Visas for Immigration to Japan
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in inquiries about immigrating to Japan. Unlike some countries where investing a certain amount of money can lead to the issuance of a permanent residency visa, Japan does not offer such an option.
Under current laws, immigrating to Japan requires obtaining a status of residence tied to “employment,” “business management,” or “marriage” in Japan. After acquiring one of these statuses, individuals must actively and stably engage in the activities permitted under their residence status, renew it periodically, and apply for permanent residency at a local immigration office when they meet the eligibility criteria set for their specific status of residence.
Requirements for Permanent Residency
- Employment or Business Management:
For most individuals with a residence status related to employment or company management, continuous residence in Japan for at least 10 years is required, except for certain highly skilled professionals. - Spouse of a Japanese National:
Individuals with a residence status as the spouse of a Japanese national must have been married for at least 3 years and have resided in Japan for at least 1 year.
Examples of Residency Paths
- Residing in Japan for 10 years with a status of residence for “employment” or “business management” → Application for Permanent Residency → Approved.
- Residing in Japan for 5 years as a “student” followed by 5 years with “employment” (total of 10 years) → Application for Permanent Residency → Approved.
- Residing in Japan for 3 years through marriage to a Japanese national → Application for Permanent Residency → Approved.
Planning Your Residence Status
Careful planning is essential for obtaining a status of residence that aligns with your long-term goals. If applicants wish to work in Japan, certain criteria—such as educational background, work experience, or passing skill tests—must often be met, depending on the type of residence status that permits employment.
After finding a prospective employer who fulfills the required conditions, consulting with an immigration lawyer is highly advisable. An immigration lawyer can assess the likelihood of visa approval. Once this assessment is complete, the next step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence through the appropriate procedures in Japan.
Starting a Business in Japan
For those aspiring to start a business in Japan, there is a minimum investment requirement of 5 million yen, but no educational requirements. It is crucial to develop a robust business plan that demonstrates the stability and continuity of the proposed business activities and shows that the applicant can manage the business independently.
After finalizing office contracts and completing company registration procedures, applicants can proceed with the visa application. Some individuals strategically leverage their assets to establish business ventures in Japan, engaging in company management as a pathway to immigration. This approach is often considered one of the viable strategies for immigrating to Japan.
Business Manager Visa for Immigration
If you intend to engage in company management in Japan, there are numerous considerations during the application process. These include securing investment funds, obtaining necessary proof documents, finding a reliable recipient for fund transfers in Japan, and addressing issues related to office selection, inspections, and contract arrangements.
Many overseas agencies offer support for individuals planning to immigrate to Japan. These agencies often collaborate with immigration lawyer offices in Japan. However, some agencies prioritize cost over service quality when choosing their legal partners.
This cost-driven approach can lead to incomplete or poorly handled applications, resulting in disapproval. In such cases, applicants are forced to reapply, which can delay the process by up to a year.
During the application review, common issues include:
- Unexplained or suspicious flows of transferred investment funds.
- Incoherent explanations of how the funds were formed.
- Submission of unrealistic or poorly substantiated business plans.
- Inability to provide additional documents requested by the Immigration Office.
It is crucial to carefully select an immigration lawyer who has expertise and a track record of success.
Requirements for the Business Manager Visa
To obtain a "Business Manager Visa" for operating a company in Japan, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Formulate a Detailed Business Plan: The business plan should outline the goals, strategies, and financial projections for the company.
- Prepare an Investment of Over 5 Million Yen: This investment must be transferred to a Japanese bank account or an account held by a trusted Japanese collaborator if the applicant does not yet have a local account.
When transferring investment funds, applicants must provide the purpose of the transfer and supporting documentation to the financial institution. Upon arrival, the recipient account holder will undergo an examination by the financial institution to verify the purpose of the funds. If the examination is successful, the funds will be cleared for use.
Steps to Apply for the Business Manager Visa
- Secure a Trusted Collaborator:
The collaborator will assist with office selection, inspections, contract arrangements, and other logistical matters on behalf of the applicant. - Complete Office Setup:
After signing the lease, the office must be furnished with necessary equipment, and any required business permits must be obtained, depending on the nature of the business. - Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE):
Once the business setup is complete and ready for operation, the representative (or collaborator) applies to the Japanese Immigration Office for a Certificate of Eligibility for the status of residence as "Business Manager." - Receive the CoE and Apply for a Visa:
After the CoE is issued, it is sent to the applicant overseas. The applicant then applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their jurisdiction. - Commence Business Management in Japan:
Once the visa is approved and the applicant arrives in Japan, they can begin managing their business operations.
Key Recommendations
- Work with Reliable Professionals: Engage with experienced immigration lawyers and collaborators to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and credible.
- Prepare Thorough Documentation: Be ready to provide detailed and substantiated explanations for your funds, business plans, and other application materials.
- Follow Compliance Requirements: Ensure all steps, from fund transfers to office setup and business operations, adhere to Japanese regulations.
With careful planning and the right professional support, obtaining a Business Manager Visa can be a streamlined and successful process.
For Family Members (Spouse, Children) to Immigrate
After obtaining the "Business Manager" residency status, dependents (spouse, children) may apply for visas to join the applicant in Japan and reside together as dependents.
However, approval is not guaranteed solely based on familial relationships. The examination process assesses the actual dependency and necessity of support. While there are no legal age restrictions for children, in practice, dependency is typically denied once they reach adulthood.
Additionally, the decision takes into account whether stable and continuous financial support is available in Japan, such as executive compensation. If financial stability is deemed insufficient to support dependents, the application may be denied, and family members (spouse, children) may not be able to join the applicant immediately.
When applying for a Business Manager Visa, it is essential to consult with experienced professionals to devise a migration plan that includes bringing family members to Japan. Bringing over parents is generally not permitted under current laws, except in highly exceptional cases or for certain highly skilled professionals. Exceptional circumstances may include cases where parents are elderly and have no other children in their home country to provide care. As these situations are not explicitly outlined in the law, they are treated as exceptions and are approved only under extremely limited conditions.
Acquiring Japanese Citizenship
It is also possible to acquire Japanese nationality in the future.
Applicants who have resided in Japan for more than 5 years, complied with the law, attained Japanese language proficiency equivalent to a second-grade elementary school level, and met other requirements can apply for naturalization to acquire Japanese nationality.
The shortest path to naturalization allows applicants to acquire Japanese citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence, which is significantly shorter than the 10 years required for permanent residency. However, it is important to note that Japan does not recognize dual citizenship, and applicants will need to renounce their original nationality upon acquiring Japanese citizenship.
