Bringing Your Family to Japan: A Guide for Bangladeshi Professionals

Is Japan Family-Friendly?

Japan can be described as kid-friendly, though not necessarily kid-easy. The country shows considerable thoughtfulness toward children's needs - from impromptu play areas at community events to a general attitude of acceptance when children behave like children.

However, Japan also maintains high expectations for parents and has a complex system of childcare that requires navigation. For Bangladeshi families accustomed to extended family support, understanding these nuances is important for a successful transition.

Legal Requirements for Family Relocation

Eligible Family Members

When working on an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, you can bring:

• Your legally married spouse

• Your unmarried children under 18

For those on a Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional (HSP) visa, you gain additional privileges:

• Ability to bring a grandparent to care for children under seven or to assist during pregnancy

• Option to bring a house servant (with a one-year visa)

Visa Process

The process of bringing family to Japan is relatively straightforward:

1. Apply for Certificates of Eligibility (CoE) for your dependents

2. Receive the CoEs in Japan

3. Send the certificates to your family in Bangladesh

4. Your family presents these documents at the Japanese embassy in Bangladesh to receive their visas

According to KATSL, a leading agency supporting Bangladeshi professionals relocating to Japan, many companies can process your dependents' CoEs simultaneously with your work visa application, streamlining the process significantly.

Should Your Family Come With You Immediately?

Benefits of Arriving Together

• You stay united during any emergencies

• Your spouse can help with the extensive paperwork and settling-in process

• Family members can participate in important decisions about housing and schools

Drawbacks to Consider

• Higher initial accommodation costs while searching for permanent housing

• Potential interruption to your children's education

• Everyone experiencing the adjustment challenges simultaneously

KATSL recommends assessing your employer's relocation support before deciding. If your company provides temporary accommodation and relocation assistance, bringing your family immediately becomes more practical.

Work Opportunities for Your Spouse

If your spouse holds a Dependent visa, they can apply for "Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted." This allows them to work up to 28 hours weekly.

For HSP visa holders, spouses may qualify for a special Dependent visa variation permitting full-time work.

Should Both Parents Work?

This decision requires careful consideration of Japan's school and childcare structures. Some challenges include:

• Varying school schedules (early dismissals, half days)

• High parental participation expectations

• Regular school communications requiring attention

• Region-dependent availability of after-school care

Many families find having one parent available for these responsibilities simplifies the adjustment process, especially during the initial settlement period.

Housing Considerations

Finding suitable family accommodation presents several challenges:

Common Obstacles

• Some landlords' reluctance to rent to foreigners

• The "chicken-and-egg problem" of needing a bank account for housing but needing an address for a bank account

• Substantial upfront costs (potentially 4-8 times monthly rent)

KATSL advises Bangladeshi professionals to save between 1,000,000-2,000,000 yen before arrival to cover initial housing expenses. They can also connect you with real estate agencies experienced in working with international families.

Strategies to reduce housing costs include:

• Considering older properties

• Looking at locations further from train stations

• Exploring areas outside central Tokyo

Education Options

Your children's schooling options depend largely on your location and preferences:

International Schools

• Concentrated in major cities

• Instruction typically in English

• Higher costs but easier transition

• Curriculum similar to international standards

Japanese Public Schools

• Available throughout Japan

• Free education

• Stronger Japanese language immersion

• May require additional academic support initially

KATSL can provide information on schools with experience supporting international students, particularly in areas popular with Bangladeshi professionals.

Financial Support for Families

Japan offers several forms of financial assistance:

Employment Benefits

• Many companies provide family allowances (10,000-15,000 yen monthly for a spouse, plus 3,000-5,000 yen per child)

Government Support

• Child allowance (jidou teate) of 10,000 yen monthly per child until age 15

• Subsidized or free healthcare for children

• Affordable after-school care in many locations

KATSL notes that Bangladeshi professionals are often pleasantly surprised by these benefits, which help offset the high cost of living in Japan.

Cultural Adaptation

For Bangladeshi families, adapting to Japanese culture involves understanding:

• Different parenting norms and expectations

• School involvement requirements

• Community integration practices

The experience of many families suggests that children often adapt more quickly than adults, particularly when enrolled in Japanese schools. Finding personal connections to Japanese culture - whether through food, activities, or community events - makes the transition smoother for the entire family.

Conclusion

Relocating your family to Japan represents both challenges and rewards. With proper preparation and support from agencies like KATSL that understand the specific needs of Bangladeshi professionals, the transition can be managed successfully.

Japan offers a safe environment, excellent education, and unique cultural experiences that can benefit your entire family. The key to success lies in careful planning, realistic expectations, and embracing the adventure together.

For personalized guidance on bringing your family to Japan, KATSL provides comprehensive support services tailored to Bangladeshi professionals, helping navigate everything from visa applications to school enrollment and cultural adaptation.