Has screening for the 経営・管理 visa, and the documents it requires, become stricter?
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
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Answer
The criteria applied in screening are tending to become clearer and, at the same time, stricter, and the documents to be submitted have grown in number and in detail. What is given particular weight is 3 points: whether the business plan can actually be carried out, the stability and continuity of the business, and real management activity that is not merely nominal. Gathering documents and drawing up the business plan take time, so preparing early is essential.
What is this enquiry about?
This is for people who are about to apply for, or extend, the 経営・管理 visa and want to know what is looked at in screening and what documents are needed.
Subject: preparing an application for, or an extension of, the 経営・管理 visa
Who this is for: people who want to start a business in Japan, and foreign nationals who are already running a business
Main concerns: what is given weight in screening, what documents are required, and preparing for online applications
Background: in recent years the criteria applied in screening have tended to become clearer and, at the same time, stricter
What is given weight in screening?
3 points: whether the business plan can actually be carried out, the stability and continuity of the business, and real management activity.
Whether the business plan can actually be carried out More than ever before, a concrete business plan and whether it can actually be carried out are given weight. You need to set out in detail not merely an idea, but data based on market research, concrete revenue forecasts, a plan for raising funds and so on.
Stability and continuity The stability and continuity of the business you are setting up, or of the business you are currently running, are screened more strictly. If it is judged to be a temporary or speculative business, obtaining or extending your status may become difficult.
Real management activity You are required actually to carry out management activity within Japan, and not to be a manager in name only. For example, records of attendance at meetings, records of negotiations with business partners, and how you manage your employees may be checked.
What documents are required?
Financial statements, material showing the reality of the business premises, and documents showing the representative's background and ability are required in greater detail.
The types of document to be submitted when you apply or seek an extension have increased, and more detailed information is now required in them.
Detailed submission of financial statements Not only a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, but also a cash flow statement, and documents explaining how these fit together with the business plan, may be required.
Documents showing the reality of the business premises Not only the contract for a rented office, but also photographs and material showing that business activity is actually being carried out, may be required.
The representative's background and ability Documents proving your experience and ability as a manager (a record of employment, letters of recommendation and so on) may be required.
Do I need to prepare for an online application?
Procedures are moving online, so it is reassuring to put the necessary equipment and an electronic certificate in place in advance.
In recent years, procedures at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau have also been moving online. For applications and extensions relating to the 経営・管理 visa as well, handling matters online may become more common.
Preparing for an online application You need to put the necessary equipment in place in advance: a computer, an internet connection, an IC card reader and so on.
Introducing an electronic signature An electronic signature may be required for an online application. You need to prepare in advance, for example by obtaining an electronic certificate.
Checking the latest information Please make a habit of always checking the latest information on online applications on the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and elsewhere.
What should I keep in mind before applying?
4 points: preparing early, giving accurate information, consulting a specialist, and checking the latest information.
Prepare early Gathering documents and drawing up the business plan take time, so it is important to start preparing early.
Give accurate information Enter accurate information in your application documents, and never make a false statement.
Consult a specialist If there is anything that worries you or that you are unsure about, we recommend consulting a specialist such as a certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi) at an early stage.
Check the latest information Please make a point of always gathering the latest information from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and other reliable sources.
This article is intended to provide general information and is not legal advice on any individual case. For specific procedures and decisions, please check the latest information on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is given the most weight in screening for the 経営・管理 visa?
3 points: whether the business plan can actually be carried out, the stability and continuity of the business, and real management activity that is not merely nominal. You need to set out in detail data based on market research, concrete revenue forecasts and a plan for raising funds.
Besides the financial statements, what other financial documents will be needed?
Not only a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, but also a cash flow statement, and documents explaining how these fit together with the business plan, may be required.
Can the contract for a rented office alone prove that the business premises are real?
The contract alone is not enough; photographs and material showing that business activity is actually being carried out may be required.
What do I need to prepare for an online application?
You need a computer, an internet connection, an IC card reader and the like. An electronic signature may also be required, so it is reassuring to obtain an electronic certificate in advance.
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.
