🌏 For Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan
Whether foreigners can start a business in Japan depends on their residence status (visa type). This guide explains OK / NG zones and how to legally launch your business.
🚨 Quick Reference: Business by Visa Type
| Residence Status | Business OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident / Spouse Visa | ✅ Yes | Same as Japanese nationals |
| Business Manager Visa | ✅ Yes | ¥5M capital + office required |
| Highly Skilled Professional | ✅ Yes | Multiple activities including side business |
| Engineer/Specialist (技人国) | ⚠️ Limited | Only related to main job |
| Specified Skilled Worker | ❌ No | Designated employment only |
| Student / Dependent | ❌ No | Part-time only with permission |
| Short-term Visa (Tourist) | ❌ ILLEGAL | Deportation + entry ban |
🚨 Tourist Visa Business = Criminal Offense
Starting any business on a tourist visa is illegal. Both you and any Japanese business partner face penalties. Immediate deportation and 5-10 year entry ban.
🌟 Business Manager Visa — The Royal Road
- ▸Physical office (separate from residence) — virtual office NG
- ▸Capital of ¥5 million or more (or 2+ full-time employees)
- ▸Business plan showing sustainability
- ▸Personal management track record
- ▸Initial period: 1 year → renewable to 3 or 5 years
- ▸Family can join via "Dependent" visa
⭐ Bank statement proof matters
¥5M capital must be proven with bank records. Borrowed money typically rejected — self-funded preferred. Keep records of overseas transfers.
🎓 Highly Skilled Professional Visa (Best Option)
- ▸Point system: 70+ points (education, salary, experience, age)
- ▸BENEFIT: Multiple activities (main job + side + business)
- ▸BENEFIT: 5-year residence period
- ▸BENEFIT: Spouse can work full-time
- ▸BENEFIT: Parents can accompany
- ▸BENEFIT: Permanent residence after just 1 year
📋 Step-by-Step (Business Manager Visa)
- 1. Enter Japan on short-term visa for setup (property viewing, bank prep)
- 2. Establish company (kabushiki-gaisha) or sole proprietorship
- 3. Secure office space (rental contract required)
- 4. Transfer ¥5M capital with traceable source
- 5. Prepare business plan (Japanese or English OK)
- 6. Apply at Immigration Services Agency
- 7. Wait 3-6 months for review
- 8. With approval, get visa at Japanese embassy abroad
- 9. Enter Japan and start business
⭐ Hire an Immigration Specialist (Gyoseishoshi)
Strongly recommended: ¥300,000-500,000 fee. Many applications fail without specialist support.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ▸Starting business while on tourist visa → CRIMINAL OFFENSE
- ▸Studying + business on student visa → Visa revoked
- ▸Using virtual office for Business Manager Visa → Rejected
- ▸Bank statement without traceable source → Rejected
- ▸Sole proprietor without office → No visa available
👥 Hiring Foreign Workers — Quick Guide
- ▸Check residence card (front + back) — keep copy
- ▸Verify online: https://lapse-immi.moj.go.jp/html/top.html
- ▸File "Foreign Worker Notification" at Hello Work
- ▸Illegal employment = up to 3 years prison + ¥3M fine
- ▸Specified Skilled Worker visa: covers 14 industries
🏆 Success Stories
- ▸Vietnamese: Café opening on Business Manager Visa, ¥1.5M/month after 3 years
- ▸Chinese: Side EC business on Highly Skilled Pro, +¥800K/month
- ▸Indian: IT consulting LLC, ¥100M/year after 5 years
- ▸Korean: Korean restaurant on Spouse Visa, ¥2.5M/month family business
💼 Recommended Professionals
- ▸Immigration Lawyer / Gyoseishoshi: Visa applications
- ▸Shihoshoshi: Company registration
- ▸Tax Accountant: Bookkeeping, tax filing
- ▸Social Insurance Labor Consultant: Hiring & payroll
⚠️
JP: 掲載情報は執筆時点のものです。実際の申請・契約・許認可取得にあたっては、必ず各管轄機関（出入国在留管理庁・税務署・行政書士など）にご確認ください。
EN: Information is current as of writing. For actual applications, consult the relevant authorities (Immigration Services Agency, Tax Office, certified administrative scriveners, etc.).
ZH: 信息以撰写时为准。实际申请、合同、许可证取得时，请务必向相关机构（出入境在留管理厅、税务署、行政书士等）确认。
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