How to obtain a visa to open a business in Japan
Non-Japanese nationals typically must obtain a Business Manager Visa to open a business in Japan. This visa is required for foreigners to establish and operate a company in Japan.
1. Choosing the Right Visa: Management/Administration Visa
The Management and Administration Visa is required for foreigners who intend to establish or manage a business in Japan. Specifically, this visa is applied for the following situations:
Establishing a company or expanding a new branch into Japan.
Actively involved in the management or operation of a business (e.g... president, director, etc.) in Japan.
2. Basic Requirements for a Business/Management Visa
The basic requirements for obtaining a business/management visa are as follows:
Establishment of a company: It is necessary to establish a corporation such as a joint stock company (KK) or limited liability company (GK) in Japan.
Investment: A minimum capital of at least 5 million yen is required to invest in the company. This amount may be self-financed or raised funds.
Place of business: You must have an actual place of business in Japan. A mere virtual office or home address is not acceptable.
Business Activities: Businesses must contribute to the Japanese economy. Examples include manufacturing, retail, IT services, and consulting.
Management Participation: The applicant must be substantially involved in the management of the business and have a managerial role in the business (e.g... representative director).
3. Preparation of the Necessary Documents
The following documents are required for a visa application:
Visa Application Form: Available at the Immigration Bureau or Embassy of Japan.
Passport: Valid passport.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan that includes a description of the business, target market, revenue projections, and employee plans.
Investment certificate: A document that proves that there is an investment of 5 million yen or more. Bank account statements, company registration certificates, etc.
Documents related to the establishment of a company: Business registration certificate (certificate of incorporation), a certified copy of the corporate register (extract from the register).
Office rental agreement: A rental agreement or proof of address for the office where the business will be conducted.
Credentials: Documents attesting to business-related experience or qualifications (e.g... experience in management or a related field).
Financial Plan: A financial plan that includes revenue projections and cash flow statements for the business.
4. Application to the Immigration Bureau
After preparing the necessary documents, apply to the Immigration Bureau Immigration Bureau in Japan). If you have not yet entered Japan, apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate.
5. Examination and Issuance of Certificate
The Immigration Bureau will examine the application after you've applied. If the Immigration Bureau approves the application, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be issued. This certificate is required for visa application in Japan.
6. Visa Application
Once the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued, you will take this to the Japanese embassy or consulate for a visa application. Once your visa is approved, you will then be issued a Management and Administration visa.
7. Arrive in Japan and Start Business
After obtaining a visa and arriving in Japan, the next steps will be:
Obtain a Residence Card: A residence card is issued at the airport upon entry into Japan.
Complete Business Registration: To operate a business in Japan, you must register the business, complete tax procedures, and register for social insurance.
Compliance with Visa Requirements: You must continue to operate your business in accordance with the terms of your visa. This includes reporting business activities and tax procedures.
8. Visa Renewal
Business and management visas are usually issued for a period of either: one, three, or five years. If the visa needs to be renewed, the renewal process must be completed before applying in order to prove that the business is in good standing.
Other Considerations
Family Visa: A visa for family members (Dependent Visa) may be obtained if a spouse or child is accompanying the family member.
Hiring Employees: If you hire employees, you must complete a labor contract, social insurance, and tax procedures in accordance with Japanese labor law.
Professional assistance: If the visa application and procedures are complex, we recommend that you consult with an administrative scrivener or lawyer to ensure there are no errors during the process.
