Category Status of residence in Japan

If you will be joining a company that already exists in Japan as a director, you will apply for the status of residence “Business Manager”.

If you have already obtained a status of residence in Japan, please check your current status first.

If you have the following residency status, you don’t have to change your status.

• Permanent Resident
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National
• Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
• Long Term Resident

In addition, if you have acquired a status of residence as an “Highly Skilled Professional,” you do not have to change your status of residence depending on the nature of your business.

If you have any other status of residence, you will need to change your status to “Business Manager”.

“Business Manager” is granted to foreign nationals who are substantially involved in the management of a business.

Requirement 1: You have an office in Japan that is separate from your home.

It is necessary to secure an office separate from your home.

It doesn’t matter if the company rents it or owns it.

However, if it is a single-family dwelling and there is a perfect distinction between office and living space (office on the first floor, living space on the second floor, etc.), the same building is acceptable.

This office refers to the place where the business is actually conducted.

Therefore, the office needs to be equipped with the necessary equipment for the business, such as a telephone and a computer.

Please note that a “virtual office” is not allowed because it is not a place where you actually do business.

Requirement 2: The size of the business

The size of the business falls under one of the following A-C.

A: The company employs two or more full-time staff members.

This is a full-time position, so part-time employment is not acceptable.

In addition, when hiring foreign staff, depending on the type of status of residence, some of them may not be recognized as full-time staff, which is a requirement for obtaining business management.

B: The amount of capital and the total amount of contribution is 5 million yen or more.

A company’s capital or investment must be at least \5,000,000-.

A business management visa is effectively granted to a foreigner who “runs a business”.

Therefore, it is also necessary to consider how involved the applicant is in starting the business, such as the percentage of shares held by the applicant.

Requirement 3. Stability and continuity

If the business becomes unsustainable or difficult to realize, it will not be permitted.

If you are an existing business, your financial situation is important.

If the business is continuously insolvent, it is considered to be unstable and unsustainable.

If your company is in this financial situation, you should create a future business and financing plan to present stability and continuity in the future.

The stability and continuity of the business is very important.

There is a fixed period of stay for “Business Manager”.

At the time of renewal, the company’s financial status will also be reviewed, and if you continue to be insolvent, you may not be able to renew.

This section explains how to obtain “Business Management”, which is granted to foreign nationals who establish a company in Japan and effectively manage the company by assuming the position of representative director.

If you have already obtained a status of residence in Japan, please check your current status first.

If you have the following residency status, you don’t have to change your status.

• Permanent Resident
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National
• Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
• Long Term Resident

In addition, if you have acquired a status of residence as an “Highly Skilled Professional,” you do not have to change your status of residence depending on the nature of your business.

If you have any other status of residence, you will need to change your status to “Business Manager”.

Requirement 1: You have an office in Japan that is separate from your home.

It is necessary to secure an office separate from your home.

It doesn’t matter if you rent it or own it.

However, if it is a single-family dwelling and there is a perfect distinction between office and living space (office on the first floor, living space on the second floor, etc.), the same building is acceptable.

This office refers to the place where the business is actually conducted.

Therefore, the office needs to be equipped with the necessary equipment for the business, such as a telephone and a computer.

Please note that a “virtual office” is not allowed because it is not a place where you actually do business.

If you’re currently abroad, how do you sign a lease?

You can apply “Business Manager” with a period of stay in 3 months.

After completed the certification of the articles of incorporation for the establishment of the company, then you will be able to apply for a period of stay in 3 months.

If this is granted, you can come to Japan and sign a lease during this period.

Even if you are a foreigner, if your period of stay is more than 3 months, you can be registered as a resident and get a certificate of residence.

If you can obtain a certificate of residence, you can also open a bank account. (Some banks may not be able to open one.)

Requirement 2: The size of the business falls under one of the following A-C.

A: The company employs two or more full-time staff members.

This is a full-time position, so part-time employment is not acceptable.

In addition, when hiring foreign staff, depending on the type of status of residence, some of them may not be recognized as full-time staff, which is a requirement for obtaining business management.

B: The amount of capital and the total amount of contribution is 5 million yen or more.

A company’s capital or investment must be at least 5 million yen.

If you want to start your own business, you need to invest at least 5 million yen in capital to establish a company.

They are also asked how they managed to raise this 5 million yen.

A business management visa is effectively granted to a foreigner who “runs a business”.

Therefore, it is also necessary to consider how involved the applicant is in starting the business, such as the percentage of shares held by the applicant.

C: It is on the same scale as A and B.

For example, if you start a business as a sole proprietorship, it is considered the same as long as you invest more than 5 million yen to start the business.

If you are planing to start a restaurant, you must have spent more than 5 million on kitchen equipment and fixtures.

Requirement 3: Appropriateness, stability and continuity of the business

In order to obtain “business management”, the business must be appropriate and must be recognized as stable and continuous.

A: Adequacy

As long as the business is legally conducted in Japan, there are no restrictions on the content of the business.

If your business requires a permit from the government, you must obtain a permit.

In addition, if you hire employees, you are required to join labor and social insurance.

b: Stability and continuity

It will not be permitted if the business becomes unsustainable or is considered difficult to realize.

However, if you’re starting a new business, you never know what the outcome will be.

Therefore, you have to prepare a business plan to get the immigration officer to approve the stability and continuity of the business.

(At the time of application, you must submit the documents written in Japanese.)

The stability and continuity of the business is very important.

There is a fixed period of stay for status of residence “Business Manager”.

You have to get your renewal in by the deadline.

At the time of renewal, the company’s financial status will also be reviewed, and if you continue to be insolvent, you may not be able to renew.