Investment in Japan

Investing in Japan by registering a company, aside from making a profit, also can lead to residence. Business owners and managers may be eligible for a Business Manager residency in Japan.

This type of visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Japan. Once a company is registered, one can introduce oneself as a business manager and apply for a business visa.

The business must have certain conditions:

• The capital of the company must be 5,000,000 yen.
• The company must have an office location in Japan.
• The business plan must be approved by the relevant authorities.
• The applicants must have enough salary to live and support themselves in Japan.
• Hiring at least one full-time Japanese employee, a permanent resident of Japan, the spouse and children of a Japanese person, the spouse or children of a permanent resident in Japan, or a foreigner with a long-term visa in Japan.

The Immigration Office considers many factors to reject or approve a visa, such as business stability and credibility, predictable profit and loss balance, number of employees, type of business, and so on.

This visa is usually valid for a year. The person may apply to expand this visa before expiration. There is no limit for expansion of the visa if all the requirements are still met. After receiving the visa, one’s relatives (spouse, children, and parents) can apply for a general relative visa.

Usually, the person who has the visa is eligible for legal permanent residence in the country after 10 years (it will be granted after 3 years of permanent residence in Japan in case one marries a Japanese person). One must provide a written explanation stating the reasons for one’s request, and have a strong relationship with the country, and a reliable financial situation. The applicant can positively influence the approval of the application if one is fluent in Japanese and has professional awards or honors. In any case, all these requirements cannot guarantee that the application will be approved.

Requirements:

• A fee certificate: it is issued as proof of accepting the foreign entry requirements in Japan before applying for a visa from the Regional Immigration Office under the Ministry of Justice.
• Documents of the applicant’s activity and position in Japan, and previous experience of the Commercial Director: CVR with professional resources, annual salary certification, employment contract (if required), 3 years of experience in business management (if hired as a manager).
• Documents for the size and activity of the business: website, certificate, articles of association, business plan, financial statement (if any), a notification from the Reimbursement Office to the Tax Office (if possible).
• Office Location documents in Japan: lease agreement, property certificate, or assembly photos, mailbox, or other evidence.
• All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Japanese.

Required documents:

• Resume
• Documents, certificates, and salaries
• Copy of business license confirmation
• Business plan
• Office location documents
• Financial statement
• Original and copy of passport
• Two passport photos