Legal / Accounting Professionals: Visa Options in Japan
Legal and Accounting Professionals:
Visa Options in Japan
Securing the Right Visa for Foreign Legal and Accounting Professionals Companies interested in hiring foreign nationals with legal or accounting qualifications must navigate Japan’s visa requirements carefully. This guide provides insights into the appropriate visas for such professionals, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a legal/accounting Services Visa.
Legal/Accounting Serivices Visa Overview The legal/accounting Services visa is designed for foreign professionals with legal qualifications who intend to utilize their expertise in Japan. This visa category accommodates various residency durations, ranging from 3 months to 5 years, depending on qualifications and residency status.
Eligibility for Legal/Accounting Business Visa To qualify for this visa, applicants must:
- Hold Legal Qualifications: Valid registration of legal qualifications in Japan (e.g., lawyer, administrative scrivener) is necessary.
- Engage in Exclusive Professional Activities: Undertake tasks that legally require the specific qualifications held.
- Receive Comparable Remuneration: Earn a salary equivalent to or greater than Japanese nationals in similar roles.
Specific Qualifications Covered Professions such as 弁護士（Japan）、司法書士、土地家屋調査士、外国法事務弁護士（Lawyer in Foreign countries）、公認会計士、外国公認会計士（CPA in Foreign countries）、税理士、社会保険労務士、弁理士、海事代理士、行政書士 fall under this visa category.
Considerations for Company Executives Foreign professionals with legal/accounting qualifications employed in executive roles within a company, focusing on management or administration, typically do not qualify for the legal/accounting services visa. Instead, they may require a Business Manager visa.
Compensation in Legal/Accounting Roles While there are no fixed salary guidelines for this visa category, a general expectation is set for salaries to match those of Japanese nationals in similar roles. It’s advised to consult with experts for industry-specific salary benchmarks.
Work VISA, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services（ESHIS）Professionals holding legal/accounting qualifications may also be involved in roles like financial planning or investment banking within a corporate finance department. In such cases, a Work VISA, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services（ESHIS） visa or Highly Skilled Professional visa might be more appropriate.
Long Processing Time for Registration Registration as a foreign lawer (called GAIBEN) or foreign certified public accountant in Japan can be time-consuming. During this interim period, professionals might engage in consulting roles that don’t involve exclusive legal/accounting activities.
Continental’s Consulting for Legal/Accounting Services Visas Continental offers specialized advice on obtaining legal/accounting business visas, tailoring guidance to the unique needs of companies hiring foreign professionals with legal or accounting qualifications. For inquiries or advice on specific situations, we welcome you to contact us.
Standard Fees
- Visa Application Procedure: 150,000 JPY (excluding tax)
- Consultation: 10,000 JPY for 60 minutes (excluding tax), free if proceeding with visa application services
For companies and foreign professionals navigating the complexities of Japan’s legal/accounting business visa requirements, this overview serves as a crucial resource.
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
