How to Prove “Same Livelihood” for a Japan Visa When Living Apart Due to a Work Assignment#

For many Japanese residency applications, particularly for the “Dependent” (家族滞在) visa or Permanent Resident status, proving “seikei no doitsusei” (生計の同一性), or the concept of a “same livelihood,” is a critical requirement. This means demonstrating that the applicant and their supporter function as a single economic unit. However, it is not uncommon for families to live at different addresses due to unavoidable circumstances, such as a solo work assignment (単身赴任, tanshin funin), children’s schooling, or caring for elderly parents.

In such situations, applicants may worry that living separately could be misinterpreted as having separate finances. Fortunately, by preparing the appropriate documents and providing a rational explanation, it is entirely possible to prove a “same livelihood” even when residing apart. This article provides an objective guide on how to do so effectively.

The Fundamental Concept of “Same Livelihood”#

When the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISAJ) assesses “same livelihood,” it is not solely focused on the physical fact of cohabitation. The core of this concept is economic unity, where the family shares a household budget and the primary financial supporter consistently provides for the dependent’s living expenses.

Therefore, even if family members live at different addresses, their livelihood can be considered the same if there is a clear and consistent flow of financial support from the supporter to the dependent, enabling the dependent’s daily life. The key during the screening process is to prove, with objective evidence, that this financial relationship is both stable and ongoing.

Key Documents to Prove Financial Unity When Living Apart#

In addition to the standard documents required for all applications (e.g., tax and income certificates), providing supplementary evidence of your economic connection becomes crucial when addresses differ.

1. Proof of Financial Remittance#

The most direct and powerful evidence is the record of money transfers from the supporter to the dependent.

Bank Transfer Records: Copies of bank book pages (通帳, tsucho) or online banking transaction statements are ideal. These documents must clearly show the sender’s name, recipient’s name, date, and amount transferred.
Receipts from International Money Transfer Services: If you use services like Wise, Western Union, or others, submit the official receipts or transaction histories they provide.

When submitting these documents, it is vital to demonstrate a pattern of regular and continuous transfers, not just a single, one-off payment. The amount sent should also be reasonably sufficient to cover living expenses based on the cost of living in the dependent’s country of residence.

2. Supplementary Evidence of the Family Relationship#

Beyond the financial connection, documents that show the family bond remains strong and active can significantly strengthen your application’s credibility.

Communication Records: Screenshots of call logs or message histories from apps like LINE, WhatsApp, or Skype can demonstrate frequent contact.
Records of Visits and Reunions: Evidence of the supporter’s temporary returns to visit family, such as copies of airline e-tickets, boarding pass stubs, or passport stamps showing entry and exit, are very effective. Photos taken together during these visits can also serve as valuable supplementary evidence.

The Importance of the “Statement of Reason” (理由書)#

A “Statement of Reason” (理由書, riyusho) is an essential document for explaining the circumstances to the immigration officer. It is your opportunity to clarify why the family is living separately. Instead of a vague statement like “for work reasons,” provide a detailed and sincere explanation covering the following points:

The Circumstances Leading to Separation: Clearly state that the separation is due to a solo work assignment mandated by your company. Include details about your job title and location.
The Reason for Living Apart: Explain the specific, unavoidable reasons why your family cannot accompany you (e.g., “to allow our child to graduate from their current school,” or “to care for an elderly parent”).
Specifics of Financial Support: Detail how you support your family financially, including the monthly amount and method of remittance.
Future Plans: If you have concrete plans to live together in Japan in the future, mentioning this can reinforce the idea of the family as a cohesive, long-term unit.

Conclusion#

Even if you live apart from your family due to a work assignment, you can successfully prove the “same livelihood” requirement for your Japan residency application. The keys to success are: 1) providing objective evidence, especially regular and continuous remittance records, and 2) submitting a well-written Statement of Reason that thoughtfully explains your circumstances and demonstrates your ongoing family ties.

By moving beyond simple assertions and diligently preparing supporting documentation, you can clearly show that your family functions as a single unit, both financially and emotionally. This comprehensive approach is the most reliable path to a successful application outcome.