Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Sasebo

About Golden Visa Law in Sasebo, Japan

There is no Sasebo specific “Golden Visa” program in Japan. Japan operates a national system where residency is granted under Status of Residence categories such as Investor/Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional. In Sasebo, applicants typically pursue these national categories through the regional immigration process rather than a city level program. For authoritative guidance, refer to the Immigration Services Agency and Ministry of Justice resources on Status of Residence and visa categories. Ministry of Justice - Immigration Services Agency and Immigration Services Agency - English site.

Key point: Japan grants residency status under national law, not a local city program, with capabilities to eventually pursue permanent residence through suitable statuses.

In practice, potential applicants in Sasebo who are considering long-term residence should plan around the national Investor/Business Manager route or the Highly Skilled Professional pathway, then cooperate with local business and legal professionals to comply with local business registration and employment requirements. The official guidance explains the general eligibility, documentation, and processing steps for these visas. JETRO - Visa and Work for Investors and MOJ-ISA Guidance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Opening a new business in Sasebo often requires a solid business plan and a clear funding structure. A lawyer can help ensure your plan meets the Investor/Business Manager criteria and aligns with local licensing and employment rules.

  For example, a corporate attorney can help you draft a legally compliant business entity, prepare capitalisation documentation, and organize shareholding structures that immigration authorities may scrutinize.

• Verifying the source and legality of funds for investment is crucial. A solicitor can conduct due diligence, prepare source of funds declarations, and coordinate with banks to document transfers in compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.

  This reduces risk of delays or denials during the status of residence review by the relevant immigration office.

• Family accompaniment and dependent visa processes can be complex. A lawyer can handle spouse or child visa applications and guide you through accompanying dependent statuses while you establish your business in Sasebo.

  Proper documentation, including marriage and birth certificates translated and legalized as needed, is essential for smooth processing.

• Renewals and changes of status pose ongoing challenges. An attorney can help prepare timely renewal submissions, maintain eligibility, and address any changes in business operations or employment.

  Timely counsel reduces the risk of lapse in status and potential disruption to your family’s residency plans.

• Compliance with local employment and registration requirements is important. A legal counsel can coordinate with local authorities to ensure proper hiring of Japanese nationals or residents and correct payroll registrations.

  This helps maintain eligibility for ongoing residency and supports future pathways to permanent residence if pursued.

Local Laws Overview

The national framework for Golden Visa like pathways in Japan rests on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which governs Status of Residence and the categories available to foreign nationals. This framework sets the basis for Investors/Business Managers and Highly Skilled Professionals. Ministry of Justice - Immigration Services Agency explains the status categories and examination guidelines.

In 2019 the Immigration Services Agency of Japan was established to centralize processing and administration of immigration matters, affecting how claims for Investor/Business Manager status are handled nationwide. This structural change aims to streamline procedures and standardize examinations across regions, including Kyushu where Sasebo lies. See the ISA overview for context on organizational changes and status processing. ISA - About the Agency.

Relevant examination guidelines for Investors/Business Managers are published by the Ministry of Justice and the ISA. These guidelines describe the kinds of business plans, capital structures, and employment conditions generally considered acceptable. For official detail, consult the guidelines and status of residence pages on the MOJ/ISA websites. MOJ-ISA Guidelines and ISA Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Investor/Business Manager visa in Japan?

The Investor/Business Manager visa allows a foreign national to establish or manage a business in Japan and reside while operating that business. The process is handled under national law, not a city program.

How do I qualify for Status of Residence as an investor?

Qualification typically requires a concrete business plan, registered corporate capital, and a viable operation plan that offers employment in Japan. The exact criteria are determined by immigration authorities.

Do I need a minimum investment amount for the visa?

Common practice indicates a capital threshold is expected, but the exact amount and documentation are case dependent. Consult an attorney and the official MOJ/ISA guidelines for precise requirements.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times vary by case and region. In some cases, preliminary reviews may take a few weeks, with a full decision taking several months after submission.

Do I need to hire local Japanese staff?

Employment of local staff can support residency eligibility, but the requirement is evaluated on a case by case basis. Immigration authorities consider the business plan and economic impact in Japan.

What documents are required for the initial application?

Common documents include a business plan, corporate registration documents, capital declarations, and personal identification. The immigration office provides a full checklist at submission.

Can my family accompany me on this visa?

Yes, dependents such as a spouse and children can often accompany the primary applicant, subject to visa issuance and documentation for dependents.

What is the difference between Highly Skilled Professional and Investor/Business Manager?

The Highly Skilled Professional visa employs a point-based system prioritizing education, work experience, and earnings. Investor/Business Manager focuses on business investment and management in Japan.

Do I need to register a company before applying?

Most applicants establish a local company or partner with an incorporated entity to meet the business requirements. Registration status is an evidence item in the application.

Is permanent residency available through these pathways?

Permanent residency is possible after a period of residence and meeting continuous stay requirements, but it is not guaranteed and depends on long-term conduct and compliance.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for this process?

While not mandatory, a solicitor or attorney with experience in immigration and Japanese business law can improve documentation quality and reduce processing delays.

Additional Resources

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) - Investor/Business Manager and Status of Residence - Official information on status categories, examination criteria, and processing. ISA English site
• Ministry of Justice (MOJ) - Immigration Services Agency overview - National legislation governing immigration control and status of residence. MOJ-ISA English page
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) - Visa and Work for Investors - Practical guidance for foreign investors in Japan across the national framework. JETRO - Visa and Work

Next Steps

1. Define your business plan and the intended investment structure in Sasebo, including company type and staffing goals. Allocate timeline estimates for setup and approvals.
2. Consult a qualified solicitor or attorney (bengoshi) with immigration and corporate law experience in Japan, focusing on Investor/Business Manager cases.
3. Gather documentation: identity papers, corporate registration documents, capital verification, and the business plan. Prepare translations and legalization where required.
4. Submit the status of residence application through the appropriate regional immigration office, with professional guidance on the submission package.
5. Prepare for any immigration interview or request for additional information; respond promptly with complete documentation.
6. Plan for renewal submissions and long-term residency options, including potential pathways to permanent residence if eligible.