Japan

About Japan Citizenship and Residency

Japan is one of the best countries to live in and its aging population has forced the country to open up to immigration. You can’t apply for a residency visa in Japan by simply buying a property there. However, it is possible to acquire a Japanese residency visa, named Investor/Business Manager Visa or Investor Visa, by starting or managing a business in Japan that invests in Japanese real estate. An investor visa can be granted for 1, 3, or 5 years and is renewable. Its duration mainly depends on the performance and profitability of your business.

Permanent residence is possible to obtain after 10 years of residence. Naturalization to Japanese citizenship requires 5 years of residence. It might seem strange but naturalization can happen faster than permanent residence in Japan as both have different sets of requirements.

Permanent Residence:

Permanent Residence is a status generally available only to foreigners living in Japan. Typically ten years of residence is required for a stand-alone application. However, applicants applying as a spouse of a Japanese national may reduce this time to as little as three years.

Japan Permanent Resident Visa Requirements:

While the length of time you must live in Japan varies based on each individual, these are the general requirements for anyone applying for permanent residence in Japan:

• proof of no criminal record while residing in Japan;
• satisfy the requirements of your current visa, whether that means you are still married or employed;
• proof of adequate financial means;
• proof that you have contributed to taxes and social security;
• certificate of residence;
• proof of income;
• original passport and a copy;
• residence card.

Citizenship:

After 5 years of 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 with the Japanese society. Fulfilling these requirements does not guarantee in any case the application approval.

Investor/Business Manager Visa

The Japanese Investor/Business Manager Visa is for entrepreneurs who either invest in or undertake a senior role in managing a business in Japan. Investor Visa is the category most likely to be used by those who wish to “self-sponsor” a visa in Japan.

Requirements:

If you are starting your own business:

•An investment (a paid-in capital) of at least 5,000,000 yen. The bigger the investment, the higher your chances of getting the investor visa, presuming you have met other requirements. The money you have invested will be consumable in your business when the incorporation process is complete.

•A business plan. The nature of your business should be transparent, consistent, and comply with the current Japanese legislation. Your proposal should demonstrate that your company is operable and will yield results and profits.

•Appropriate business license. Some types of businesses, such as hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, require proper certifications to operate.

•Professional background and working history. You need to possess at least three years of relevant experience in the business field where you would like to establish your company in Japan.

•An office. It should be an actual premise meant for business use. A guarantor in Japan can help you to rent a suitable workplace.

•A co-founder / co-director. At least one of the company’s directors should be a resident of Japan. He/She could be a Japanese national, a permanent resident, or a foreign national with a long-term visa.

If you are residing outside of Japan at the moment of application for the establishment of a company, you will need to find a co-founder / co-director who fulfills this requirement.

Your company should also have at least two full-time employees (besides you), who are residents of Japan.

If you are managing an existing business:

•Lesser investments. Your financial participation can reduce to 2,500,000 yen.

•One full-time employee (besides you) who is a resident of Japan

•A salary equivalent to or higher than that of a Japanese person in a comparable position

A business manager visa holder may apply for preferential immigration treatment changing their status of residence to Highly Skilled Foreign Professional.

This residence status is granted to immigrants who scored at least 70 points on 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.

Benefits Of The Japan Residency By Investment Program

• Fast approval time and secure investment funds.
• The convenience of choice of city.
• Access to social benefits immediately.
• Comfortable living environment.

Japan Residency Requirements And Qualifications

The requirements and qualifications required to obtain Japanese residency or citizenship are listed above in the “About Japan Citizenship and Residency” section.

Steps And Timeline

1. Confirm that the Applicant satisfies the preliminary requirements for obtaining a Japan Investor Visa.
2. Assemble the documents required to support an Investor Visa application.
3. Assemble the specific documentation required to support a Japan Investor Visa application.
4. Submit an application for a Japan Investor Visa Certificate of Eligibility (“COE”).
5. Await Approval of the Investor Visa COE.
6. When your COE is ready, pick it up from the immigration office and exchange it for an Investor Status of Residence (SOR). This can be done at the Embassy or a Consulate of Japan.

It will take 2-3 months to get a COE and another two weeks to get the SOR. If you are changing your SOR while being in Japan, you will not be able to travel outside Japan during these two weeks.

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass our guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and to expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Japan, assisting in getting you settled in the country and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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