Basics of Entry into Japanese Market
Home > 5.Visa-related Procedures in Japan
Japan has a status of residence system for the border control of foreigners. This system establishes the criteria for granting 32 types of status of residence, which are defined by law, and specifies the activities that are allowed in Japan, a period of stay, etc.
| Status of Residence | Activities in Japan | Permitted period of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term stay | For short-term stay such as sightseeing, business meeting, and factory tour | 15/30/90 days |
| Business manager | For company manager, executive of large company, etc. | 4 months, 1/3/5 years |
| Intra-company transferee | For transferee who moves to internal/external office | 3 months, 1/3/5 years |
| Engineer, Specialist in humanities/international services | For engineer, interpreter, trade-related employee, marketer, etc. | 3 months, 1/3/5 years |
| Dependent | Spouse, child, etc. of foreign national who works in Japan | 3 months, 1/3/5 years |
Note: In July 2012, the Special Re-entry Permission System was introduced, which eliminates the need to apply for a re-entry permit if you re-enter Japan within one year of your departure.
If you conduct activities against the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, you may be expelled from Japan.
If visa application for the representative or employees is rejected, it will hinder your business in Japan. Consult with our experts beforehand.
Business manager visas are for foreign companies’ managers etc. In order to acquire this visa, you need to apply for it with the Immigration Services Agency office with jurisdiction over where your company is located or where you live. Requirements for this visa are stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act as follows roughly.
Activities conducted by a foreign national who stays in Japan with a business manager visa must fall under any of the following items.
Your business must be legally conducted in accordance with law etc.
Your business must be conducted stably and continuously
You must secure an office in Japan for your business
Any of the following items must apply
Although these requirements look easy, you will be asked many questions by the examiner at the Immigration Services Agency after application. Needless to say, not a few applications are rejected. Therefore, you need to simulate this examination from the time you establish your Japanese office location.
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