特定技能 and Family: Why You Can't Bring Dependents Yet
特定技能 and Family
Why You Can't Bring Dependents Yet
Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) is one of the only major work visa categories that structurally blocks family accompaniment — but only at the 1号 level. Here's exactly why, and the real path that changes it.
- Why 特定技能1号 blocks family accompaniment entirely
- How 特定技能2号 changes everything — spouse and children can join
- Which of the 19 fields currently have a 2号 pathway (11 do; 介護 does not)
- What it actually takes to move from 1号 to 2号
- Your options if your field doesn't have a 2号 route yet
Based on current ISA guidelines following the January 2026 cabinet decision expanding 特定技能 to 19 fields. See the full Dependent Visa Guide for how family accompaniment works once eligible. Last updated: July 2026.
特定技能 Has Two Tiers — Only One Allows Family
特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker) was created to address labor shortages in specific industries. It has two tiers, and understanding the difference is essential if bringing family to Japan matters to you: 特定技能1号 is capped at a total of 5 years and structurally excludes family accompaniment. 特定技能2号 has no cap on renewal and allows spouse and children to join on a Dependent Visa — but it's only available in 11 of the 19 fields, and requires passing a more advanced exam.
| Feature | 特定技能1号 | 特定技能2号 |
|---|---|---|
| Family accompaniment | Not allowed | Allowed (spouse & children) |
| Maximum stay | 5 years total | No cap — indefinite renewal |
| Support plan (支援計画) | Required | Not required |
| Number of eligible fields (2026) | 19 fields | 11 fields (介護 excluded) |
| Path to PR | Difficult — short total stay works against it | Possible over time |
Why 特定技能1号 Blocks Family Entirely
特定技能1号 was designed as a temporary labor-shortage solution — a maximum 5-year total stay, with a mandatory support plan (支援計画) that the accepting company must provide. The system was not built around long-term settlement, and family accompaniment isn't something that can be requested or appealed on a case-by-case basis. It's simply not a feature of this visa category, full stop.
- No application exists to bring a spouse or child on a 特定技能1号 holder's Dependent Visa
- This applies regardless of income, marriage length, or any other individual circumstance
- The only way to change this is to move to 特定技能2号 (Section ④) or a different visa category entirely
How 特定技能2号 Changes Everything
特定技能2号 removes the structural barriers that make 1号 a solo-worker category. There's no cap on renewals, no mandatory support plan, and — most importantly for this topic — your spouse and children can obtain a Dependent Visa (家族滞在) and live in Japan with you.
- Spouse and children eligible for Dependent Visa
- Indefinite renewal — no 5-year cap
- No support plan requirement (you're treated more like a standard skilled worker)
- A realistic long-term path that can eventually connect to PR, unlike 1号's short total stay
Unlike 1号, 2号 was specifically designed to retain skilled workers long-term — family accompaniment is part of that design, not an exception.
Which Fields Currently Qualify for 2号
特定技能1号 now spans 19 fields, but 特定技能2号 covers 11 of them — every field except 介護 (nursing care), which has its own dedicated visa pathway instead. Three fields added in the January 2026 decision (linen supply, logistics warehousing, resource circulation) are not expected to begin accepting workers until around 2027, and their 2号 eligibility is not yet finalized.
If you're in the nursing care field, the route to long-term settlement with family typically runs through the separate 「介護」 visa status rather than 特定技能2号. If this applies to you, this is worth discussing with a scrivener specifically, since the pathway differs from the general 特定技能 track described here.
What It Takes to Move from 1号 to 2号
Moving from 1号 to 2号 isn't automatic — it requires passing a dedicated 2号技能評価試験 (2号 skill evaluation exam), which tests more advanced, often supervisory-level skill than the 1号 exam. Many fields also expect some demonstrated leadership or management experience on the job.
- Pass the field-specific 2号技能評価試験 (exam content varies by field)
- Some fields weight supervisory/instructional experience in the assessment
- Holding a 技能検定1級 (Skill Test Level 1) in relevant fields may exempt you from the exam
- Apply for a change of status once exam requirements are met
- Check if your field has a 2号 route
- See Section ③
- Study for the 2号 skill exam
- Gain supervisory experience if relevant
- Field-specific content
- Exemptions may apply
- Family accompaniment becomes possible
- Indefinite renewal begins
Once Family Joins: Spouse Work Rights Under 2号
Once your spouse joins you on a Dependent Visa, the same rules apply as any other 家族滞在 holder: they can work part-time after obtaining 資格外活動許可, capped at 28 hours per week. This is the same system used by Dependent Visa holders across all sponsor categories.
- A second income source, within the standard 28-hour weekly limit
- Full details on how this permission works: see the Dependent Visa Work Rules guide →
- Same industry restrictions apply (風俗営業-regulated businesses remain off-limits)
If Your Field Has No 2号 Path Yet
特定技能2号 covered only 2 fields (construction and shipbuilding) as recently as 2022. By 2023 it had expanded to 11. The trend has consistently been toward expansion, so if your field currently has no 2号 pathway, that may change during your time in Japan — but it's not guaranteed on any specific timeline.
- Wait and monitor — field expansions are announced via cabinet decisions; check for updates periodically
- Consider a different visa category — if you have a relevant degree or qualifications, a standard work visa or Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status may allow family accompaniment now, without waiting on 特定技能 rules
- Plan around the 5-year 1号 cap — know your timeline and decide in advance whether you'll pursue a status change, return home, or explore other options as your 1号 period nears its end
Check Your Path to Family Accompaniment
A quick check — not a substitute for a full assessment. For the family visa side once eligible, see the Family & Spouse Visa Hub →
This Article is Part of a Series
Explore the full Family & Spouse Visa series below.
特定技能 & Family FAQ
Reviewed by a licensed Administrative Scrivener based on current ISA guidelines.
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