If Your Child Is Born in Japan (Digital Nomad Visa)
If Your Child Is Born in Japan During Your Stay Two deadlines, two offices, and one exception worth knowing
A baby born in Japan to two foreign national parents doesn't automatically get a Japanese residence status — and doesn't get Japanese citizenship either. There's a specific process, with specific deadlines, and it's one of only two official application types ISA lists for this visa category at all.
The Two Deadlines
Two Separate Processes, Two Separate Offices
| Birth registration (出生届) | Status acquisition (在留資格取得許可申請) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Your local municipal office (city/ward hall) | Regional immigration bureau |
| Deadline | 14 days from birth | 30 days from birth |
| Required for everyone? | Yes — always required | Only if staying past 60 days from birth |
The Exception
If You're Leaving Within 60 Days of the Birth
If your child was born in Japan but you'll depart the country within 60 days of the birth, the immigration status acquisition application isn't required at all — your child can stay under the 60-day allowance without their own residence status, and simply leaves with you.
Given this visa's own 6-month cap, this exception is worth checking against your own timeline: if the birth happens late enough in your stay that your remaining time in Japan is under 60 days anyway, you may be able to skip this application step entirely.
If You're Staying Longer
The Status Acquisition Process
- Register the birth at your municipal office (within 14 days) Requires a birth certificate from the attending doctor or midwife. Get several certified copies of the resulting registration certificate — you'll need one for the immigration application.
- Apply for your child's passport Through your country's embassy or consulate in Japan. If not yet issued by the time you file with immigration, a written explanation of the delay is generally accepted.
- File the status acquisition application (within 30 days of birth) At the regional immigration bureau, including the birth registration certificate, an explanation of the parents' status/work/income situation, the child's passport (or explanation if pending), and a photo if required for the child's age.
Good to Know
A Few Things Worth Understanding Upfront
- Your child does not get Japanese citizenship — Japan does not grant citizenship by birthplace alone when both parents are foreign nationals
- Your child's status is tied to yours, the same as your spouse's — it doesn't run on an independent timeline beyond your own permitted stay
- Report the birth to your home country's embassy too, to register the birth and obtain your child's passport under your own nationality
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Frequently Asked
FAQ
Does my child automatically become a Japanese citizen if born in Japan?
No. Japan doesn't grant citizenship based on birthplace when both parents are foreign nationals — your child's nationality follows your own country's nationality laws instead.
What if I miss the 30-day deadline for the status acquisition application?
Missing this deadline can create real complications for your child's legal status in Japan. If you're at risk of missing it, contact the immigration bureau or a licensed administrative scrivener immediately rather than waiting.
Does my newborn need their own insurance?
This isn't explicitly addressed in the same way as the standard family accompaniment insurance requirement — confirm directly with the immigration bureau or an administrative scrivener for your specific case, since a newborn wasn't part of your original application.
Can my child stay in Japan if I need to leave before the 30-day deadline?
Your child's status is dependent on yours, the same as your spouse's — they cannot remain in Japan independently after you depart.
Your Next Step
Confirm the time-sensitive steps for your child
VisaSHOGUN provides free initial intake and general information. If professional support is appropriate, we may connect you with an independent licensed administrative scrivener. Partner fees may apply.
VisaSHOGUN does not provide legal advice, document preparation or application representation. Professional services are provided under a separate engagement with an independent licensed professional.Having a child in Japan?
See the main registration, status and life-admin steps that may apply after birth.