This article series will provide useful insights into the changing investment and innovation environment, and new business opportunities in Japan.
Section 2. Visas and Status of Residence
Reference
1. Consultation with specialists for procedures
In Japan, administrative scriveners are specialists authorized to advise on the immigration and residence-related procedures mentioned above.
An administrative scrivener that has notified the Regional Immigration Bureau to serve as application agents and obtained the certificate has a thorough knowledge of immigration and residency control and is authorized to act as an agent in filing applications with the Regional Immigration Bureau (or branch office thereof), such as the issuance of certificates of eligibility, permission for an extension of period of stay, permission for change of status of residence, and re-entry permission (As individual administrative scriveners work in distinct specialties within their broad-ranging profession, not all administrative scriveners are registered in this way to act as application agents). Administrative scriveners can also offer guidance on documents needed for applications, provide advice on preparing documents and, when necessary, can act as agent in preparing the documents. Use of these services exempts foreign applicants and companies employing foreigners from the need to appear personally at the Regional Immigration Bureau (or branch office thereof) and enable entry procedures to be proceeded accurately and promptly.
2. Flowchart of procedures for establishment of operations in Japan and acquisition of visa/status of residence
The following diagram depicts the sequence of procedures that are typically completed in order to establish and register the establishment of a new operation in Japan (subsidiary company or branch office) represented by a foreign national, along with the procedures for acquisition of a visa and status of residence.
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In Japan
Entry to Japan on "Temporary visitor" visa
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Research and preparations for establishment of operations in Japan (subsidiary company or branch office)
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Registration of establishment of operations (Japanese subsidiary company or branch office) or preparation for establishment of operations (preparation of articles of incorporation, etc.)
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Application for Certificate of Eligibility by applicant or proxy at the Regional Immigration Bureau (or branch office thereof) in Japan
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Certificate of Eligibility issued and sent to applicant or proxy in Japan by the Regional Immigration Bureau (or branch office thereof) in Japan
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*
If a foreign national who has applied for a Certificate of Eligibility is already in Japan on a temporary visitor status of residence when the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, that foreign national may be able to change his/her temporary visitor status of residence to the status of residence approved in the Certificate of Eligibility while still in Japan, without the need to apply for and receive a visa at a Japanese diplomatic mission outside Japan.
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Outside Japan
Application for a visa at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad
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Issuance of a visa by Japanese diplomatic mission abroad
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In Japan
Entry into Japan (In principle, a foreign national must land in Japan within three months from the issuance date of Certificate of Eligibility): Presentation of a passport and a visa, submission of Certificate of Eligibility, receipt of seal of landing verification in passport at the port of debarkation, and receipt of residence card issued to foreign nationals residing in Japan for the mid to long term
This residence card serves as an employment visa.
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(Note)
At Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Shinchitose, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka Airports, besides having a seal of landing verification stamped in their passports, mid-to long term residents will be issued a residence card. At other ports of entry/departure, a seal of landing verification will be stamped in the passport and a residence card will be issued after a mid-to long-term resident follows the residency procedure at the municipal office of the city/town/village. (Basically, a residence card will be mailed by the Regional Immigration Bureau (or branch office thereof) to the reported place of residence)
Section2: Contents & Reference
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2.1
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2.2
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2.3
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2.4
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2.5
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2.6
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2.7
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2.8
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2.9
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2.10
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2.11
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2.12
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2.13
Section2. Documents businesses are required to submit to authorities
Materials listed as ‘Reference’ contain samples of documents regarding registration, visa, taxation, personnel and labor matters that are necessary when a foreign company establishes a corporation or other entity in Japan. These documents are not published by competent authorities and therefore are not official. For those who are going through the official procedures, please obtain the latest official documents from the competent authorities and related bodies or consult a person who specializes in advising on such information and procedures.
The information contained in this documents should be used at the reader’s independent discretion. While JETRO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it provides, no responsibility is accepted by JETRO for any loss or damage incurred as a result of actions based on the information provided in these documents or provided by the external links listed on these pages.
Laws and Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan Pamphlet
The pamphlet "Laws & Regulations" is available in PDF, and outlines basic information about laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan. It is available in 8 languages (Japanese, English, German, French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean and Vietnamese).
You can download via the "Request Form" button below.
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