Challenges with the 4-Month Business Manager Visa
Overview of the 4-Month Business Manager Visa
The introduction of a 4-month Business Manager Visa was intended to facilitate entrepreneurship in Japan for non-residents living abroad. While this development was seen as a step to ease the process of starting a business in Japan for foreign non-residents, practical challenges persist. As a result, many still rely on Japanese residents or permanent residents as business partners for company establishment.
At our firm, we continue to advise foreign entrepreneurs living abroad to involve a local Japanese or permanent resident as a co-director in the company. This collaboration can help with capital transfers, setting up a business office, and obtaining necessary business permits and licenses.
Key Considerations for the 4-Month Visa
- Bank Account Opening
- Without a bank account, capital transfer and company establishment are impossible.
- Many banks require a minimum residency period of 6 months for personal account opening.
- Bank regulations vary.
- Residential Property Contract
- Difficulty in securing a lease without a guarantor (often required by landlords).
- Short initial residency duration of 4 months can lead to rejections by landlords who prefer longer-term contracts.
- Living in a hotel generally doesn’t allow for official residential registration.
- Office Rental Contract
- Challenges in contract finalization without a guarantor.
- Risk of Incomplete Preparations Within Visa Period
- The limited 4-month period may not be sufficient to complete all necessary arrangements.
Navigating the 4-Month Visa
with Expert Assistance
Successfully obtaining a Business Manager Visa within the 4-month timeframe requires meticulous preparation and expert assistance. At Continental, we can provide the necessary advice and support, including risk management. Ultimately, the choice to pursue this path rests with the applicant.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, Financial advisor
He has 18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
He currently supports many foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, taking advantage of the experience of an investment banker. He is the best expert of Business VISA in Japan.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
MBA in Entrepreneurship
