Japan ~ Self-Employed Business Manager Visa

Owners, directors and managers of business entities in Japan may be eligible for a Business Manager (経営・管理 Keiei-Kanri) status of residence in Japan.

This class of visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business in Japan. Once the company is incorporated they can sponsor themselves as a manager of the business to obtain a Business Manager Visa.
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– Company paid up capital must be at least JPY5,000,000.
– Company must have an office space in Japan.
– Business plan must be approved by the relevant authorities.
– Applicant must have enough salary/income to live independently in Japan.
– Hire at least one full time employee who is either a Japanese national, a Permanent Resident, a Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, a Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, or a foreign national with a Long-Term visa.
There are several factors considered by the Immigration Office in whether to approve the visa application or not, such as the business’ stability and credibility, balance of predictable profit and loss, amount of employees, and types of business, among others.

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This visa is usually granted for one year. Prior to the visa’s expiration date, the resident may apply for an extension, provided that requirements are still met. There is no limit on number of extensions permitted. Once the visa is obtained, dependents (spouse, children and parents) may apply for a dependent general visa. Usually, the visa holder may be eligible for permanent residency after 10 years of continuous legal residence in the country (3 if married with a Japanese national). He or she will have to provide a written explanation listing the reasons for their application, have strong ties to the country and a good financial position. Fluency in the Japanese language and professional awards or honors may positively influence getting the application approved. In any case, fulfilling these requirements do not guarantee the application approval.
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A business manager visa holder may apply for a preferential immigration treatment changing their status of residence to Highly Skilled Foreign Professional. This status of residence is granted to immigrants who have scored at least 70 points in their Immigration scorecard. Scores are mainly based on professional qualifications, education level and annual salary. This status of residence has a validity of 5 years, and entitles its holder to apply for permanent residence after 3 years. Those scoring over 80 points may apply after just a year.
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After 5 years living in the country a resident may be eligible to apply for citizenship. Citizenship might be granted if he or she has stayed at least more than 290 days per year in the country, has strong ties to the country, can speak fluent Japanese and has fully integrated in the Japanese society. Fulfilling these requirements do not guarantee in any case the application approval.