Business Start Up

Starting Up Your Business in Osaka: Introduction

Status of Residence

1. Temporary Visitor Visa, Visa For Medical Stay

1 -(1). Temporary Visitor Visa

Foreigners wishing to enter Japan to conduct preparations, such as selection of a facility for business, hiring staff, etc., in order to open/establish a representative office, branch, or company are required to obtain a temporary visitor visa at a Japanese diplomatic establishment. Foreigners show such visa at a port of entry of an airport or seaport in order to get landing permission, and then enter Japan.
Nationals of countries with visa exemption arrangements with Japan do not require a visa for application for landing permission for short-term stays. However, please note that the waiver of visa requirements is not applicable in the case of stays exceeding the period of time stipulated in each arrangement.

The period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission is as follows:
《Visa waiver country and region》
  • Indonesia and Thailand: 15 days
  • Brunei: 14 days
  • United Arab Emirates: 30 days
  • Other countries and regions: 90 days

《Country/region where a visa is required》
15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, which shall be determined depending on the purpose of entry and the results of inspection

Engaging in paid activities in Japan with a temporary visitor visa is prohibited.
Please start with the procedure for obtaining status of residence as soon as possible in order to work continually at a representative office, a branch, or a company.
(Engaging in the operation of an income-producing business or paid activities does not fall under the category of “temporary visitor” no matter how short the term of stay in Japan is.)

1 -(2). Multiple-entry temporary visitor visa

A Multiple-entry temporary visitor visa may be applied for at Japanese diplomatic offices abroad (Japanese Consulates-General, etc.) for short-term business affairs (business trips, etc.) when an applicant fulfills certain requirements, such as a full-time employee working in a company which is a government enterprise, or a company listed on the stock exchange, etc.
Permitted period of stay in Japan and the validity period of such visa vary by his/her nationality (country/region).
In no case is it permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue-generating business operations or activities to receive remuneration.
The period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission is 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, which shall be determined depending on the purpose of entry and the results of the inspection.

1 -(3). Visa For Medical Stay

A “Visa for Medical Stay” is a visa issued to foreign patients wishing to visit Japan for medical purposes (including full medical check-ups, etc.). Such visa may also be issued to persons accompanying foreign patients if necessary, and as needed. Under this category, period of stay in Japan is within 90 days, 6 months or 1 year. The period of stay is determined based on the clinical condition of foreign patients and other factors. However, please note that if the expected period of stay is longer than 90 days, it is premised on hospitalization and such foreign patients are required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice.
The validity period of a Visa for Medical Stay is 3 years as needed.

2. Types of Status of Residence

When a foreigner wishes to stay in Japan for work, etc., s/he must obtain a status of residence where the activities to be engaged in are applicable from among 29 categories (36 types) of status of residence stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (hereinafter “Immigration Regulation”).

[Status of Residence allowed to work within the designated activities: 27 types]
Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional ((i)a, (i)b, (i)c, (ii)), Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker ((i), (ii)), Technical Intern Training ((i)a, (i)b, (ii)a, (ii)b), Designated Activities (such as working holidays, etc.)
< Highly Skilled Professional (i)a, (i)b, (i)c, and (ii) / Technical Intern Training (i)a, (i)b, (ii)a, and (ii)b / Specified Skilled Worker (i), (ii) are considered as one category.>

[Status of Residence basically not allowed to work: 5 types]
Cultural activities, Temporary Visitor, Student, Trainee, Dependent

[Status of Residence with no restriction on work: 4 types]
Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long Term Resident

The List of Categories of Status of Residence(Annexed table I and Annexed table II of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act)

Annexed table1

[1]
Status of Residence Authorized Activities
Diplomat Activities on the part of constituent members of diplomatic missions or consular offices of foreign governments hosted by the Government of Japan; activities on the part of those who are provided with similar privileges and/or immunities as is given to diplomatic missions in accordance with treaty or international customary practices; and activities on the part of their family members belonging to the same household.
Official Activities on the part of those who engage in official business of foreign governments or international organizations recognized by the government of Japan; and activities on the part of their family members belonging to the same household(excluding the activities described in this table’s “Diplomat” section).
Professor Activities for research, direction of research or education at colleges, equivalent educational institutions or “koto-senmongakko.”
Artist Activities for the arts that provide income, including music, the fine arts, literature, etc. (excluding the activities described in the “Entertainer” section of Table (2)).
Religious Activities Missionary and other religious activities conducted by foreign religious organizations.
Journalist News coverage and other journalistic activities conducted on the basis of a contract with foreign journalistic organizations.
[2]
Status of Residence Authorized Activities
Highly Skilled Professional (i) Activities which fall under any of items (a) through (c) and are expected to contribute to the development of academic research or economy of Japan that foreign human resources with advanced and specialized skills which conforms to the standards provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice engage in.
(a) Activities for research, direction of research or education on the basis of a contract with public or private organizations in Japan designated by Minister of Justice, or activities to operate a business relating to said activities by himself/herself in addition to engage in said activities, or activities for research, direction of research or education on the basis of a contract with public or private organizations in Japan other than said organizations.
(b) Activities to engage in service which requires knowledge or technology pertinent to natural science or physical science fields based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan designated by Minister of Justice or activities to operate a business relating to said activities by himself/herself in addition to engage in said activities.
(c) Activities to operate an international trade or other business or to manage said business at public or private organizations in Japan designated by Minister of Justice or activities to operate a business relating to said activities by himself/herself in addition to engage in said activities.
(ii) Activities, which fall under any of the following items, by a person who engaged in the preceding item and whose stay conforms to the standards provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice as serving the interests of Japan:
(a) Activities for research, direction of research or education on the basis of a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
(b) Activities to engage in service which requires knowledge or technology pertinent to natural science or physical science fields based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
(c) Activities to operate an international trade or other business or to manage said business at public or private organization in Japan.
(d) Activities, conducted with any of the preceding item (a) to (c), described in the lower column of “Professor” to ”Journalist” sections of Table(1) or the activities described in the lower column of “Legal/Accounting Services”, “Medical Services”, “Instructor”, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services “, “Nursing Care”, “Entertainer”, or “Skilled Labor “sections, or (ii) in the lower column of “Specified Skilled Worker” section of this Table (excluding activities any of the preceding item (a) to (c)).
Business Manager Activities to operate international trade or other business, or to manage that business (excluding engaging in the operation or management of business which is not allowed without legal qualifications described in this table’s “Legal/Accounting Services” section).
Legal/
Accounting Services
Activities to engage in legal or accounting business which is required to be carried out by attorneys recognized as foreign law specialists under the foreign lawyers’ law (“Gaikokuho Jimubengoshi”), certified public accountants recognized as accountants practicing foreign accounting under the Accountant Law (“Gaikokukoninkaikeishi”) or those with other legal qualifications.
Medical Services Activities to engage in medical treatment service which is required to be undertaken by Physicians, dentists or those with other medical qualifications.
Researcher Activities to engage in research on the basis of a contract with public or private organizations in Japan (excluding the activities described in the “Professor” section of Table (1)).
Instructor Activities to engage in language instruction and other education at elementary schools, junior high schools, schools for compulsory education, high schools, school for the blind, handicapped children’s schools, advanced vocational schools, (“Senshu-gakko”) vocational schools (“Kakushu-gakko”) or other educational institutions equivalent to vocational schools in facilities and curriculum.
Engineer/
Specialist in
Humanities /
International Services
Activities to engage in service which requires technology and/or knowledge pertinent to physical science, engineering or other natural science fields, or technology and/or knowledge pertinent to jurisprudence, economics, sociology or other human science fields, or to engage in service which requires specific ways of thought or sensitivity based on experience with foreign culture, based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan (excluding the activities described in the “Professor”, “Artist”, and “Journalist” sections of Table(1) and excluding the activities described in the “Business Manager”, “Legal/Accounting Services”, “Medical Services”, “Researcher”, and “Entertainer” sections of this Table).
Intra-company
Transferee
Activities on the part of personnel who are transferred to business offices in Japan for a limited period of time from business offices which are established in foreign countries by public or private organizations which have head offices, branch offices or other business offices in Japan and who engage at these business offices in the activities described in the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” section of this Table.
Nursing Care Activities to engage in nursing or instruction of nursing as certified care worker based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
Entertainer Activities to engage in theatrical performances, musical performances, sports or any other show business (excluding the activities described in the “Business Manager” section of this Table).
Skilled Labor Activities to engage in service which requires industrial techniques or skills belonging to special fields on the basis of a contract with public or private organizations in Japan.
Specified Skilled
Worker
(i) Activities to engage in service which requires skills with considerable
knowledge of or experience as provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice in Specified Industry Fields (Industry fields having difficulties with securing human resources, designated by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, require ensuring the shortage of human resources by accepting foreign nationals; the same applies in this item) designated by Minister of Justice based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan designated by Minister of Justice (limited to those which meet the regulations specified in Article 2-5 (i) to (iv); the same applies in the following item).
(ii) Activities to engage in service which requires proficient skills as provided by Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice in Specified Industry Fields designated by Minister of Justice based on a contract with public or private organizations in Japan designated by Minister of Justice.
Technical Intern
Training
(i) Activities which fall under any of items (a) or (b)
 (a) Activities to attend the necessary lectures and engage in work relating to skills, technologies, or knowledge (hereinafter referred to as “Skills, etc.”) based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “individual-enterprise-type technical intern training (i)” stipulated in Article 2 (2) (i)) as prescribed in Article 8 (1) of the Technical Intern Training Act whose training has received accreditation (where a change has been approved in accordance with the Article 11 (1), the plan after the change; the same applies hereinafter).
 (b) Activities to attend the necessary lectures and engage in work relating to Skills, etc. based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “supervising-organization-type technical intern training (i)” stipulated in Article 2 (4) (i)) as prescribed in the same paragraph whose training has received accreditation.
(ii) Activities which fall under (a) or (b).
 (a) Activities to engage in work relating to Skills, etc. based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “individual-enterprise-type technical intern training (ii)” stipulated in Article 2 (2) (ii)) as prescribed in the same paragraph whose training has received accreditation.
 (b) Activities to engage in work relating to Skills, etc. based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “supervising-organization-type technical intern training (ii)” stipulated in Article 2 (4) (ii)) as prescribed in the same paragraph whose training has received accreditation.
(iii) Activities which fall under (a) or (b).
 (a) Activities to engage in work relating to Skills, etc. based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “individual- enterprise-type technical intern training (iii)” stipulated in Article 2 (2) (iii)) as prescribed in the same paragraph whose training has received accreditation.
 (b) Activities to engage in work relating to Skills, etc. based on a technical intern training plan (limited to those for “supervising-organization-type technical intern training (iii)” stipulated in Article 2 (4) (iii)) as prescribed in the same paragraph whose training has received accreditation.
Note: The Minister of Justice shall consult with the heads of the relevant administrative organs in prescribing the ordinance set forth in the bottom of the “Specified Skilled Worker” column.
[3]
Status of Residence Authorized Activities
Cultural activities Academic or artistic activities that provide no income, or activities for the purpose of pursuing specific studies on Japanese culture or arts, or activities for the purpose of learning and acquiring Japanese culture or arts under the guidance of experts (excluding the activities described in the sections from “College Student” to “Trainee” in Table(4)).
Temporary Visitor Sightseeing, recreation, sports, visiting relatives, going on inspection tours, participating in lectures or meetings, business contact or other similar activities during a short period of stay in Japan.
[4]
Status of Residence Authorized Activities
Student Activities to receive an education at a university, college of technology (kotosenmongakko), senior high school (including a course of study in the latter part of secondary educational school (chutokyoikugakko)), senior high school course of school for special needs education (tokubetsushiengakko), lower secondary school (including a course of study in the latter part of schools for compulsory education (gimukyoikugakko) and in former part of secondary educational school (chutokyoikugakko)), lower secondary school for special needs education, elementary school (including a course of study in the former part of schools for compulsory education), elementary school for special needs education, vocational school (senshugakko), miscellaneous educational institution (kakushugakko) or an equivalent educational institution in terms of facilities and organization in Japan.
Trainee Activities to learn and acquire skills, etc. at public or private organizations in Japan (excluding the activities described in the lower column of “Technical Intern Training (i)” section of Table 2 and the “College Student” and “Pre-college Student” sections of this Table).
Dependent Daily activities on the part of the spouse or unmarried minor child of those who stay in Japan with the status of residence mentioned in Tables 1, 2 or 3 (excluding “Diplomat,” “Official” “Specified Skilled Worker (limited to the lower column of “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” section of Table 2)”, “Technical Intern Training”, and “ Temporary Visitor”) or those who stay with the status of residence of “Student” in this Table.
[5]
Status of Residence Authorized Activities
Designated Activities

Activities which are specifically designated by the Minister of Justice for foreign individuals.

Annexed Table II
Status of Residence Personal relationship or status on which the residence is authorized
Permanent Resident Those who are permitted for permanent residence by the Minister of Justice.
Spouse or Child
of Japanese National
The Spouses of Japanese nationals, the children adopted by Japanese nationals or those born as the children of Japanese nationals.
Spouse or Child
of Permanent Resident
The Spouses of permanent residents, etc., or those born as children of permanent residents, etc. in Japan and have been residing in Japan.
Long Term Resident Those who are authorized to reside in Japan with a designation of period of stay by the Minister of Justice in consideration of special circumstances.

Applicable status of residence and conditions vary depending upon the activity to be engaged in. Also, the required documents, etc. vary in each case, thus, it is advisable to consult with specialists such as Gyoseishoshi (Solicitors), etc.

3. Major Categories of Status of Residence

Criteria and supporting documents for the following 4 major categories of status of residence for work are listed below.

(1) Business Manager
[Criteria]
Business must be run properly, and be recognized as stable and continuing.
  • Facility for the business must be reserved.
  • Employment of two or more full-time employees other than the person engaged in operation or management of the business, or 5 million JPY or more capital or investment is required.
    *full-time employees must be a Japanese national, permanent resident, spouse of Japanese national or permanent resident, or long-term resident.
  • (For Manager)
    Must have three or more years' experience in operations or management and must receive equal or greater compensation when a Japanese national is in the same position.
[Period of Stay]
  • 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 4 months or 3 months
[Supporting Documents]
  • Material Certifying Business
    • Certified Copy of Company Registration (issued within the last 3 months)
      -In case, the company is in the process of applying for its registration; documents certifying the process of the company establishment such as articles of incorporation.-
    • The latest financial statement (Business plan for a newly established company)
    • Brochure, etc.
  • Material Certifying Number of Full-time Staff and Wage Payments of the Staff Concerned
    • Copy of employment contract or copy of payroll book
    • Residence certificate
    • Employment insurance fee payment receipts, etc.
  • Material Certifying Business Place
    • Company brochure
    • Copy of lease agreement, etc.
  • Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned
    • A copy of the mandate contract between the applicant and the recipient organization, etc.
      (For Manager)
    • Documents certifying job history with 3 years or more experience for management
<Important Point for a Payment Required for Establishing an Entity>

The legally required minimum payment to establish a company is one yen. In the case of a limited liability partnership, the minimum amount shall be two yen, as two or more partners are required. No legally stipulated payment is required to establish a branch.
If a non-Japanese intends to acquire “Business Manager” resident status, he or she is required to employ two or more full-time employees, or manage the business sized with five million yen or more, or a minimum payment of five million yen or more.

(2) Engineer・Specialist in Humanities・International Services
[Criteria]
  • Majored in the subject related to the necessary knowledge for the business to engage in and graduated, or having 10 years or more work experience in the business to be engaged in.
    (When engaged in interpreting, translation, language teaching, or overseas operations, etc., 3 years or more work experience in the business to be engaged in is required. However, university graduates who wish to engage interpreting, translation or language teaching are not required to have such experience.)
  • Must receive equal or greater compensation when a Japanese national is in the same position.
[Period of Stay]
  • 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
[Supporting Documents]
  • Material Certifying Business of the recipient organization
    • Certified Copy of Company Registration (issued within the last 3 months)
    • The latest financial statement (Business plan for a newly established company)
    • Brochure, etc.
  • A diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in the subject regarding the activity of the person concerned, and documents certifying his/her professional career.
    • A diploma or a certificate of graduation
    • Documents certifying applicant’s professional career
    • Applicant’s CV, etc.
  • Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned
    • A copy of the employment contract between the applicant and the recipient organization, etc.
(3) Intra-company transferee
[Criteria]
Activities by personnel who are transferred from business offices in foreign countries to business offices in Japan for a limited period of time and who engage in the activities described in the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” sections.
  • Must be continuously working for more than 1 year for head office, branch offices, or other business offices just before the transfer and engage in the activities described in the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” sections.
  • Must receive equal or greater compensation when a Japanese national is in the same position.
[Period of Stay]
  • 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
[Supporting Documents]
  • Documents certifying the relationship between the business office in a foreign country and the business office in Japan
    • Notice of commencement of business
    • Brochure, etc.
  • Material Certifying Business of the business office in Japan
    • Certified Copy of Company Registration (issued within the last 3 months)
    • The latest financial statement (Business plan for a newly established company)
    • Brochure, etc.
  • Documents certifying the activity and its duration in the business office in a foreign country
    • Documents certifying the activity and its duration for the last year before the transfer, such as certificate of employment issued by the business office in a foreign country
  • Material Certifying Business of the business office in a foreign country
    • Certified Copy of Company Registration (issued within the last 3 months)
    • The latest financial statement (Business plan for a newly established company)
    • Brochure, etc.
  • Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and remuneration
    • Notification of transfer, etc.
  • A Diploma and documentation certifying the career
    • A diploma or a certificate of graduation
    • CV, etc.
(4) Skilled Labor
[Criteria]
  • Must receive equal or greater compensation when a Japanese national is in the same position.
  • Activities to engage in service that require industrial techniques or skills belonging to special fields.
    • E.g.)A person who has more than 10 years work experience in food preparation, or food manufacturing techniques which were invented in a foreign country and to engage in business activities that requires such skills.
      (However, based on a treaty such as EPA, etc. between Japan and Thailand, there are some cases where only 5 years work experience is required to engage in business activities requiring such skills.)
[Period of Stay]
  • 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
[Supporting Documents]
  • Material Certifying Business of the recipient organization
    • Certified Copy of Company Registration (issued within the last 3 months)
    • The latest financial statement (Business plan for the newly established company)
    • Brochure
    • List of foreign employees, etc.
  • A personal history and documents issued by the official organization which certify the career and the qualifications regarding the activity
    • Applicant’s CV
    • If a certificate of qualification issued by the official organization is available, a copy of the certificate
    • Documents certifying the activity and its duration, such as a certificate of employment issued by the business office in a foreign country
  • Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and remuneration
    • A copy of employment contract between the applicant and the recipient organization, etc.

4. Certificate of Eligibility

When foreigners wish to enter Japan under the status other than “Temporary Visitor”, the Immigration Regulation stipulates that the Minister of Justice is able to issue a document certifying applicability of status of residence for the activity a foreigner is to engage in by examining compatibility in landing condition for status of residence based on an application by the foreigner. Such document is called a Certificate of Eligibility.
A foreigner who has a Certificate of Eligibility will obtain a visa from an embassy or consulate by showing the Certificate of Eligibility. Then, they may enter Japan after obtaining landing permission from an Immigration officer at the port of entry. The advantage of having a Certificate of Eligibility is that the length of time for examination for visa and landing will be shortened, as compatibility in landing condition for applicability of status of residence, etc. can be proved easily.
Application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility will be made at the Regional Immigration Bureau which has jurisdiction over the planned residential address or the location of the recipient organization. As stipulated in the Ministry of Justice’s ordinance, submission of the application can be done by proxy such as personnel of the recipient organization, or by registered Gyouseishoshi (solicitor) who is authorized to submit the application for the applicant.

General Flow of Application for Certificate of Eligibility
General Flow of Application for Certificate of Eligibility

5. Preferential immigration treatment for highly skilled foreign professionals

A new status of residence named “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” for foreign human resources with advanced and specialized skills was established in order to promote more acceptances of highly skilled foreign nationals who have advanced abilities since those foreign professionals are expected to contribute to economic growth and creation of new demand and employment in Japan. Moreover, “Highly Skilled Professional (ii)” for foreign nationals who stayed in Japan for certain period with the status of residence as “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” was also established. Under this status, restriction on activities has been substantially loosened and there is no restriction on period of stay. (“The Act for Partial Amendment of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” (Act No. 74 of 2014))

The following preferential immigration treatment is granted to non-Japanese recognized as highly-skilled foreign professionals.

Highly-Skilled Professional(i)

1. Permission for multiple activities during the stay in Japan
Usually, a non-Japanese is only allowed to engage in the activities permitted under a single status of residence. However, a highly-skilled foreign professional may engage in activities covered by multiple statuses of residence, such as simultaneously engaging in research activities at a university and in the management of a business organization related thereto.

2. Grant of the “5 years” period of stay

The longest period of stay legally permitted (5 years) is granted uniformly to highly-skilled foreign professionals.

3. Relaxation of requirements for grant of the permission for permanent residence concerning the period of stay in Japan

In principle, in order to obtain permission for permanent residence, a foreign national is required to stay continuously in Japan for 10 years or more, but in cases where a foreign national has engaged in activities as a highly-skilled foreign professional for 3 years, or cases where a highly-skilled foreign professional, who is deemed as particularly skilled (a person scoring 80 points or more), has engaged in activities as a highly-skilled foreign professional for 1 year, the foreign national will be eligible to apply for permission for permanent residence.

4. Permission for the spouse of the highly-skilled foreign professional to work

When a foreign national staying in Japan under the status of residence of “Spouse” intends to engage in activities covered by statuses of residence for work, such as “Instructor,” or “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” he/she must satisfy certain requirements with regard to academic background, work experience, and the like, and obtain the relevant status of residence. A spouse of a highly-skilled foreign professional may engage in these activities even if he/she does not have the required academic background or work experience, etc.

5. Permission for bringing the parent(s) to accompany the highly-skilled foreign professional to Japan under certain conditions

Under the current system, parents of foreign nationals staying in Japan under a status of residence for work are not allowed to enter in Japan. However, the parent(s) (including a non-biological parent) of a highly-skilled foreign professional or his/her spouse is allowed to enter and stay in Japan subject to conditions detailed below:

  1. where the parent will take care of a child younger than 7 years of age of the highly-skilled foreign professional or his/her spouse; or
  2. where the parent will take care of a pregnant highly-skilled foreign professional or to a pregnant spouse of a highly-skilled foreign professional
6. Permission for a domestic worker to accompany the highly-skilled foreign professional to Japan under certain conditions

Only foreign nationals who stay in Japan under statuses of residence such as “Business Manager,” “Legal/Accounting Services,” etc., may employ foreign domestic workers. However, a highly-skilled foreign professional may bring a foreign domestic worker to Japan subject to certain conditions.

7. Preferential processing of entry and residence procedures

Applications for entry and stay of highly-skilled foreign professionals are processed more quickly than others.
Applications for preliminary immigration examination (issuance of a certificate of eligibility) are scheduled to be processed within 10 days of receipt.
Applications for the examination the status of residence are scheduled to be processed within 5 days of receipt.

Highly-Skilled Professional(ii)

  1. In conjunction with the activities "Highly-Skilled Professional(i)" permitted to engage in almost all of the activities of statuses of residence based on employment
  2. Granted an indefinite period of stay
  3. Eligible for the preferential treatment of the abovementioned (3)to(6)

* "Highly-Skilled Professional(ii)" is for foreign nations who have engaged in activities of "Highly-Skilled Professional(i)" for three years or more.

6. New System for Acceptance of Foreign Human Resources

A new status of residence named “Specified Skilled Worker” was established and started on April 1, 2019 in order to accept experienced foreign human resources with specific expertise and skills in Specified Industry Fields (14 Industry Fields).

1. The Status of residence "Specified Skilled Warker" has 2categories:"Specified Skilled Worker(ⅰ)" and "Specified Skilled Worker(ⅱ)".

(1) “Specified Skilled Worker (i)”: A status of residence applicable to foreigners who work in jobs that require considerable knowledge of or experience in Specified Industry Fields.
- Period of Stay: Renewed annually, every 6 months or every 4 months, for a maximum stay up to 5 years in total
- Skill Standard: Confirmed by exams (those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from the exam)
- Japanese Language Level: Proficiency in Japanese language used in daily life and at the workplace confirmed by tests to measure it (those who have completed the Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from the tests)
-Accompaniment by Family Members: Basically not permitted
-Supported by Accepting Organizations or Registered Supporting Organizations

(2) “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)”: A status of residence for foreigners engaged in jobs that require proficient skills in Specified Industry Fields.
- Period of Stay: Renewed every 3 years, annually, or every 6 months
- Skill Standard: Confirmed by exams
- Japanese Language Level: No confirmation by exams, etc. is required
-Accompaniment by Family Members: Permitted if he/she meets requirements (Spouse, Children)
-Not supported by Accepting Organizations or Registered Supporting Organizations

2. The following 14 Industry Fields are specified as Specified Industry Fields:

Care Worker, Building Cleaning Management, Machine Parts & Tooling Industries, Industrial Machinery Industry, Electric, Electronics and Information Industries, Construction Industry, Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry, Automobile Repair and Maintenance, Aviation Industry, Accommodation Industry, Agriculture, Fishery & Aquaculture, Manufacture of Food and Beverages, Food Service Industry (For Specified Skilled Worker (ii), Construction Industry, and Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry only.)

7.Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Project (known as “Startup Visa”)

The "Foreign Entrepreneurship Activity Promotion Project" is conducted by local governments (Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Organizations: hereinafter “FEPO”) who have been certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for the purpose of expanding the acceptance of foreign entrepreneurs and promoting entrepreneurship. As of April 1, 2021, 12 local governments, including Osaka city government, have been certified as FEPO.

In order for a foreigner to operate a business in Japan, he/she needs to obtain a status of residence under the category of "Business Manager", which criteria includes such as:
  • Facility for the business must be reserved.
  • Employment of two or more full-time employees other than the person engaged in operation or management of the business, or 5 million JPY or more capital or investment is required.
    (see (3)-1 Business Manager)

However, in this project, before the above-mentioned criteria are met, a certificate of confirmation will be issued by FEPO if such organization confirm that an entrepreneur who submits a New Business Implementation Plan is expected to fulfill the criteria to obtain status of residence “Business Manager” within one year.

By submitting this certificate of confirmation and necessary documents to the Immigration and getting through an inspection process, status of residence "Specific Activities" will be issued for up to one year (which must be renewed after six months) and an entrepreneur is allowed to conduct business startup activities.
Please note that eligible business category and required documents, etc. vary by FEPO.
Therefore, please contact with Osaka City's Foreign Enterprise Promotion Support Office for detailed requirements and application process.

[Osaka City's Foreign Enterprise Promotion Support Office]
Address: 1-4-5 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka (Business Innovation Center Osaka 2F)
Tel: 06-6264-9933
Website: https://www.sansokan.jp/startupvisa/

8. Resident Card and Resident Record for a Foreign Resident

There is the Resident Card and Resident Record issuance system which is applicable to foreign nationals residing legally in Japan for the mid- to long-term with resident status under the Immigration Control Act (hereinafter “mid- to long-term residents”).

Mid- to long-term residents means foreign nationals who do not come under any of the following i) through to vi).

  1. Persons granted permission to stay for 3 months or less;
  2. Persons granted “Temporary Visitor” status;
  3. Persons granted “Diplomat” or “Official” status;
  4. Persons recognized by Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to the foreign nationals in the aforementioned I) to III);
  5. Special permanent residents;
  6. Persons with no resident status.

01.Resident Card
A resident card will be issued to mid- to a long-term residents when granted permission pertaining to residence, such as landing permission, permission for change of resident status and permission for extension of period of stay. A resident card will contain the holder's picture, name, nationality/region, date of birth, sex, status of residence, period of stay, eligibility to work, etc., and the holders are required to carry it with them at all times.

02.Resident Record for a Foreign Resident
For foreign nationals to whom issuance of resident card is applicable, Resident Record will be prepared based on “Basic Registration Act”, and the foreign nationals will be able to obtain a copy of their Resident Record like Japanese nationals.
Foreign nationals to whom issuance of resident card is applicable have obligation to visit the municipal office where they live and notify the place of residence within 14 days of finding a place to settle down.

9. Re-entry Permit

Foreign nationals who will be re-entering Japan by the expiration date of period of stay or within 1 year of their departure, whichever is shorter, are in principle, not required to apply for a re-entry permit.

10. Permission for Extending Period of Stay

  1. This permission is required when a foreigner wishes to remain in Japan under the same status of residence after the originally authorized term of residence has expired. Applications must be made before the term of residence expires (a foreigner who has a 6 month or longer authorized term of residence can apply for such permission 3 months prior to the expiration date.)
  2. A foreigner who applies for permission for extending period of stay before their term of residence expires may stay in Japan under their current status of residence until the application result is issued, or 2 months after the expiration date of the current status of residence, whichever comes first, even though the application result is not issued until the expiration date of the current term of residence.

11. Change of Status of Residence

This permission is required when a foreigner wishes to cease his or her present activity and engage in another activity covered by a status of residence different from the one originally granted.

General Flow of Application for permission for the change of status of residence/extending period of stay
General Flow of Application for permission for the change of status of residence/extending period of stay

12. Sample calculations of the costs of acquiring resident status

Documents Document submitted to Cost
Application for Certificate of Eligibility*1 Immigration Bureau /Ministry of Justice Free of charge
Photos required for Certificate of Eligibility *2 600
Postage for return mail required for Immigration Bureau *3 710
Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement (photocopies acceptable) Not necessary
Certified copy of the corporate commercial register *4 600
Business plan (prepared in the home country) Actual expenses incurred
Resume and job experience records (original to be returned)
Certificate of graduation from a university, etc. (original to be returned)
Certificate of employment (original to be returned)
Financial statements of the head office (photocopies acceptable)
Articles of incorporation of the head office (photocopies acceptable)
Certified copy of the corporate register of the head office (photocopies acceptable)
Company brochure (photocopies acceptable)
Product pamphlet (photocopies acceptable)
Professional service fees for application procedure*5 180,000
Total 181,910

Note: Documents to be submitted to the Immigration Bureau, if written in a foreign language, need to be accompanied by translations. Since the documents required may vary in each case, it is recommended one seek professional advice.

*1The application form for the Certificate of Eligibility may be obtained from the Immigration Bureau. If a foreign non-resident engages in business in Japan as a representative of a branch, a stock company(Kabushiki Kaisha) or a limited liability company or a partner of a limited liability partnership, he or she must have a Certificate of Eligibility.
*2The figures are based on the assumption that one 4cm×3cm photo is required.
*3A return mail envelope with postage for a registered express letter shall be enclosed to in order to receive the examination results.
*4A certified copy of the corporate register costs 600yen.
*5Professional fees will vary depending on the types of professional services required. The figures shown here are the standard amounts required for an application for one person.

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