The Japanese Investor/Business Manager Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to invest in or manage a business in Japan. An individual sent to Japan to be president of a foreign company’s Japanese unit, for example, is likely to use an Investor Visa. Those who seek to “self-sponsor” a visa in Japan are most likely to choose the Investor Visa category. In English, this form of visa is known by a variety of titles, including investor visa, business management visa, and self-sponsorship visa.
Investment Requirements
- An investment of at least 5,000,000 yen (US$ 46,800) (paid-in capital). The larger the investment, the more likely you are to be granted an investor visa, assuming you meet all other requirements. When the incorporation process is completed, the money you invested will be usable in your business.
- A business strategy. Your company’s nature should be open, consistent, and compliant with current Japanese legislation. Your proposal should show that your business is viable and will generate revenue and profits.
- An appropriate business license is required. Certain sorts of companies, such as hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, are required to have the appropriate certifications in order to operate.
- Working history and professional background. You must have at least three years of relevant experience in the field in which you wish to establish your firm in Japan.
- A place to work. It needs to be a legitimate company location. In Japan, a guarantor can assist you in finding a suitable position.
- A co-director and co-founder. A resident of Japan should be at least one of the company’s directors. He or she could be a Japanese citizen, a permanent resident, or a visitor on a long-term visa.
- If you are based outside of Japan at the time of your company formation application, you will need to identify a co-founder / co-director who meets this condition.
- Aside from you, your organization should have at least two full-time employees who are Japanese citizens.
Documentation
Depending on the type of business you plan to start and your financial circumstances, you may require some or all of the following:
- Information on investments. A loan contract, for example, or other documentation showing your investment if you chose to finance your business this way.
- A well-written, concise, and logical business plan that explains the nature of your company, its rules of association, profit and loss estimates, and so on.
- Documents pertaining to a company’s creation, including its capital, registered address, and information about its directors.
- Appropriate licenses, if your company needs them (for example, restaurants, construction companies, financial services, etc.)
- Documents pertaining to the applicant’s professional experience.
- Documents pertaining to the rental of an office, including images of the location
- Documents pertaining to employees, such as payroll information and others.
