Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Onojo

About Golden Visa Law in Onojo, Japan

The term "Golden Visa" is often used internationally to describe residence-by-investment programs. In Japan that phrase is not an official legal category. Instead, long-term residency options for foreign nationals who plan to invest, run a business, or contribute economically are pursued through existing immigration routes - mainly the Business Manager visa, Highly Skilled Professional (points-based) visa, and, ultimately, permanent residency. Onojo is a city in Fukuoka Prefecture and is governed by the same national immigration law and prefectural procedures as the rest of Japan. Local procedures you will encounter in Onojo relate to municipal registration, local taxes, and business permits - but immigration decisions are made by the national Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Justice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Handling immigration and business matters in Japan often requires precise paperwork and compliance with multiple laws - immigration, company law, tax, real estate and labor regulations. A qualified legal professional helps prevent delays, refusals, fines and costly mistakes. Common situations where legal help is advisable include:

- Applying for a Business Manager visa - preparing a compliant business plan, lease documents for a Japanese office, and evidence of required capital or staffing levels.

- Applying under the Highly Skilled Professional points-based system - calculating points, documenting qualifications and negotiating fast-track procedures to permanent residency.

- Seeking permanent residency based on long-term residence, investment, or exceptional contribution - preparing supporting evidence and addressing gaps in residence history or tax compliance.

- Buying or leasing property in Onojo - reviewing contracts, zoning compliance, and registration procedures to be sure property purchase does not conflict with visa requirements.

- Setting up a company in Japan - selecting the legal entity, handling articles of incorporation, corporate registration, and local tax registration.

- Employment and labor law issues - drafting employment contracts that satisfy visa conditions, payroll and social insurance registration and compliance reviews.

- Responding to Immigration Office requests for additional information, appeals or administrative procedures - representation by lawyers or administrative scriveners can be crucial for timely and correct responses.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal and administrative aspects to understand in Onojo when pursuing a residency or business-based visa include:

- National immigration law and visa categories - visas are issued under national law and applications are handled by the Immigration Services Agency. Onojo residents apply through the regional immigration bureau serving Fukuoka.

- Business Manager visa requirements - generally require a physical office in Japan, an investment in the business or an appropriate scale of business operations (historically 5 million yen is commonly cited as a guideline), and documentation that shows the business is real and sustainable.

- Highly Skilled Professional visa - a points-based system that awards points for academic background, professional experience, research achievements and income. High scores give benefits such as a faster path to permanent residency.

- Permanent residency - typically requires long-term continuous residence, good conduct, tax and social insurance compliance, and proof of stable livelihood. There are accelerated tracks for spouses of Japanese nationals and highly skilled professionals.

- Company formation and corporate law - common entities are kabushiki kaisha (joint-stock company) and godo kaisha (limited liability company). Registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau is required, along with local tax office and municipal notifications.

- Real estate and zoning - Japan allows foreign ownership of real estate; however, purchasing property alone does not create a residency right. Check city zoning and building regulation compliance in Onojo before buying or renovating property.

- Municipal registration and resident services - after moving to Onojo you must register your address at Onojo City Hall and get or update your residence card - usually within 14 days of establishing residence. You must also enroll in national health insurance and the pension system unless exempt.

- Tax and social insurance - income tax, resident tax and consumption tax for businesses are relevant. Employers must register employees for social insurance and labor insurance. Noncompliance can jeopardize visa renewals and permanent residency applications.

- Labor and employment law - if hiring staff in Japan, you must comply with employment standards, minimum wage, working hours and contractual requirements. Evidence of proper employment may be necessary for some visa types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a "Golden Visa" in Japan?

"Golden Visa" is an informal term. In Japan you must apply under a specific visa category such as the Business Manager visa, Highly Skilled Professional visa, Start-up visa (available in certain municipalities), or seek permanent residency. There is no separate official program that grants residency solely for purchasing real estate.

Can I get residency in Onojo just by buying property?

No. Purchasing property in Japan, including Onojo, does not by itself grant you a visa or residency rights. You must qualify under an immigration category and meet its legal requirements.

How much capital do I need to obtain a Business Manager visa?

There is no fixed national amount in statute, but immigration practice generally expects an investment or business scale consistent with sustaining operations in Japan. A commonly used guideline is around 5 million yen in stable investment, or demonstrable staffing and business activity. A lawyer or administrative scrivener can advise based on your specific business plan.

What is the Highly Skilled Professional visa and what are its benefits?

The Highly Skilled Professional visa is a points-based residence status for individuals with advanced academic or professional qualifications, high income, or significant research achievements. Benefits include preferential treatment for work activities, expedited path to permanent residency (possible within 1 to 3 years for high point holders), and greater freedom for family members.

Do I need to register my address in Onojo after moving there?

Yes. Foreign residents must register their address at the Onojo City Hall and update their residence card within 14 days of moving into a new address. You also need to enroll in national health insurance and notify tax authorities as required.

Who can legally help me prepare immigration paperwork?

Qualified immigration lawyers (bengoshi) and administrative scriveners (gyosei-shoshi) with immigration experience commonly assist with visa applications. Bengoshi can represent you in court and give legal advice; gyosei-shoshi can prepare administrative documents and applications. Make sure any advisor is properly registered and has relevant experience with Fukuoka-area immigration procedures.

How long does the visa application process usually take?

Processing times vary by visa type and complexity. Simple change of status or extension filings can take weeks to a few months. Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional applications that require a Certificate of Eligibility may take several months. Factor in additional time for document collection, translations and responses to requests for supplemental information.

Can I include family members on my visa application?

Many visa categories allow dependent family members to enter Japan, such as spouse and minor children. Documentation to show adequate financial capacity and suitable living arrangements will usually be required. Highly Skilled professionals may enjoy easier family access under special provisions depending on point scores.

How will local taxes in Onojo affect my application?

Local resident tax, national income tax and consumption tax for businesses are all relevant. Consistent tax filings and compliance strengthen renewal and permanent residency applications. If running a business, make sure corporate and personal taxes and social insurance are properly declared and paid on schedule.

What are common reasons for visa refusal or denial?

Common reasons include insufficient or inconsistent documentation, lack of a credible business plan, inadequate proof of financial means, failure to meet office lease or staffing requirements for a Business Manager visa, prior immigration violations, incomplete tax or social insurance records, and discrepancies in application information. Legal assistance reduces the risk of mistakes that lead to refusal.

Additional Resources

When seeking information or assistance in Onojo consider contacting or consulting the following types of bodies and organizations - note these are descriptive categories rather than direct links:

- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - the national authority that issues visas and handles Certificate of Eligibility reviews.

- Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau - the regional office that manages immigration matters for Fukuoka Prefecture and nearby areas.

- Onojo City Hall - for resident registration, local tax notice, national health insurance and municipal services.

- Legal Affairs Bureau - for corporate registration and property registration procedures in Fukuoka.

- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and local economic development offices - for business setup guidance and investment support in Fukuoka.

- Japan Federation of Bar Associations and local bar associations - to locate qualified bengoshi with immigration and business experience.

- Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Associations - to find registered gyosei-shoshi who handle immigration paperwork.

- Local chambers of commerce and industry in Fukuoka - for practical information on local business customs, networking, and local compliance.

Next Steps

If you are considering moving to or investing in Onojo and need legal assistance, follow these practical steps:

- Clarify your goal - decide whether you aim to start a business, work under a sponsored arrangement, qualify as a highly skilled professional, or seek permanent residency.

- Gather core documents - passport, current visa, academic and employment records, proof of funds, preliminary business plan, proposed office lease details and any contracts relevant to your plan.

- Get a preliminary consultation - arrange an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener experienced in Fukuoka-area cases to assess likely visa routes and documentation requirements.

- Verify credentials - confirm the professional you consult is registered with the appropriate bar association or scrivener association and has verifiable experience in visa matters and business setup.

- Prepare and translate documents - many submissions require Japanese-language documents or certified translations. Plan time and budget for accurate translation and notarization where required.

- Register locally after arrival - once in Onojo, register your address at City Hall within the required timeframe and enroll in national health insurance and pension as applicable.

- Maintain compliance - pay taxes and social insurance on time, keep business records current, and respond promptly to any Immigration Office requests.

- Consider long-term planning - if your aim is permanent residency or family settlement, work with your legal advisor to build a record of continuous residence, stable income and legal compliance that supports future applications.

Working with a qualified professional experienced in Fukuoka and Onojo matters will save time and reduce risk. If you are unsure where to start, arrange a short consultation with a registered immigration specialist to map the route best suited to your circumstances.