Estimated annual income equivalent
Spouse only (1 person)	Monthly salary of 200,000 yen to 220,000 yen or more	Approximately 2.5 million to 3 million yen or more
Spouse + 1 child (2 children)	Monthly salary of 250,000 yen or more	Approximately 3 to 3.5 million yen or more

*This is also comprehensively considered based on the rent level of the residential area (whether it is an urban center or a regional area), the presence or absence of various allowances such as housing or family allowances, and the current savings status.

3. "Required and Supplementary Documents" to prove dependency capacity within 5 months of joining the company

Because the tax certificate from the previous year alone is insufficient as proof of current income, it is necessary to proactively prepare and submit documents that support your current work performance and labor conditions at your current employer.

① Documents that should basically be submitted

• Copy of the employment conditions notice or employment contract
  • A document stating the salary, employment type (such as regular employee), and contract duration (such as whether it is open-ended).
• Copies of the last 5 months' payslips
  • This demonstrates that the actual salary has been paid in accordance with the conditions at the time of hiring.
• Copy of the bankbook showing salary deposits
  • This is submitted to confirm the fact of salary deposit and the account balance status.

(2) "Reinforcement documents" that dramatically increase the approval rate

• certificate of employment
  • It is extremely advantageous for the review process if it is clearly stated that the probation period has ended and you have transitioned to regular employment.
• Certificate of Expected Annual Income issued by the company
  • This is a document for the company to certify the expected amount to be paid over the next year (base salary plus estimated bonuses, etc.).
• Certificate of bank account balance
  • If your monthly income is right on the borderline, demonstrating a certain amount of savings (from several hundred thousand to over one million yen, etc.) can reinforce your ability to maintain your livelihood in the event of an emergency.

4. Practical points to keep in mind when applying

(1) Application risks during the probationary period

Many companies establish a "probationary period" of 3 to 6 months after hiring. If an application is submitted during the probationary period, the Immigration Services Agency tends to consider that employment has not yet been finalized (there is a risk of not being hired full-time), which tends to make the screening process more cautious.

If possible, it is safe to apply immediately after the probationary period ends and you are officially hired (right at the 5- to 6-month mark after joining the company).

(2) Attaching a "Statement of Reasons (Explanation)" is effective

We recommend applying with an attached statement of reasons clearly outlining why the previous year's tax certificate cannot prove your current income due to having joined the company five months ago, along with your current salary specifications, projected annual income, and estimated living expenses. This will help the examiner understand your situation and lead to a smoother review process.

5. Conclusion: Let's start life with your family through careful documentation.

Being five months into employment is a time when how you organize your documents can easily make the difference between approval and denial.

You don't need to give up just because you haven't been with your company very long, but simply submitting standard required documents tends to be insufficient. The key to success is using objective documentation to logically prove your current employment terms and future stability.

If you are concerned about whether your financial capacity to support dependents will be recognized in your or your company's situation, or if you are struggling with how to assemble the required documents, please feel free to consult an administrative scrivener specializing in immigration and international legal procedures.