To start a business in Japan - EN

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- Requirements for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa -
Introduction
For foreign nationals who wish to establish a company in Japan and operate as business managers, obtaining a "Business Manager Visa" is essential. However, the requirements are complex, and the schedule is tight.
"What are the conditions for a Business Manager Visa?"
"How long does it take to obtain one?"
This article provides a clear explanation of the requirements and timeline for obtaining a Business Manager Visa for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to reside in Japan as business managers.
Business Manager Visa Requirements
At minimum, the following requirements must be met to obtain a Business Manager Visa:
- Securing a Business Office
- A business office for the applicable business must exist in Japan.
(Even for retail businesses, an office space separated by walls and doors is required.)
- A business office for the applicable business must exist in Japan.
- Business Scale
- The business must either employ two or more full-time employees, or have capital investment of at least 5 million yen.
(When employing staff, enrollment in employment insurance and social insurance is also required.)
- The business must either employ two or more full-time employees, or have capital investment of at least 5 million yen.
- Business Stability and Continuity
- The business must be objectively recognized as stable and continuously operational.
(It is important to avoid unauthorized business operations, tax delinquency, and violations of employment-related laws.)
- The business must be objectively recognized as stable and continuously operational.
- Management Experience
- The applicant must have at least three years of experience in business management or administration, and receive remuneration equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive in the same position.
(Documents verifying practical experience, such as employment certificates and work history, are required.)
- The applicant must have at least three years of experience in business management or administration, and receive remuneration equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive in the same position.
Period of Stay
The period of stay based on a Business Manager Visa can be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months, or 3 months. In practice, initial approval is typically granted for a 1-year period.
The more stable and continuous your business is recognized to be, the higher the possibility of being granted a longer period of stay.
Schedule
Document application review typically takes about 3 months, with an additional 2-3 weeks for visa application at the local embassy.
Note that you must enter Japan within 3 months after the Certificate of Eligibility is issued.
Main Process
- 1. Company Establishment (approx. 1 month)
- Completing the company establishment procedures.
- 2. Business Permits (approx. 1 week)
- Obtaining necessary business permits.
- 3. Document Collection (approx. 2-3 weeks)
- Gathering documents required for application.
- 4. Application Preparation and Submission (approx. 2 weeks)
- Preparing and submitting the application to the Immigration Bureau.
- 5. Residence Status Review (approx. 3 months)
- Application review by the Immigration Bureau.
- 6. Certificate of Eligibility Receipt (approx. 1 week)
- Receiving the Certificate of Eligibility.
- 7. Visa Application at Local Embassy (approx. 2 weeks)
- Applying for a visa at the local Japanese embassy.
- 8. Entry to Japan
- Entering Japan and beginning business operations.
Key Points for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa
- Thorough Preparation: It is important to prepare all necessary documents completely and submit them accurately.
- Professional Consultation: If you have any concerns or questions regarding visa applications, consult with specialists (such as administrative scriveners or attorneys).
- Business Plan Development: Develop a detailed business plan to demonstrate the stability and continuity of your business. Consulting with a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant (SME Consultant), who is a nationally certified management consultant in Japan, can be beneficial for business plan development.
If you are considering obtaining a Business Manager Visa, please feel free to contact us for a consultation!
"What kind of preparation do I need for my specific case?"
"I'm worried about whether I can proceed according to schedule…"
For those with such concerns, please take advantage of Japan Business Visa Center's "Free Consultation".
Our experienced specialists will provide optimal advice tailored to your situation and offer comprehensive support for obtaining your Business Manager Visa.
Free Consultation Available
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