Japan’s Investor Visa Program
by Yoshio Shimoda, ILS Shimoda Office, Japan

This status is for the activities (1) to commence an operation of a business in Japan by making a (*) certain amount of investment or (2) to invest in the existing business in Japan and to operate or manage that business or (3) to operate or manage the business on behalf of the foreign investor (e.g. parent company). In addition, this status also covers those who are (4) engaged in management work of the company with foreign capital as senior managers.

Term of the residence permission

One year or three years would be permitted at the landing and could be extended for one year or three years for the unlimited times.

Family members of the principal alien

Spouse or child of the principal alien would be eligible for the status of “Dependent”.  These family members are not allowed to work in Japan unless obtaining the appropriate work permission.

(*) certain amount

Japanese immigration law doses not provide the specific amount of it.  However, the law requires the company to be a size of employing at least two full time employees of Japanese national or foreigners with certain type of visa status (Permanent / Spouse or child of Japanese National / Spouse or child of Permanent resident / Long term resident).  

In addition to it, the guide line issued by the immigration authority states that if the company makes an investment of more than 5 million yen, the requirement of employing two employees would be waved.