Program to increase foreign entrepreneurs

Service Description

Smoother business startups in Tokyo by foreign nationals through deregulation

Foreign nationals wishing to start up business in Japan need to obtain a "Business Manager" status of residence. To receive this status of residence, in addition to opening an office, the applicant must employ at least two people full-time, or invest at least 5 million yen in Japan. This makes it extremely difficult for foreign entreprnurs to start a business on their own without a domestic partner.

Under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Special Zone system, a special six-month "Business Manager" status of residence can be granted if the Tokyo Metropolitan Government approves the business plan and other details before the Immigration Bureau examines applicants upon entry.

Foreign nationals who plan to establish a business can take advantage of this six-month period to conduct preparatory activities for starting a business after entering Japan.

How to use and proceed with the system

The following requirements must be met when applying for the "Business Manager" status of residence.

Acquisition requirements

(1) Opening an office
(2) Hiring two or more full-time employees, or having capital/investments of at least five million yen in Japan

Requirements for obtaining the Business Manager status of residence Under standard procedures foreign nationals need to fulfill certain conditions before entering Japan.
Normally, foreigners need to do preparatory work, such as securing a business partner and signing a lease for office space. It is extremely difficult to start a business on their own.

通常の流れ

Under this program, however, applicants can conduct business startup activities for six months after entering Japan.
Since applicants only need to fulfill requirements for the one-year extension of the "Business Manager" status of residence within six months, they can smoothly conduct preparatory activities.

Flowchart of application for the program to increase foreign entrepreneurs ≪Acquisition of 'Business Manager' status of residence≫
留学から変更の場合

Flowchart of application for the program to increase foreign entrepreneurs ≪Acquisition of "Business Manager" status of residence≫

STEP1

Apply at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the Confirmation of Business Startup Activities.

Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk,
seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters

About one month. Interviews and examination of the business plan by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

STEP2

Receive the Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

Method for issuing the certificate:

Either by mail or in person.

Apply once you are ready to apply for Certificate of Eligibility for status of residence. (Apply within the three months during which the Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities is effective.)

STEP3

Apply for the issuance of Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence.

Where to apply:

"Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center," (TOSBEC) Immigration Booth, seventh floor of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Headquarters.

Note: An application can also be submitted to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

STEP4

A Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence is issued from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive a Certificate of Eligibility:

Receive by mail (simple registered mail).
Note: Certificates of Eligibility shall not be mailed outside Japan.

Present the Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence to the Japanese diplomatic mission in the applicant's home country and receive a visa before coming to Japan.

STEP5

Arrive in Japan and receive landing permission for "Business Manager" status of residence (six months).

Receive a "Business Manager" (six months) resident card upon entering Japan.

Interview

Interview

Interview

[Things to be completed within the six-month period of startup activities]
・Secure a business location.
・Register a company incorporation.
・Hire employees.
・Find business partners, etc.

Note: At least once every two months, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will interview with the applicant to discuss the progress of the applicant's startup activity plan. The Interview will be conducted either online or in person.

STEP6

Apply for extension of period of stay.

Where to apply:

"B application (Residence Inspection)" counter, second floor of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

One to two months

STEP7

Receive permission for an extension of the period of stay for the "Business Manager" status of residence.

Note: Permission may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive a Certificate of Eligibility:

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residency card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Flowchart of application for the program to increase foreign entrepreneurs ≪Change from "Student" to "Business Manager" status of residence ≫

STEP1

Apply to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the Confirmation of Business Startup Activities.

Where to submit:

"Business Development Center TOKYO," Akasaka Desk,
seventh floor, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters

About one month. Interviews and review of the business plan by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

STEP2

Receive the Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Note: The certificate may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

Method for issuing the certificate:

Either by mail or in person.

Apply once you are ready to apply for residence status. (Apply within the three months during which the Certificate of Confirmation of Business Startup Activities is effective.)

STEP3

Apply for change of status of residence to "Business Manager" (six months).

Where to apply:

Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, second floor, "W1/W2 (Business and Employment Inspection Department)"
Note: After your application documents are checked at C5, submit them to "B application (Residence Inspection) counter."

STEP4

Receive "Business Manager" status of residence from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Note: "Business Manager" status of residence may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive "Business Manager" status of residence.

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residency card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Interview

Interview

Interview

[Things to be completed within the six-month period of startup activities]
・Secure a business location.
・Register a company incorporation.
・Hire employees.
・Find business partners, etc.

Note: At least once every two months, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will interview with the applicant to discuss the progress of the applicant's startup activity plan. The Interview will be conducted either online or in person.

STEP5

Apply for extension of period of stay.

Where to apply:

"B application (Residence Inspection)" counter, second floor of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

One to two months

STEP6

Receive permission for extension of period of stay for "Business Manager" status of residence.

Note: Permission for extension of period of stay for "Business Manager" status of residence may not be issued as a result of examining the application.

How to receive "Business Manager" " status of residence.

After receiving a notice by mail, receive a residency card at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Q&A

References

Inquiries

Business Development Center TOKYO(Akasaka)

Hours
9:30-17:30(Japan time / Except Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and New Year's holidays.)
TEL
81-(0)3-3582-8353
FAX
81-(0)3-5561-4123
Email
support2@bdc-tokyo.org
Address
JETRO headquarters 7F
ARK Mori Building, 12-32 Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6006
Roppongi-1chome stationbr
N-05 Namboku line:Exit 3, 1 minute walk
赤坂相談窓口