Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs in Japan: A Guide
For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to establish a business in Japan, obtaining the right visa is an essential step. The Business Manager Visa is specifically designed to enable foreign nationals to start and manage their businesses in Japan. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements and the application process.
1. Proof of Business Registration
Your business must be officially registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau. This involves:
Submitting your Articles of Incorporation
Providing proof of your registered office address
Completing all necessary paperwork for company registration
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance with drafting and submitting Articles of Incorporation
Support in obtaining registration certificates
2. Office Space Requirements
Entrepreneurs must provide evidence of a physical office space in Japan that complies with local zoning and regulatory standards. Acceptable options include:
A commercial office space
A shared workspace (if it meets legal requirements)
Oyemi Japan Services:
Guidance on finding and leasing compliant office spaces
Virtual office solutions where applicable
3. Capital Investment
You must demonstrate an initial capital investment of at least JPY 5 million. This can include:
Office setup costs
Employee salaries
Equipment purchases
Alternatively, you can meet this requirement by employing at least two full-time staff members who are residents of Japan.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance in documenting and presenting your capital investment
Advice on hiring and employee onboarding
4. Business Plan Submission
A well-prepared business plan is crucial for your application. It should outline:
Business objectives
Market analysis
Financial projections
Operational strategies
Oyemi Japan Services:
Crafting professional and compelling business plans tailored to immigration requirements
Translating and formatting documents to meet Japanese standards
5. Background Documentation
You need to provide supporting documents, including:
Your resume
Evidence of relevant experience in your business field
Proof of financial stability to sustain the business
Oyemi Japan Services:
Document preparation and review
Translation and notarization services
6. Legal Compliance
Your business must adhere to Japanese laws and industry-specific regulations. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses or permits for your business sector.
Oyemi Japan Services:
Assistance in applying for required licenses and permits
Ensuring compliance with local and national regulations
7. Application Submission and Processing
Once all documents are prepared, submit your application to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The process may include an interview and can take several weeks to months.
Oyemi Japan Services:
End-to-end support in filing the application
Monitoring the application status and addressing queries from the agency
Post-Visa Support
After obtaining your Business Manager Visa, you must:
Register your residence with the local municipal office
Notify the tax office about your business
Enroll employees in social and labor insurance programs
Oyemi Japan Services:
Post-visa compliance support
Assistance with tax registration and insurance enrollment
Key Considerations
Language Barrier: Most official documents must be in Japanese. Professional translation is often required.
Cultural Understanding: Adapting to Japanese business culture and etiquette is essential for building trust and relationships.
Preparation Time: Start your preparations early to allow time for document collection and application processing.
Why Choose Oyemi Japan?
Oyemi Japan specializes in providing personalized support for foreign entrepreneurs. Our expertise includes:
Immigration assistance for Business Manager Visa applications
Comprehensive business setup services
Language and cultural support to ease your transition
Post-setup services to ensure long-term compliance and success
By partnering with Oyemi Japan, you gain access to professional guidance tailored to your needs, ensuring a smoother path to achieving your entrepreneurial goals in Japan.
For more information or to get started, contact Oyemi Japan today!