How can I get a visa? Explanation of the requirements, necessary documents, and application procedures for obtaining a "business administration visa!
To start a business in Japan, it is essential for foreign nationals to obtain a "Management/Administration Visa. The Business Management visa is a type of work visa and is required to engage in the management and administration of a business in Japan. However, the hurdles to obtaining such a visa are high, and careful preparation and procedures are required from application to approval.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of the outline of the Management and Administration visa, requirements for obtaining the visa, documents required for application, and the process to obtain the visa. Foreign nationals who wish to set up a business in Japan are encouraged to refer to this article.
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What is a business administration visa?
To start a business in Japan, it is essential for foreign nationals to obtain a "Management and Administration" visa; the revised Immigration Control Act, which went into effect on April 1, 2015, changed the name of what was previously known as the "Investment and Management" visa to the current "Management and Administration" visa.
The Management and Administration visa is a type of work visa for foreigners who are involved in the management or administration of a business in Japan. This visa is necessary to lead a business as a top manager of a company or to be involved in the management of a business as a manager. However, the hurdles to obtaining a Business Management visa are high, and careful preparation and procedures are required from application to acquisition.
Period of stay for Business Management Visa
The period of stay for a business/administrative visa can be selected from 3 months, 4 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. 4-month period of stay, newly established by a legal amendment in 2015, allows the issuance of a residence card and resident registration, so that opening a bank account, etc. can now be done independently. If the period of stay is less than 3 months, it is treated as a short-term stay and these procedures cannot be performed.
What you can do with a business administration visa
Once you obtain a business/administrative visa, you can engage in management and administrative duties as a representative director, director, auditor, branch manager, factory manager, or other officer of a company. However, even if you fall under one of these positions, the key point in the visa examination is whether or not you actually have the authority to execute the company's operations or make decisions on important matters.
There are no restrictions on the nature of the business, as long as it is a legitimate type of business. However, please note that some types of businesses, such as antique dealers, restaurants, and inns, may require a separate permit. The contact point for applying for a permit and the required documents vary depending on the type of business, so be sure to do your research before applying for a permit.
Obtaining a Business Management Visa
The Management and Administration visa is an indispensable status of residence for foreign nationals who wish to establish a business in Japan and work as business owners or managers, but it is not easy to obtain. The Immigration Bureau conducts a rigorous examination of the feasibility and continuity of the business, as well as the source of funds.
From application to acquisition, meticulous preparation and fulfillment of various requirements are required. Since the success or failure of obtaining a visa has a significant impact on subsequent business operations, the application process should be approached with great care. Let's take a closer look at the difficulty level, costs, requirements, and application documents for obtaining a business management visa.
Difficulty in obtaining a business administration visa
Obtaining a Management/Administration visa is considered one of the most difficult of the visa statuses. The Immigration Bureau conducts a rigorous examination to determine whether the applicant's business plan is feasible, whether the applicant can continue to operate the business, and how the applicant has raised funds. Inadequate documentation and other deficiencies often result in disapproval.
Failure to obtain a visa could set back the business and lead to substantial losses. Therefore, it is essential to apply for a business management visa carefully and with adequate preparation.
Cost of obtaining a business administration visa
The cost of obtaining a business management visa varies greatly depending on the method of application. If you prepare the necessary documents yourself and apply directly to the Immigration Bureau, the basic costs include only a copy of your family register, a certified photograph, return postage stamps, and transportation expenses. However, there is a high hurdle in terms of language, as you are required to prepare and submit the documents in Japanese.
On the other hand, if you request an administrative scrivener who specializes in supporting business management visa applications, you will need to pay an application processing fee of 100,000 yen to 500,000 yen. While the preparation of documents and application procedures by a specialist has the advantage of increasing the probability of obtaining a visa, it also places a greater burden on the applicant in terms of costs.
Obtaining a visa is an important factor that will determine the success or failure of your business, so you should not take the application process lightly. It is important to choose the most appropriate application method, taking into consideration your Japanese language ability and the cost involved.
Requirements for obtaining a business administration visa
There are five major requirements for obtaining a business administration visa.
- An office (store or office) must be secured in Japan.
- Capital of at least 5 million yen or at least 2 full-time employees who are permanent residents of Japan (Japanese, permanent residents, etc.)
- The business must be feasible and have prospects for stability and continuity.
- The actual management or control of the business by the person obtaining the investment visa.
- If employed as an administrator in Japan, at least three years of experience in business management or administration (no experience is required if establishing a new company).
! Screening Points!
The following two points are particularly important in the examination of the Business Management Visa
- Is the applicant really running the company as a manager or administrator?
- Whether the business is stable and sustainable
The Immigration Bureau will judge these points strictly based on objective data. A business plan, office location, and amount of capital are often key factors in the screening process.
The business plan should provide specifics on realistic income and expense projections and sales channels. An applicant's extremely low compensation or a work style that involves standing in a storefront all day will not be considered a managerial or supervisory activity.
The office must have an independent section/room, and the use of a virtual office or coworking space is not permitted. If the office is to be used in conjunction with a home, it is necessary to clearly separate the work space.
The larger the amount of capital, the more stable and sustainable the business is considered to be, and this is a favorable factor in the screening process. The ideal amount of capital is around 7-8 million yen.
Required Documents for Business Administration Visa Application
When applying for a Business Management visa, the following documents are required
| necessary documents | |
| Application for Certificate of Eligibility | |
| Photographs that meet the specified standards | Within the last 3 months, 4 cm (length) x 3 cm (width) |
| SASE (with stamps for registered mail) | A standard-size envelope with your name and address clearly written on it, with a 404 yen stamp affixed and "registered mail" written in red at the bottom of the stamp. |
| Documents that clarify the applicant's activities and remuneration | A copy of the Articles of Incorporation or a copy of the minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders when assuming office as an officer of a Japanese corporation. In the case of a foreign corporation transferring to a branch office in Japan, a document from the organization to which the foreign corporation belongs that clarifies the duties in charge and the remuneration. Documents that clarify working conditions, such as an employment contract issued by a company to a worker when employed as a manager in Japan. |
| Documents proving at least three years of experience in business management or administration Required only if employed as an administrator." | A resume that clearly states the institutions where you have worked in related positions, the nature of your activities, and the length of time you have worked there. Documentation of the length of time the applicant has worked in a related position (if the applicant majored in a business or management subject in graduate school, a certificate from the school may be accepted). Documents proving work experience |
| Materials that clarify the nature of the business | One of the following documents is required Certificate of registered matters If the registration has not been completed, the Articles of Incorporation Company brochures with detailed information on business activities, including history, directors, and business partners *If your industry requires a permit, you will also need a permit. |
| Documents that clarify the scale of the business Proof of at least 2 employees or at least 5 million yen in capital | One of the following documents is required Documents related to the payment of wages to the employee and the employee's certificate of residence Certificate of registered matters confirming capital (not required if already submitted above) |
| Documents that clarify the location of the office | Certificate of office registration or lease agreement Photographs of building floor plans, exteriors, entrances, mailboxes, interiors, etc. |
| Copy of business plan | Specify a 1-3 year income/expense plan |
| A copy of the most recent fiscal year's financial statements | Not required if the company is newly established and the financial statements have not yet been received. |
| statement of reasons for application | Include the reason for starting the business, future plans, source of investment, company profile, and previous experience. |
*Application documents may require other documents than those listed above, depending on the nature of the business and the individual.
*Certificates (issued in Japan) should be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
Steps to Obtaining a Business Management Visa
The process of obtaining a business management visa is generally as follows.
| Acquisition Process | What you should do | Period | |
| 1 | Preparation for Incorporation | Secure an office or store | |
| 2 | Establishment of a company | Preparation of Articles of Incorporation Certification Capital Deposit Registration of incorporation at the Legal Affairs Bureau Various notifications to the tax office | 1 to 2 months |
| 3 | Application for permits and approvals | Apply for permits and licenses to police, public health centers, prefectures, etc., depending on the type of business | Around 1 month |
| 4 | Preparation of documents for investment visa application | Prepare the documents required for the application. | Around 1 month |
| 5 | Investment Visa Application | Apply for an investment visa to the Immigration Office. | |
| 6 | examination | 1 to 3 months | |
| 7 | Obtaining an investment visa |
In each step, incomplete or insufficient documentation can lead to prolonged review and denial. Careful preparation in advance and professional advice as needed are essential. Since it may take several months to receive the final visa, it is also important to manage your schedule well in advance.
Start-up visas available in some regions
In some areas designated as National Strategic Special Zones, a "start-up visa" system has been introduced to attract foreign entrepreneurs.
The start-up visa is a system that allows a six-month deferral of confirmation of requirements for entry into Japan if the local government approves the business plan. This six-month period can be used to prepare for the establishment of a company while receiving expert advice. Please note, however, that this does not mean that a one-year stay is granted from the beginning.
Eligible business areas also vary from municipality to municipality. In most cases, the main target areas tend to be startups in the IT, tourism, and agriculture sectors.
The Startup Visa Program may allow you to take the first step toward starting your own business more quickly than a regular business management or administrative visa. For more information on the program, please refer to the following links
Reference: What is a start-up visa?
・Public Notice on the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Activities by Foreign Nationals (METI/Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
・Aimed at! Startup Visa and Business Management Visa for the Special National Strategic Zone
summary
The business/management visa is an indispensable status of residence for foreign nationals who wish to establish a business in Japan and work as a manager or in a managerial position. However, the hurdles to obtaining this visa are high, and careful preparation and fulfillment of various requirements are required from application to approval.
The success or failure of obtaining a visa will have a significant impact on subsequent business operations. When applying for a visa, it is important to consider your Japanese language skills and costs, and seek professional advice if necessary.
It is essential to be well-prepared, taking into consideration options that take advantage of regional characteristics, such as the start-up visa system.
The following articles are also useful for foreigners to learn more about how to start a business in Japan.
▶︎ Explanation of key points on how foreigners can start a business in Japan!
Reference:Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency
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