Foreign nationals wishing to start a business in Japan need to obtain a “Business Manager” status of residence. It is can be a bit tricky to receive this status of residence, as the applicant must not only open an office, but also employ at least two people full-time, or invest at least 5 million yen in Japan. This makes it extremely difficult for foreign entrepreneurs to start a business on their own without a domestic partner.

Fortunately, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government started a new program to increase the number of foreign entrepreneurs in Japan.
Thanks to this program applicants can be granted a special six-month “Business Manager” status of residence after examination of the business plan.

Standard procedures to obtain the Business Manager” status of residence

  1. Before entering Japan, the applicant must sign a lease for an office and perform other startup activities (find partners, etc..). They must have an office and hire at least 2 full-time employees or have capital/investments of at least 5 million yen in Japan.
  2. Once the conditions are met, the applicant can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at the Immigration Bureau. The inspection time usually takes between 3 to 6 months and can take up to 1 year.

  3. Once the status is granted by the Immigration Bureau, the applicant can enter Japan and start business activities.

New procedures using the program to increase foreign entrepreneurs

  1. Submission of the business plan and application to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The examination takes around 2 weeks during which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducts an interview with the applicant.
  2. After approval, the applicant can submit a request for the six months Business Manager status of residence to the Immigration Bureau (2-3 weeks)
  3. Once the status is granted by the Immigration Bureau, the applicant can start business activities for 6 months.
  4. If the applicant manages to meet the usual requirements (Opening an office and hiring at least 2 full-time employees or having capital/investments of at least 5 million yen in Japan), they can apply for a 1-year extension of the Business Manager” status of residence in Japan and an extension of the period of stay.

If you are planning to come to Japan and start your business, don’t hesitate to contact Tokyo Room Finder. We will happily help you to find an office or a home for your stay.