Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Shizuoka

About Golden Visa Law in Shizuoka, Japan

"Golden Visa" is an informal term commonly used to describe routes to long-term residence or fast-tracked permanent residency in Japan. In practice, the most relevant formal programs are the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional scheme - a points-based immigration route that offers preferential treatment and an accelerated path to permanent residency - and business-related visas such as the Business Manager visa for investors and company founders. National immigration law governs eligibility and application procedures, while practical steps - resident registration, local taxes, social insurance and business registration - are handled through prefectural and municipal offices in Shizuoka.

For applicants in Shizuoka Prefecture, the same national rules apply as elsewhere in Japan, but local procedures and available regional incentives or support services can affect preparation, timing and ongoing compliance. If you are considering a Golden Visa pathway in Shizuoka, you will interact with national immigration authorities plus Shizuoka prefectural and municipal offices for resident registration, tax registration and other local steps.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many Golden Visa applications are straightforward, but legal help becomes important in numerous common situations:

- Complex eligibility questions - interpreting the points system, calculating income and work history credit, or proving educational and research qualifications.

- Business set-up and investment - structuring an investment, meeting Business Manager visa requirements such as capital and office location, drafting articles of incorporation, lease agreements and employment contracts.

- Denials or requests for additional documents - responding to a refusal, a certificate of reasons for refusal, or a request for further evidence from the immigration office.

- Appeals and administrative litigation - lodging appeals, requesting administrative review, or taking a case to court where necessary.

- Criminal record or immigration history issues - prior deportation, overstays, criminal prosecutions or other adverse facts require careful legal strategy.

- Family and dependent visas - complex family situations, custody questions or derivative status for dependents.

- Tax, corporate compliance and real estate - cross-border tax planning, residence taxation rules, corporate governance and property purchases in Shizuoka.

- Local government procedures - dealing with municipal requirements, social security, and benefits where legal interpretation is needed.

Administrative scriveners - gyosei shoshi - can often prepare visa paperwork and handle application filings. Only licensed lawyers - bengoshi - can provide full legal advice, represent you in court and handle complex disputes. Choose the type of professional based on the complexity of your situation.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal areas that affect Golden Visa applicants in Shizuoka include:

- Immigration law - Japan's Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and implementing rules set the standards for visa categories, the points-based Highly Skilled Foreign Professional scheme, and the requirements for permanent residence.

- Business and corporate law - the Companies Act and commercial law govern company formation, capital requirements, officer duties and company filings. For Business Manager visas, demonstrable business presence in Japan and capital or investment - often around 5 million yen or equivalent - plus a real office are commonly required.

- Real estate and lease law - lease agreements and property purchase in Japan require attention to contract terms, registration, and local taxes. Proof of a physical office or residence is often part of visa support evidence.

- Tax law - national and local tax obligations apply once you reside or run a business in Japan. Residency status affects worldwide income taxation. Registration with the National Tax Agency and local tax offices in Shizuoka is mandatory.

- Social insurance and employment law - enrollment in health insurance and pension systems is required for residents and employees. Employment contracts must meet Japanese labor standards.

- Municipal regulations - upon arrival you must register your address at the municipal office where you live in Shizuoka, obtain a residence card, and complete national health insurance and pension enrollment.

- Administrative procedural rules - time limits for appeals, procedural steps for permission requests and evidence standards are tightly regulated. Missing deadlines or failing to provide mandated information can cause delays or refusals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Golden Visa in the context of Japan?

In Japan, "Golden Visa" is not an official statute but a common label for favorable long-term residence routes such as the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) scheme and investor/business related visas that can lead to permanent residency faster than normal routes. These programs offer benefits like longer initial periods of stay, multiple-entry privileges and accelerated eligibility for permanent residence.

How does the points-based Highly Skilled Foreign Professional scheme work?

The HSFP uses a points system to evaluate applicants based on factors such as education, professional experience, research achievements, income level, and Japanese language ability. Applicants who meet the required points threshold obtain preferential status and related immigration benefits. Exact scoring rules and benefits can change over time, so check current guidance or consult a specialist before applying.

What are the main requirements for the Business Manager visa?

The Business Manager visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs and investors who run or manage businesses in Japan. Typical requirements include a viable business plan, an actual office space in Japan, and sufficient investment or capital to carry out business activities - commonly around 5 million yen or equivalent in funds, though exact expectations depend on the business model. Local employment and operational reality are also assessed.

Can family members accompany me under a Golden Visa route?

Yes. Most long-term residence visas, including HSFP and Business Manager visas, permit dependent family members to apply for derivative status. Eligibility and the length of stay for family members depend on the principal applicant's visa type and status. Family members often need to demonstrate financial support and proper documentation.

How long does it take to get permanent residency through these routes?

Ordinarily, permanent residency in Japan requires many years of continuous residence. Under preferential schemes like HSFP, the required period can be shortened substantially - in some cases to a few years - depending on points and other conditions. Processing times vary based on case complexity and immigration office workload.

What documents will I typically need to prepare?

Common documents include passport, current residence card, birth certificate or family register where relevant, proof of employment or business activities, tax records, bank statements, corporate documents if applying as a business person, lease or property contracts, academic diplomas and any evidence supporting claimed points or qualifications. The immigration office may request certified translations for documents not in Japanese.

What are common reasons for visa denial or delay?

Common causes include insufficient proof of funds or business reality, incomplete documentation, inconsistent information, failing to meet the specific visa criteria, previous immigration violations, criminal records, or unmet local requirements such as lack of an appropriate office for a Business Manager application. Procedural errors and missed deadlines also cause delays or refusals.

If my application is refused, what options do I have?

You can request the immigration authority to issue a written reason for refusal. Depending on the cause, options include submitting additional evidence and reapplying, requesting administrative review or reconsideration, filing an appeal, or pursuing judicial remedies. A licensed lawyer can advise on the best path and represent you in administrative or judicial procedures.

Do I need to pay taxes in Japan if I obtain a Golden Visa and live in Shizuoka?

Yes. Residency for tax purposes generally triggers obligations to file national and local taxes in Japan. If you are classified as a resident for tax purposes, worldwide income may be subject to Japanese tax rules. You will also need to enroll in national health insurance and pension schemes. Consult a tax advisor familiar with international tax rules and Japanese taxation for precise planning.

How can I find reliable legal help in Shizuoka?

Look for lawyers who specialize in immigration, corporate and tax matters. Confirm that a candidate is a licensed bengoshi for legal advice and court representation, or a gyosei shoshi for administrative filings and application preparation. Ask about their experience with Golden Visa or HSFP cases, successful outcomes, fees, and whether they have local office experience in Shizuoka. Local bar associations and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations can help you verify qualifications.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and sources of assistance include national and local bodies and professional organizations that handle immigration, business support and legal regulation. Key examples to consult or contact include:

- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - the national authority that administers visas and residence status.

- Ministry of Justice - oversees immigration policy and related laws.

- Local immigration branch office that serves Shizuoka Prefecture - for application submissions and local procedural questions.

- Shizuoka Prefectural Government and municipal offices - for resident registration, local incentives and community services.

- National Tax Agency and local tax offices in Shizuoka - for tax registration and compliance guidance.

- Japan External Trade Organization - JETRO - for foreign investors seeking local business information and support.

- Legal Affairs Bureau and local registry offices - for company registration and real estate recording.

- Japan Federation of Bar Associations and local bar associations - to find licensed bengoshi with immigration expertise.

- Certified administrative scriveners - gyosei shoshi - for assistance preparing and filing visa applications, where appropriate.

Next Steps

If you are considering a Golden Visa pathway in Shizuoka, consider the following practical next steps:

- Initial assessment - gather basic documents and arrange a consultation with an immigration specialist or lawyer to assess which visa category fits your goals.

- Prepare supporting evidence - collect proof of education, employment, income, business plans, lease agreements, and tax records. Obtain certified translations where necessary.

- Decide on professional help - choose between an administrative scrivener for procedural support or a licensed lawyer for full legal advice and representation. For complex cases - refusals, appeals, criminal history or sophisticated tax and corporate structuring - engage a bengoshi experienced in immigration and business law.

- Contact local offices - plan the steps you will take with Shizuoka municipal offices for resident registration, the local tax office for tax registration, and the immigration branch office that serves Shizuoka.

- Build a compliance plan - ensure you understand ongoing obligations after arrival - taxes, social insurance, company filings and immigration reporting requirements - and set up processes to maintain compliance.

Getting appropriate legal advice early reduces risk and increases the chance of a smooth immigration process. If you need help finding a qualified lawyer in Shizuoka or want a case assessment, prepare a concise summary of your background, intended visa route and available documents before your first consultation.