Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Shizuoka

About Residence by Investment Law in Shizuoka, Japan

Japan does not operate a single, nationwide "golden visa" program labelled Residence by Investment in the same way some countries do. Instead, foreign nationals seeking to live in Japan based on investment typically use immigration categories that recognize business activity, capital investment, or high-skilled work. Common pathways include the Investor/Business Manager visa, highly-skilled professional points-based visas, and various local start-up or entrepreneurship support arrangements that some prefectures and cities offer.

In Shizuoka Prefecture, investors and entrepreneurs follow the same national immigration framework as elsewhere in Japan, while also benefiting from Shizuoka-specific business support services, local incentives for certain industries, and municipal programs that may ease initial establishment. Key legal processes you should expect include company formation under Japanese corporate law, immigration screening by the national Immigration Services Agency, tax registration, and compliance with local regulations such as building, zoning, and sector-specific permits.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Residence by investment cases frequently intersect immigration law, corporate law, property law, tax law, and administrative procedures. A lawyer can help reduce risk and improve the chances of a successful application. Typical situations where legal help is advisable include:

When planning the business model and entry strategy - deciding whether to set up a kabushiki kaisha or godo kaisha, determining reasonable capital levels, and structuring ownership so it meets immigration and tax expectations.

When preparing immigration applications - drafting and organizing the business plan, gathering documentary evidence of investment and office operations, and completing forms to meet Immigration Services Agency requirements.

When buying or leasing property - conducting title and due-diligence checks, reviewing contracts, and ensuring compliance with local zoning and building standards.

When dealing with employment - preparing Japan-compliant employment contracts, salary and benefit structures, and handling hiring and termination to meet labor law requirements.

When resolving disputes or administrative denials - appealing visa refusals, handling regulatory investigations, or negotiating with tax and regulatory authorities.

When seeking permanent residence or naturalization - guiding evidence collection for eligibility, documenting contributions to Japanese society, and preparing complex filings.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal themes relevant to Residence by Investment in Shizuoka include the following.

Immigration categories - The Investor/Business Manager visa is the standard route tied to investment and business management. The Highly-Skilled Professional points-based visa provides preferential immigration treatment for high-scoring applicants. Local "start-up" arrangements may allow short-term residence to establish a business under municipal or prefectural programs.

Company formation and corporate governance - Companies must be registered under the Companies Act. You will need a registered office address in Japan, appropriate corporate documents, and compliance with ongoing reporting obligations.

Capital and investment evidence - Immigration authorities expect credible evidence of funding, business viability, and an operational office. Capital thresholds are often used as practical benchmarks during examinations but check current guidance for exact expectations.

Real estate and land use - Foreign nationals can generally buy land and property in Japan, but there are specific controls for agricultural land. Zoning and building regulations are enforced at municipal levels and can affect permitted business activities.

Labor and employment laws - Japan enforces workplace standards, social insurance contributions, and employment protections. If your business will hire staff in Shizuoka, you must register for social insurance and comply with labor laws.

Taxation - Companies and residents are subject to national and local taxes. Corporate tax, consumption tax, and individual income tax apply. Effective tax planning requires local expertise to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Sector-specific regulations - Food processing, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and transport have additional licensing and safety requirements that may be controlled by prefectural or municipal authorities.

Anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds checks - Authorities will scrutinize the origin of investment funds. Be prepared to provide bank records, audited statements, and transactional histories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain residency in Shizuoka simply by investing money like a golden visa?

Japan does not offer a single, automatic golden visa purely for passive investment. Residence tied to investment is typically achieved by establishing and operating a business in Japan, or by qualifying under points-based categories for highly skilled professionals. Active business operations, an established office, and documented investment or management involvement are usually required.

What is the Investor/Business Manager visa and what general requirements apply?

The Investor/Business Manager visa is intended for foreign nationals who manage or invest in a business in Japan. Authorities expect a credible business plan, an operational office in Japan, and sufficient funds or capital for the business to operate. Additional evidence such as leases, employment of local staff, and financial projections strengthen an application. Exact evidentiary expectations change over time, so consult a specialist.

Are there capital thresholds I must meet to qualify?

Immigration authorities commonly use practical capital benchmarks as part of their assessment of business viability. While specific numbers have been cited in practice, requirements are not purely formulaic and immigration officers assess the overall business plan, operational setup, and financial evidence. Confirm current guidance with an immigration specialist before relying on a particular numeric threshold.

Does Shizuoka offer special start-up or investment incentives?

Shizuoka Prefecture and its municipalities provide business support services, investment promotion, and administrative assistance to attract foreign investment. Some localities may offer temporary start-up residence support, office space assistance, or subsidies for targeted industries. Because programs vary by municipality and change over time, check with Shizuoka Prefectural Government offices and local economic promotion bodies for current offerings.

Can I buy residential or commercial property in Shizuoka as a foreigner?

Foreign nationals can generally buy property in Japan, including Shizuoka, subject to the same regulations as residents. Restrictions apply to certain classes of land, particularly agricultural land. Purchases should be preceded by title searches, confirmation of zoning and permitted use, and review of local rules that may affect development or commercial operations.

Do I need to hire Japanese staff to satisfy immigration or business requirements?

Hiring local staff is not always a strict legal requirement, but demonstrating that a business will create local employment can strengthen an immigration application. For some company structures and in practical assessments, having employees and an operational office suggests genuine business activity rather than passive investment.

How long does it take to get a visa based on business investment?

Processing times vary depending on the type of visa, completeness of documentation, and the specific immigration office. The national processing timeline for status of residence certificates and visa applications can range from several weeks to a few months. Delays are common when evidence is incomplete or when authorities request clarifying information.

What taxes and reporting obligations should I expect for a business in Shizuoka?

If you establish a company in Japan you will face national corporate tax, local inhabitant taxes, consumption tax, payroll taxes, and social insurance obligations for employees. Companies must file regular tax returns and quarterly or annual reports. Cross-border tax implications may arise for foreign owners and should be addressed with a tax advisor experienced in Japan-Jurisdiction matters.

Can a registered administrative scrivener handle my visa application, or do I need a lawyer?

Registered administrative scriveners - gyoseishoshi - commonly prepare immigration paperwork and interact with immigration offices. For straightforward filings they often provide competent assistance. If your case involves legal disputes, appeals, complex corporate structuring, or potential litigation, a licensed lawyer - bengoshi - with immigration and corporate experience is recommended. Many clients use both professionals together.

What are the main risks or reasons for visa denial and how can they be avoided?

Common causes of denial include weak or implausible business plans, insufficient evidence of funds or office operations, lack of appropriate corporate setup, failure to comply with local laws, and incomplete documentation. Avoidance requires careful preparation: a realistic business plan, verifiable funding sources, proper corporate registration, compliance with tax and labor law, and professional review by immigration and corporate specialists.

Additional Resources

Consider consulting or contacting the following types of organizations and bodies for authoritative information and practical assistance:

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan - the national agency responsible for residence status, visa classifications, and application procedures.

The Ministry of Justice - for legal frameworks affecting immigration and naturalization.

Shizuoka Prefectural Government - for local investment promotion, business support services, and information about municipal programs in Shizuoka.

Shizuoka city and other municipal offices - for local zoning, building permits, and municipal support schemes.

Registered administrative scriveners - gyoseishoshi - for preparation of administrative filings and immigration paperwork.

Licensed Japanese lawyers - bengoshi - with experience in immigration, corporate, tax, and real estate law.

Local chambers of commerce and industry associations in Shizuoka - for networking, market intelligence, and local business integration.

Certified public tax accountants - zeirishi - for corporate and personal tax planning and filings.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals - Decide whether your priority is long-term residency, business operations, asset investment, or obtaining a pathway to permanent residence.

2. Gather preliminary documents - Prepare identification, financial statements, proposed business plan, proof of funds, and any existing contracts or letters of intent related to property or partnerships in Japan.

3. Seek an initial legal consultation - Engage an immigration specialist or a lawyer with business immigration experience. Ask for a written assessment that outlines likely visa pathways, estimated costs, and timelines.

4. Conduct due diligence - Before investing in property or committing significant capital, have a lawyer review contracts, confirm zoning and title status, and perform necessary background checks.

5. Prepare your corporate and immigration filings - Work with your chosen professionals to register the company, obtain an office address, prepare employment arrangements if needed, and compile robust immigration documentation including a persuasive business plan.

6. Plan for taxes and compliance - Consult a tax professional to understand corporate and personal tax obligations, timing of filings, and social insurance registration for employees.

7. Stay informed and maintain records - Keep careful records of investments, business activity, and correspondence with authorities. Maintain compliance with reporting obligations to improve long-term visa prospects.

If you need immediate help, arrange a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer or registered administrative scrivener who has documented experience with business-based residence cases in Japan and familiarity with Shizuoka local procedures.