This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Who this article is forThis is for people thinking of starting a business in Japan, to check whether their own business needs licences and permits before they apply for 「経営・管理」.
In lines of business that need licences and permits, as a rule you are expected either to have already obtained the permit, or to have a firm prospect of obtaining it.If you apply without having obtained the permit, you are taken to be insufficiently prepared, and there are cases where 「経営・管理」 is denied.Securing premises and placing qualified staff bear directly on licences and permits, so checking before you apply is essential.
This is for people thinking of starting a business in Japan, to check whether their own business needs licences and permits before they apply for 「経営・管理」.
If you apply in a line of business that needs licences and permits without having obtained the permit, you are taken to be insufficiently prepared and may be denied.
「経営・管理」 is the status of residence needed to run a business in Japan, and screening looks at whether the business has substance, whether it can be continued, and whether it is stable.
For that reason, if you apply for the visa in a line of business that needs licences and permits without having obtained the permit, you are taken to be insufficiently prepared, and there are cases where the visa is denied. Screening expects you either to have already obtained the permit, or to have a firm prospect of obtaining it. Because it is judged whether the business can actually be carried out, not having obtained the licences and permits counts against you in screening.
A wide range of lines of business — restaurants, dealing in second-hand goods, construction, recruitment agencies and so on — call for a permit or a notification in advance.
The main lines of business that need licences, permits or qualifications are as follows.
Check the official websites of the ministry or local authority responsible, and the start-up support desks for foreign nationals; if it is hard to judge, please consult an expert.
If it is hard to judge in advance, consulting an expert such as a certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi) lets you avoid wasted preparation and risk.
4 things are required in common: requirements as to people, as to physical facilities, as to finances, and as to procedure.
3 are typical: that you can get the permit after getting the visa, that a foreign national can obtain any qualification, and that you have heard no permit is needed.
Going about it in the wrong order carries a risk that incorporation or obtaining the visa will be greatly delayed, or will fail. If you are unsure, please consult an expert such as a certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi) early on.
As a rule, without the permit the visa may not be granted. Screening expects you either to have already obtained the permit, or to have a firm prospect of obtaining it, so please obtain it before applying for the visa as far as possible.
You are taken to be insufficiently prepared, and doubt is cast on whether the business can be carried out. As a result, there are cases where 「経営・管理」 is denied.
You can check on the official websites of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the tax office and so on, in JETRO's guide to starting a business for foreign nationals, and at Business Concierge Tokyo. If it is hard to judge, please consult an expert such as a certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi).
4 things: requirements as to people, meaning placing qualified persons and managers; requirements as to physical facilities, meaning facilities that meet the standards; requirements as to finances, as to capital and net assets; and requirements as to procedure, meaning having the documents in order and consistency with the articles of incorporation.
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Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.