Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Akishima

About Residence by Investment Law in Akishima, Japan

Japan does not operate a formal "residence by investment" or "golden visa" program similar to some other countries. There is no direct route to a residence permit simply by buying property in Akishima, Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan. Instead, foreign nationals who want to live in Japan based on investment typically use the Investor/Business Manager visa or other business-related immigration routes. These require active business activity in Japan - for example establishing a company, renting or owning an office, and meeting capital and employment conditions - rather than passive real estate ownership.

Akishima is a city in western Tokyo. Immigration and residence formalities are governed by national Japanese immigration law administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan - not by the city. Local municipal rules in Akishima still apply to resident registration, local taxes, health insurance and other daily-life matters once you obtain a residence status that allows you to live in Japan.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a qualified lawyer or other licensed specialists can be important when pursuing residence through business activity in Japan. Common situations that call for legal help include:

- Structuring the investment or company to meet immigration and tax requirements - choosing the right legal entity and capital structure.

- Preparing a thorough business plan and supporting documentation needed for immigration applications such as the Certificate of Eligibility.

- Drafting and reviewing commercial contracts - office leases, supplier agreements, employment contracts, and shareholder agreements - to reduce legal risk.

- Navigating corporate registration and filings - registering a kabushiki kaisha or godo kaisha with the Legal Affairs Bureau and ensuring compliance with corporate governance rules.

- Handling immigration procedures - applications, renewals, change of status, and appeals. Administrative scriveners often prepare immigration paperwork, but lawyers handle complex cases and litigation.

- Advising on tax planning and compliance - national income tax, resident tax, consumption tax, withholding for employees, and local fixed-asset taxes on property.

- Performing due diligence on real estate purchases or investments - title checks, zoning and building-code compliance, and risk assessment.

- Assisting with employment law matters - hiring locally, work rules, visas for employees, and termination processes.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Japanese and Akishima-local rules you should know when planning residence by investment:

- Immigration Status - The Investor/Business Manager visa requires either capital of approximately 5 million JPY or a business that will employ at least two full-time staff in Japan, plus a physical office in Japan. You must satisfy immigration on the basis of genuine business activity.

- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) - For many long-term residence visas, a CoE issued by Japanese immigration is required before applying at a Japanese embassy or consulate for the actual visa. The CoE process requires substantial documentary support.

- Resident Registration - After entry and when you have mid- to long-term residency, you must register at Akishima City Office within 14 days of moving into your registered address. You will be issued or must present your residence card when registering.

- National Health Insurance and Pension - Residents are generally required to join the national health insurance system and the national pension system unless covered by company plans. Enrollment is handled at the municipal office.

- Taxes - Residents pay national income tax and local resident tax. If you own property in Akishima, you will face fixed-asset tax and possibly city planning tax. Corporation tax and consumption tax apply to businesses. Tax residency rules determine worldwide taxation.

- Real Estate and Zoning - Owning property does not grant residency, but property transactions are subject to registration with the Legal Affairs Bureau and local building and zoning laws administered by Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Akishima City. Earthquake resistance and building standards are strictly enforced.

- Labor and Employment Law - Hiring employees in Japan brings obligations on salary, social insurance contributions, working hours and termination procedures under Japanese labor law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get residency in Akishima by buying a house or apartment?

No. Purchasing real estate in Akishima or anywhere in Japan does not by itself grant you a residence status. You must qualify under an immigration category such as Investor/Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional, work visa, family visa or other permitted statuses.

What is the Investor/Business Manager visa and what are its basic requirements?

The Investor/Business Manager visa is for those who will manage or operate a business in Japan. Typical requirements include establishing a physical office in Japan, either investing around 5 million JPY in the business or creating job positions for at least two full-time employees, and demonstrating a viable business plan and financial resources.

How long does it take to get approval to live in Japan under a business visa?

Processing times vary. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility can take several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the case and the immigration office workload. After CoE issuance, consular visa processing times vary by embassy. Plan for several months and prepare documents carefully to avoid delays.

Can I include my family on my visa if I move to Akishima?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can usually apply for dependent visas once the primary visa holder has a valid status that allows dependents. You must demonstrate sufficient income or funds to support dependents and provide required documentation.

Does setting up a company in Akishima automatically qualify me for the visa?

No. A company must meet specific requirements and show genuine business activity, an office, capital or employees, and a realistic business plan. Immigration authorities assess whether the business activities are legitimate and sustainable.

Will I be taxed in Japan if I move to Akishima?

If you become a tax resident of Japan, you will be subject to national income tax and local resident tax on worldwide income. Nonresidents are taxed on Japan-source income. Businesses operating in Japan will face corporate tax, consumption tax and local business taxes.

How do I register my address and access local services in Akishima?

After entering Japan with an eligible residence status and moving into a place of residence, you must report your address to the Akishima City Office within 14 days. The city office handles resident registration, national health insurance enrollment, pension procedures and issuing a resident certificate.

Can I apply for permanent residency while on an Investor/Business Manager visa?

Yes, but permanent residency has separate requirements. The standard requirement is about 10 years of continuous residency, with other conditions such as good conduct and stable income. There are exceptions and expedited routes for Highly Skilled Professionals and others which may allow permanent residency in shorter periods, sometimes one to three years, depending on points and circumstances.

Who can represent me for immigration paperwork in Japan?

Administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) commonly prepare and submit immigration documents. Lawyers (bengoshi) can also assist, especially for complex cases or appeals. Choose professionals who are experienced in business immigration and who can handle both corporate and immigration issues if your case requires it.

What are common pitfalls to avoid when planning residence through business activity?

Common mistakes include undercapitalizing the business, lacking a real office or employees, incomplete or weak business plans, inadequate local tax planning, ignoring labor obligations, and relying on property purchase as the basis for residency. Working with local professionals mitigates these risks.

Additional Resources

Helpful organizations and bodies to consult during planning and execution:

- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - national body for immigration law and procedures.

- Ministry of Justice - oversees immigration policy and law.

- Akishima City Office - resident registration, health insurance, pension and local procedures.

- Tokyo Metropolitan Government - broader regional rules and building/zoning matters.

- Legal Affairs Bureau - company registration and real estate registration procedures.

- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) - assistance for foreign businesses establishing in Japan.

- National Tax Agency - national tax guidance and compliance.

- Certified Administrative Scriveners (gyoseishoshi) - can prepare immigration papers and business filings.

- Judicial Scriveners (shiho-shoshi) - handle property registration and certain company matters.

- Licensed Attorneys (bengoshi) - for complex legal advice, litigation, or regulatory issues.

- Local real estate agents and certified building inspectors - for property due diligence in Akishima.

Next Steps

If you are considering residence by investment-related pathways for Akishima or elsewhere in Japan, follow this practical roadmap:

- Clarify objectives - Decide whether your goal is to run a business, invest in property for income, relocate with family, or pursue long-term residency or citizenship.

- Initial consultation - Book consultations with a Japanese immigration lawyer or qualified administrative scrivener and a corporate lawyer or certified accountant to review feasibility, costs and timelines.

- Prepare documentation - Typical items include passport, resume/CV, detailed business plan, proof of funds, proposed office lease or property documents, and company formation documents if applicable.

- Choose local partners - Engage a bilingual attorney or administrative scrivener, an accountant, and a real estate specialist familiar with Akishima and Tokyo law.

- Set up the business presence - Incorporate the company, secure an office, open corporate bank accounts and meet minimum capital or employment requirements.

- Apply for immigration status - Prepare and submit the Certificate of Eligibility application and follow with visa application at the Japanese embassy or consulate where required.

- Register in Akishima - After arrival, register your address at Akishima City Office, enroll in national health insurance and the pension system, and complete tax registrations.

- Maintain compliance - Keep corporate filings, tax returns, payroll and immigration renewals up to date. Plan for possible permanent residency later if that is a goal.

Finally, be cautious of agents offering guaranteed residency in exchange for real estate purchase alone. Insist on transparent fee schedules and written engagement letters with professionals. Careful planning and qualified local advice reduce risk and increase the chance of a successful relocation and business start in Akishima.