Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Okayama

1. About Golden Visa Law in Okayama, Japan

In Okayama, as in the rest of Japan, there is no standalone “Golden Visa” program. Residency through investment is not a blanket option under Japanese law. The national Immigration Control Act and related regulations govern status of residence for all foreign nationals living in Okayama.

Foreign nationals typically pursue residency in Okayama through two main paths: the Business Manager status for those starting or managing a business, and the Highly Skilled Professional status for highly qualified workers. Both routes can lead to permanent residency after meeting specific criteria and time requirements.

Japan does not offer a general investor visa. Residency through business activities follows the Immigration Control Act and related regulations.

Local prefectures, including Okayama, do not issue separate Golden Visa classifications. Instead residents engage with national immigration rules via the local immigration bureau that handles Okayama’s caseload. A solicitor or attorney can help map your goals to the appropriate status and plan the steps in Okayama.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Starting a company in Okayama and applying for the Business Manager visa. A solicitor can help prepare a compliant business plan, arrange the required registered capital, and structure the ownership. You typically need 5 million yen in capital and a plan to hire staff. They will ensure your documents meet the immigration criteria and the local registration requirements.
• Switching from a different status to Business Manager while in Okayama. An attorney can advise on the best timing and prepare a status change application with a robust business plan. Immigration officers review business viability and managerial duties when you switch status.
• Applying for the Highly Skilled Professional visa from Okayama. A legal counsel can help assemble the point-based evidence for academics, work experience, and salary. The lawyer can tailor your package to meet the 70-point threshold often cited for high eligibility.
• Renewing or extending your status while living in Okayama. A solicitor will track changes in your business, employment, or family situation and respond to requests from the regional immigration bureau. Timely submissions reduce the risk of status lapsing.
• Planning for permanent residency from Okayama. A lawyer can outline the PR track early, coordinate gathering documentation, and create a progression roadmap from either Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional status. Proper planning improves eligibility over time.

3. Local Laws Overview

Two core legal frameworks govern Golden Visa pathways in Okayama. The Immigration Control Act provides the structure for statuses of residence, while its implementing rules set the concrete criteria for each status. The national system, not the prefecture, drives visa grant decisions in Okayama.

• Immigration Control Act (入国管理法) - the fundamental statute that defines statuses of residence and the procedures to apply for them. This act has been amended since its enactment in 1951 to introduce statuses such as Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional.
• Regulations for the Enforcement of the Immigration Control Act (施行規則) - the implementing rules that specify eligibility criteria, including requirements for the Business Manager status (for example, capital and staffing expectations) and the Highly Skilled Professional criteria.
• Guidelines on Status of Residence Applications (在留資格の運用指針) - non-binding but influential policies issued by the Ministry of Justice to interpret and apply the Act in practice, including criteria used by regional immigration bureaus in Okayama’s jurisdiction.

Recent policy developments emphasize streamlining processing and clarifying criteria for high-skill entrants and new businesses, though specifics can change. For the most current details, consult official government sources and a licensed solicitor before taking steps in Okayama.

To qualify for the Business Manager status, typical requirements include established business in Japan with registered capital of at least 5 million yen and at least two full-time employees.

For practical reference, the following official resources provide current guidance on visas and status of residence in Japan. These sources help confirm how Okayama residents should approach applications and renewals.

Authoritative sources you can consult include official government pages on visa categories and procedures, which explain eligibility, required documents, and processing timelines. The information here summarizes how Okayama residents interact with national immigration policies.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Business Manager visa and who qualifies in Okayama? The Business Manager visa authorizes management of a business in Japan. Qualifying means establishing or running a company in Okayama with capital and staff meeting specified thresholds. It is a common path for foreign entrepreneurs.
2. How do I qualify for a Business Manager visa in Okayama? You need to form a company, invest capital, and show a plan to hire employees. A lawyer helps assemble the business plan and documentation for submission.
3. What documents are required to start a company in Japan for visa purposes? You typically need a detailed business plan, company registration documents, proof of capital, and employment plans. Translation and certification of documents are often required.
4. How long does it take to obtain a visa for a new business in Okayama? Processing commonly ranges from 1 to 4 months after submission, depending on completeness and requests for additional information. Timelines vary by case.
5. Do I need to hire employees to qualify for the Business Manager visa? Yes, having full-time employees strengthens the application. The typical expectation is two or more staff supporting the venture.
6. Can I run a company in Okayama on a visa if I am the sole employee? The most common approvals require some level of employment of others; a lawyer can tailor the plan to satisfy regulatory expectations.
7. How much capital is required for the Business Manager visa? The standard benchmark is 5 million yen in registered capital, though situations may vary by case and jurisdiction.
8. Do I need to live in Okayama to apply for a visa there? You do not have to be a resident of Okayama to apply, but you must establish a business presence and meet location-specific requirements for local operations.
9. Is there a path to permanent residency for Business Manager holders? Yes, after meeting time and criteria under Japanese PR rules, often several years of continuous residence is required.
10. What is the difference between the Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional visas? Business Manager focuses on business operations and capital, while Highly Skilled Professional uses a points-based system for skilled workers and may offer faster PR eligibility.
11. How much does a Golden Visa lawyer cost in Okayama? Fees vary by case and firm, but expect an initial consultation plus case handling fees; ask for a written estimate upfront.
12. Do I need translation or notarization for the application? Yes, many documents require translation into Japanese and official notarization or authentication depending on origin and purpose.

5. Additional Resources

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (MOJ) English pages - Official guidance on visas, status of residence, and application procedures. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/english/
• Okayama Prefectural Government - Local administrative information for foreign residents and business investors in Okayama. https://www.pref.okayama.jp/
• Okayama City Official Portal - City-level resources and services that relate to foreign residents and business activities in Okayama. https://www.city.okayama.jp/

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your visa goal with a licensed solicitor or attorney who specializes in immigration law in Okayama. Schedule a consultation within 1-2 weeks to review your situation.
2. Assess eligibility for the Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional path. Obtain a written eligibility assessment from your lawyer within 2-3 weeks after the initial consultation.
3. Prepare a concrete plan if pursuing Business Manager status. Create a business plan, arrange a representative office in Okayama, and secure preliminary capital and staffing figures within 4-6 weeks.
4. Prepare and collect required documents for submission. Ensure translations, certifications, and corporate registrations are complete before filing, typically 2-6 weeks.
5. Submit the status of residence application to the Regional Immigration Bureau with support from your solicitor. Allow for 1-4 months processing, depending on the case and bureau workload.
6. Monitor the application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Communicate with your attorney to coordinate timely responses within weeks if needed.
7. Plan for post-approval steps, including establishing the business in Okayama, hiring staff, and tracking performance metrics. Begin reporting obligations immediately after approval.