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Yokohama, Japan, like the rest of the country, adheres to the national immigration laws when it comes to Business Visas. Business Visa, known as a "Business Manager" visa in Japan, allows foreign nationals to enter Japan for business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. However, longer-term business activities typically require a specific type of residence status, which could be categorized under the "Investor/Business Manager" visa. This visa allows individuals to start a business, invest in a Japanese company, or manage an ongoing business in Japan. It is essential to distinguish between a short-stay visa for temporary business visitors and a status of residence for those intending to engage in regular business operations in Japan.
There are several situations in which you might require legal assistance with a Business Visa. For instance, if you plan to establish or manage a business in Yokohama, a lawyer can help ensure that your business plan meets the criteria set by the Japanese Immigration Services. Legal help may also be necessary when there are complications with your visa application, such as previous denials or when dealing with legal status changes. Lawyers can assist with gathering necessary documents, submitting applications, and providing advice on compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
The key local laws relevant to Business Visas in Yokohama are in line with national Japanese immigration regulations. For the Investor/Business Manager visa, applicants must show proof of investment in Japan, which includes a minimum of 5 million yen or equivalent benefits to Japanese nationals. Additionally, applicants must have a physical office space in Japan and a comprehensive business plan. The visa also requires applicants to employ at least two full-time employees who are residents of Japan or have an equivalent operational scale. For short-term business affairs, visitors can apply for a Temporary Visitor visa, which allows stays typically up to 90 days.
The duration varies and could be 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, depending on the discretion of the Japanese immigration authorities and the applicant's business plan.
It depends on the duration of your stay and your nationality. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits up to 90 days, which include attending conferences. However, it is best to consult with the local embassy or an immigration attorney for specific cases.
You usually need to make an investment of at least 5 million yen or meet other requirements that contribute substantial benefits to the Japanese economy.
Yes, speaking Japanese is not a requirement for obtaining a Business Visa, though it may assist in the running of your business.
The processing time can vary, but on average it takes about 2 to 3 months from the time of application until the visa is issued.
No, a Temporary Visitor visa is strictly for tourism, business meetings, conferences, etc., and does not permit any form of paid work in Japan.
In principle, it is not advisable to enter Japan with a Temporary Visitor visa with the intention to convert it to a Business Manager visa. One should apply for the appropriate visa beforehand, though under certain circumstances, a change of status might be possible with proper legal guidance.
For the Investor/Business Manager visa, there is a requirement to employ at least two full-time local staff or otherwise exhibit the equivalent operational scale in Japan.
Yes, you can bring your family as dependents on your visa but will need to apply for the appropriate Dependent visas for them.
A comprehensive business plan should outline your business's structure, activities, scale, and financial prospects. More specifically, you'll need to provide details such as capital investment, office location, number of employees, and future growth projections.
For additional resources, consider consulting the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for official guidelines, the Yokohama City Hall for local business regulations, and professional associations like the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also, engaging with local legal firms specializing in immigration law can provide personalized support.
If you require legal assistance for a Business Visa in Yokohama, your next steps should involve contacting a reputable immigration lawyer or law firm with experience in Japanese business and immigration law. It is recommended to prepare a list of questions, gather all the necessary documents concerning your business or employment in Japan, and arrange a consultation to discuss your specific situation and needs.
