DEPENDENT VISA OVERWORK: RENEWAL RISK
The Absolute Rule for Dependent Visas: "Within 28 Hours Per Week"
The "Dependent" visa held by family members residing in Japan is primarily for the purpose of being supported by the principal visa holder (such as a spouse). While part-time work to supplement living expenses is permitted, it is mandatory to obtain a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" and strictly adhere to the working hours limit of within 28 hours per week.
Working Hour Limit: Within 28 hours per week
Violating this rule constitutes illegal work and will severely impact future visa renewals.
Danger! The "Trap" of Overworking
The misconception that slightly exceeding the limit is acceptable can be fatal. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) strictly checks for overworking through the documents submitted at the time of visa renewal.
| 1. Overlooking the "Total Hours" from Multiple Jobs |
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| This is the most common case. If you have multiple part-time jobs, the combined working hours from all workplaces must be within 28 hours per week. Even if each job is within the limit, exceeding the total is a violation. |
| 2. How the ISA Discovers Overworking |
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| The ISA primarily checks the annual income of the Dependent visa holder through the "Taxation Certificate / Tax Payment Certificate" for resident tax, submitted during visa renewal. If the income significantly exceeds the support limit, the ISA may suspect that the individual worked more than 28 hours per week, leading to rigorous screening and investigation. |
"Serious Penalties and Effects" Caused by Overworking
If it is discovered that the working hours were exceeded, your status of residence in Japan will face the following serious consequences.
| Visa Non-Permission (Non-Renewal of Status of Residence) |
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| This is the most severe outcome. The violation of the "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence" rules is considered illegal work, which makes it highly likely that you will lose your status of residence and be forced to return home. |
| Long-Term Impact on Permanent Residency and Naturalization Applications |
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| A past record of legal violation (overworking) may result in being deemed as not meeting the "good conduct requirement," which is essential for permanent residency or naturalization screening. This can make future applications impossible or significantly difficult. |
Specific Actions to Take in the Event of a Violation
If you are already worried or have exceeded the limit, do not ignore the problem and take immediate action.
| Immediately Rectify Working Hours |
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| As soon as the violation is discovered, immediately adjust your working hours to within 28 hours per week. Keep records, such as the revised shift schedule. |
| Attach a "Statement of Circumstances" During Visa Renewal |
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| Do not hide the fact of the overwork. Submit a written statement clearly outlining the "specific reason for the overwork" and "preventive measures to ensure the violation is not repeated". The persuasiveness of this statement is crucial. |
Consult a Professional to Avoid Non-Permission
If the extent of the overwork is significant or you are unsure about the content of your statement, consult an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi), who is a professional expert. They can prepare the most advantageous documents from a legal perspective and minimize the risk of non-permission.
Protect the "Trust" of Your Status of Residence
Violating the Dependent visa rules carries risks far heavier than a short-term increase in income. Your status of residence is a form of trust from the Japanese government, and losing this trust means losing your foundation for life in Japan.
Please consult with a specialist before you reach your renewal period with lingering anxiety.
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