Can I apply for the 在留資格「経営・管理」 (Business Manager) while the shop's interior fit-out work is still going on?

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）

What is this enquiry about?

The fit-out work has dragged on and the business licence will not be ready in time, so the enquirer asks whether they may apply first.

Can I apply without the business licence?

You can apply, but documents showing that the business is feasible, and a convincing explanation, are indispensable.

In screening for the 経営・管理 visa, "that the business will be carried on stably and continuously" is an important requirement. For a restaurant, the business licence is one of the most important documents showing that the business is lawful. If you do not have the business licence, show that the business is feasible with the following documents.

• Lease agreement for the shop — Proves that you have secured business premises
• The contract for the interior fit-out work, and photographs showing its progress — Show that the work is going on and that concrete preparations are being made towards starting the business
• The food hygiene supervisor's certificate — Proves that you are preparing to meet the requirements for obtaining the business licence
• Business plan — State the expected completion date of the interior fit-out work, the schedule for the licence application and the planned start date of the business, and explain carefully why the work is delayed and what you are doing about it. Prepare a concrete income and expenditure plan as well, to show that the business will pay

Can I submit the business licence later?

Stating clearly in a written explanation that you will submit it promptly as soon as you obtain it is a very effective approach.

The Regional Immigration Services Bureau may ask for additional documents in order to judge how credible the content of the application is. If you state clearly in advance, in a written explanation, that preparations for the licence application are going ahead and that you will submit the business licence promptly as soon as you obtain it, the screening officer will take that into account as well. The possibility of an immediate denial on the sole ground that you have no business licence is considered to be low.

What matters is that you actually obtain the business licence by the time you said you expected it, and submit it. If the schedule you gave is not kept, the credibility of the business plan itself will be called into question.

Is there anything else to watch for?

4 points are looked at: how convincing the business plan is, the stability of your funds, the reason for the delay to the work, and your residence record.

1. How convincing the business plan is — Include a concrete strategy: what the concept of the cafe is, which customers you are targeting, how you will attract them, and so on. It is important to explain, with concrete grounds, how you will set yourself apart from competing shops and how you will secure earnings
2. Stability of funds — Submit documents proving that the capital and the working funds for the period after the business starts have been secured in sufficient amounts (a certificate of bank balance and the like)
3. The reason for the delay to the interior fit-out work — Explain that the delay is not simply a lack of planning. If you can show external factors such as difficulty in procuring materials or a shortage of tradespeople, it becomes clear that the delay is not your own responsibility
4. A good residence record — It is a precondition that during your period of stay in Japan so far you have had no breaches of law, such as traffic offences or late payment of tax

Frequently Asked Questions

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This 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. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.