Japan is increasingly becoming an appealing place to live for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
With a stable economy, great links to the rest of Asia and a high standard of living, it’s no surprise that so many international business people are looking to move there.
Whilst Japan doesn’t have a golden visa per se, it does have its Business Management Visa, also known as the Investment Visa, which allows people to start and manage businesses in Japan.
What is The Japanese Business Management/Investor Visa?
The Japanese Investor Visa (or Business Manager Visa) exists for entrepreneurs who want to start, manage, or invest in a business in Japan.
The reason it’s different from other ‘golden visas’ is that investment alone does not qualify. A person needs to prove that their business idea is viable and that it will positively contribute to the Japanese economy.
Investing in real estate or equity in Japanese companies alone doesn’t count.
How Much You Need To Invest
To be eligible for the Japanese Investor Visa, you must make an investment in a business that contributes to the economy.
The options are:
Minimum ¥5 million (approx. $45,000) if you are starting a new business.
However, the higher the investment, the more likely it is to get approved.
Or
¥2.5 million ($22,500) if you are managing an existing business. However, you must have at least one full-time employee that is a Japanese national or permanent resident.
Once approved, the investor visa allows you to live in Japan for 1, 3 or 5 years. Its annual renewal depends on how the business is performing.
Other Requirements For The Japanese Investment Visa
Business Registration
To get the visa, your company must be legally registered in Japan.
You can either register as a:
Kabushiki-Gaisha (K.K.) – Joint-stock company (similar to a corporation).
Godou-Gaisha (G.K.) – Limited liability company (similar to an LLC).
You may also open a branch of a foreign company.
Office Space
Your business must have a physical office in Japan.
Virtual offices, home addresses, shared spaces and P/O boxes are not allowed.
Immigration officers may visit your office to confirm it is where you say it is.
Local Employees
Your business must employ at least two full-time employees who are Japanese nationals or long-term residents.
You must also have at least one co-director who is a legal resident of Japan.
Business Plan
As part of the application process, you will need to show the Japanese authorities a detailed business plan. Within this, you should talk about how the company plans to contribute to the economy, what your strategy is and how you comply with regulations.
For example, if you open a food a drink company, showing that you understand local licencing laws will help.
You will also need proof of capital to show how you plan to fund the business, as well as proof that you are able to be financially independent yourself.
How To Apply For Japan’s Investment Visa
Applying for the Japanese Investor Visa takes a few steps. These include:
Step 1: Register Your Business in Japan
Before applying for the visa, you must set up your company in Japan:
- Register your business.
- Find and lease an office space.
- Deposit the investment capital in the company bank account.
You will also have to hire local employees and register alongside your co-director.
Step 2: Get A Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Submit an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at an immigration office in Japan.
You will need to provide your business registration papers as well as your own passport and a clean criminal record.
Processing takes between 3-6 months.
Step 3: Apply For The Investor Visa
Once the CoE is approved, you can apply for the Investor Status of Residence (SOR) at a Japanese embassy or consulate. You can also do this in Japan if you would like.
Processing usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Step 4: Move To Japan
Once you arrive in Japan, you will need to apply to exchange your SOR for a Japanese Residence Card, which you must carry at all times.
Then, you can get to work making your business a success. Remember, in order to retain the visa, you need to prove that the business is staying productive every year.
Japan’s Investor Visa As A Path To Citizenship
While the Investor Visa does not always lead to citizenship, it can do in certain cases.
Investor visa holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in Japan (or 3 years if married to a Japanese citizen).
For those looking to secure Japanese citizenship, you will need:
- 5+ years of continuous residence with at least 290 days in the country every year.
- To be well integrated into Japanese society, including learning the language fluently
- To renounce other passports, as Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
Japan’s Investment Visa
The Japanese Investor Visa is a great way for entrepreneurs to enjoy the high quality of life and stable economy in Japan.
This visa is perfect for anyone looking to start or manage a successful business. And after 5 years, it could even lead to citizenship.
With the right information, planning and documents, you can enjoy the best that Japanese living has to offer. Good luck, or should we say, 幸運を!
