Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Nagasaki

About Golden Visa Law in Nagasaki, Japan

The phrase "Golden Visa" is widely used internationally to describe residence-by-investment or fast-track residence programs. Japan does not have a program officially called "Golden Visa", but it does offer immigration paths that serve similar purposes for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. The most relevant categories are the Investor/Business Manager visa and the Highly Skilled Professional points-based visa. Both can lead to mid-term residence and, in many cases, an accelerated route to permanent residency compared with ordinary work visas. In Nagasaki, as elsewhere in Japan, obtaining one of these residence statuses involves national immigration rules, local administrative steps such as resident registration and tax registration, and compliance with corporate, labor and municipal regulations when you set up a business or invest locally.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and business-related residence matters can involve complex legal and administrative requirements. A qualified lawyer - either an immigration specialist or a bengoshi who handles corporate and immigration law - can help in several common situations:

- Choosing the correct visa category - investor, business manager, highly skilled professional, or other options - based on your objectives and background.

- Preparing and reviewing the application package to meet immigration expectations, including business plans, proof of capital, contracts, lease agreements and company registration documents.

- Structuring a business in Japan in a tax-efficient and compliance-oriented way under the Companies Act and tax law.

- Handling refusal, appeal or reapplication after a denied visa, including preparing persuasive evidence and legal arguments.

- Advising on employment contracts, labor law compliance, and social insurance obligations when you hire staff in Nagasaki.

- Assisting with permanent residency applications, especially for those on the Highly Skilled Professional track seeking accelerated status.

- Coordinating with other professionals - certified administrative procedures specialists - gyosei-shoshi - tax accountants, real estate agents and local authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Understanding the intersecting layers of national and local law is essential when pursuing an investor-type or highly skilled residence status in Nagasaki. Key legal areas to consider include:

- Immigration Law - The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act governs resident statuses, application procedures, certificate of eligibility processes and conditions for extension, change of status and permanent residency.

- Corporate Law - The Companies Act regulates company formation, director duties, capital requirements and corporate governance. Choosing between a kabushiki kaisha, godo kaisha or other entity affects registration and ongoing obligations.

- Tax Law - National and local taxes apply to individuals and corporations. Corporation tax, local enterprise tax, consumption tax and individual income tax apply depending on business structure and residency. Proper tax planning and registration with the tax office are essential.

- Labor and Employment Law - Hiring employees in Nagasaki triggers obligations under the Labor Standards Act, social insurance enrollment, withholding tax and employment contracts with statutory terms.

- Real Estate, Zoning and Local Permits - Establishing a physical office or operating a brick-and-mortar business may require local permits, such as commercial-use approvals, health and safety licenses, restaurant permits, or building use permissions. Real estate transactions have few nationality restrictions, but lease documentation and zoning must be checked.

- Local Administrative Procedures - After arrival, you must complete resident registration at the municipal office, enroll in national health insurance and pension systems, and obtain a My Number. Nagasaki Prefectural and municipal offices may also offer business support or incentives you should register for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest thing to a "Golden Visa" in Japan?

The closest equivalents are the Investor/Business Manager visa and the Highly Skilled Professional points-based residence status. The Investor/Business Manager route is for people who manage or invest in a company in Japan. The Highly Skilled Professional status uses a points system to attract talent and offers accelerated routes to permanent residency for high scorers.

Does investing in property in Nagasaki automatically give me a residence permit?

No. Japan places no general nationality restrictions on property ownership, but purchasing real estate alone is not a basis for immigration status. To stay and work in Japan you must qualify under an appropriate residence status such as investor-business manager, work visa, highly skilled professional, or family-related permit.

Is there a minimum investment amount required for an investor visa?

There is no single, statutory investment threshold set in national law for an investor-business manager visa. Immigration officers will look for a credible business plan, stable office or business presence in Japan, and sufficient capital to operate. Practitioners commonly consider a multi-million yen investment and evidence of real business activity as persuasive, but requirements depend on the specific case.

How does the Highly Skilled Professional points system work?

The Highly Skilled Professional status assigns points for factors such as education, professional background, income, age and research achievements. Applicants who meet the points threshold can access preferential benefits, including a faster path to permanent residency and broader work permissions. Higher point totals can shorten the time before applying for permanent residence.

Can I bring family members under an investor or highly skilled visa?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can usually accompany or join the primary visa holder. The scope of accompanying family and permitted activities for dependents vary by visa type. Income and housing stability are factors immigration will consider when assessing family applications.

What documents will immigration expect to see for a business manager visa?

Immigration will expect a corporate registration certificate, company articles, business plan, proof of office or lease, evidence of capital or funding, bank statements, contracts with suppliers or clients, and documents showing the applicant will actively manage or operate the business. Supporting material should demonstrate the business has a realistic chance to operate and sustain employment.

How long does the application process take in Nagasaki?

Processing times vary. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility can take several weeks to a few months depending on complexity and workload at the immigration office. After entry, the residence card and municipal registrations are generally completed quickly. If issues arise, appeals or additional evidence can lengthen the timeline.

Do I need a Japanese bank account and office address before applying?

Having a Japanese bank account and a physical office or lease in Nagasaki strengthens an investor-business manager application, because immigration evaluates the business presence and financial stability. In practice, some applicants open accounts and secure leases early in the process to satisfy documentary requirements.

Will setting up a company in Nagasaki affect my tax obligations?

Yes. Establishing a company creates corporate tax obligations and may change your personal tax residency. You must register the company with the legal affairs bureau, file tax registrations with the national and local tax offices, and comply with consumption tax, corporate tax and payroll tax requirements if you hire staff.

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

If a visa application is refused, you can request a reason in writing, file a new application after addressing the deficiencies, or consider administrative appeal options. Consulting a lawyer experienced in immigration appeals can help you evaluate the refusal reasons, assemble stronger evidence, and determine whether reapplication or appeal is the better path.

Additional Resources

When seeking authoritative information or local assistance, these institutions and professionals are commonly helpful:

- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - responsible for visa policy and processing.

- Ministry of Justice - oversees laws related to immigration and residency.

- Nagasaki Prefectural Government and Nagasaki City Office - local administrative guidance, resident registration and business support.

- Japan External Trade Organization - JETRO - provides support and information for foreign investors considering business in Japan.

- Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry - for networking, local business information and practical support.

- National Tax Agency and local tax offices - for tax registration and compliance information.

- Certified Administrative Procedures Specialists - gyosei-shoshi - who can assist with many administrative filings, including some immigration-related paperwork under supervision rules.

- Licensed attorneys - bengoshi - who can provide legal advice on immigration appeals, corporate structuring, tax disputes and employment matters.

- Local legal aid centers and expatriate support groups - for orientation on living and doing business in Nagasaki.

Next Steps

If you are considering an investor-style or Highly Skilled Professional residence status in Nagasaki, follow these practical steps:

- Clarify your objectives - decide whether your priority is managing a business, investing, working as a highly skilled professional or seeking long-term residency.

- Gather basic documents - passport, CV, educational and professional certificates, preliminary business plan, and any contracts or funding evidence you already have.

- Schedule an initial consultation with a qualified immigration attorney or a law firm experienced in business immigration and regional practice in Nagasaki. Bring your documents and a summary of your plan so the lawyer can assess feasible visa options and likely evidence gaps.

- Prepare or refine a business plan - include market analysis, capital sources, projected revenues, hiring plans and an office location - to support investor or business manager applications.

- Coordinate with other professionals - a tax accountant for tax planning, a real estate agent for office space, and a gyosei-shoshi if you need help with administrative filings.

- Be mindful of timelines and budget - factor in time for Certificate of Eligibility applications, possible translations, document notarizations, and legal fees.

- After arrival - complete resident registration at the municipal office, enroll in health insurance and the pension system, register for taxes and obtain any local permits needed to operate your business.

- Maintain records and compliance - keep thorough records of corporate minutes, accounting, employment contracts and tax filings to support future visa renewals or permanent residency applications.

Disclaimer - This guide is general informational content and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and administrative practice can change. For an assessment tailored to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or immigration specialist in Japan.