— Essential Preparations for a Successful Transition to a Business Manager Visa —
Introduction: Oversights in Early Stages May Lead to Visa Denial
Some foreign nationals who arrive in Japan with a Startup Visa believe, “Now that I have the visa, I just need to start my company.” However, in reality, immigration authorities scrutinize the feasibility of your business plan, actual activities in Japan, and consistency across all documents. Each step requires accurate understanding and proper action.
1. Securing Housing and Resident Registration
Purpose: To prove actual residence, which is required for immigration and various contracts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Target | Preferably apartments via real estate agents (Airbnb not acceptable) |
| Required Documents | Passport, residence card, personal seal, guarantor or guarantee company |
| Registration Office | City/Municipal Office (for obtaining resident certificate) |
| Note | Some landlords may refuse foreign tenants; support from an administrative scrivener is helpful |
Benefits of Obtaining a My Number Card:
- Accepted as an official ID for banks, insurance, and tax matters
- Enables access to e-Tax and online government services
- Can be linked with health insurance card; allows document retrieval from convenience stores
2. Setting Up a Mobile Phone and Internet Connection
Purpose: Ensuring reliable contact information, which is also essential for bank and business account setup
- A Japanese phone number (080/090) is required; 050 numbers are often not accepted
- Affordable foreigner-friendly plans available from Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, etc.
- Resident certificate and residence card required at signup
3. Opening a Personal Bank Account
Purpose: A mandatory step for capital deposit and company registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Banks | Japan Post Bank, Rakuten Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank are relatively flexible |
| Required Documents | Resident certificate, residence card, valid ID, Japanese language availability |
| Note | Some regions may reject foreigners or short-term residents |
4. Depositing Capital
Purpose: To demonstrate actual investment when establishing the company
- Deposit the capital into your personal bank account with clear labeling and retain bankbook copies
- For multiple investors, each person must document their deposit history
- Ensure deposit date and company registration date align to avoid issues
5. Company Registration
Purpose: Establishing the company as a legal entity for business operations
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Godo Kaisha (low cost, flexible) or Kabushiki Kaisha (high trust, investment-oriented) |
| Articles of Incorporation | Must state business purpose, capital, head office, etc. |
| Registration Office | Legal Affairs Bureau (online filing available) |
| Note | Ensure timeline matches visa change schedule |
6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account (Critical for Visa Review)
Purpose: To manage income and expenses under the corporation and show business reality
- Prepare company register, seal certificate, company profile, etc.
- Net banks and credit unions are more realistic than major banks
- Examine if the source of capital and corporate representative match
7. Application for Change to Business Manager Visa
Purpose: To transition to a long-term visa for conducting business in Japan
| Review Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Business Activity | What preparation and marketing have been done after company setup |
| Funding Plan | Operating funds and expected business revenue |
| Office | Physical location and proof of use (lease, photos, etc.) |
| Document Consistency | Ensure business plans, contracts, receipts align with no contradictions |
(Supplement) Key Review Points for Business Manager Visa
- Whether the business is actually operating
- Credibility of capital usage, cash flow, and activity plan
- Existence and actual usage of office space (photos, etc.)
- Consistency in documents (contracts, invoices, income reports, etc.)
Summary: The First Month Determines Success or Failure
Resident registration and My Number acquisition are essential foundations for company setup and visa renewal.
Failure to complete these steps can result in denial of your Business Manager Visa and hinder future activities in Japan.
Our office provides full support from housing search and resident registration, to incorporation and visa application. Please feel free to contact us.
📩 Contact & Consultation
Our services are by appointment only. Don’t hesitate to reach out first.
（参考：総務省「外国人住民に係る住民基本台帳制度」／デジタル庁「マイナンバーカード総合サイト」）— Essential Preparations for a Successful Transition to a Business Manager Visa —
Introduction: Oversights in Early Stages May Lead to Visa Denial
Some foreign nationals who arrive in Japan with a Startup Visa believe, “Now that I have the visa, I just need to start my company.” However, in reality, immigration authorities scrutinize the feasibility of your business plan, actual activities in Japan, and consistency across all documents. Each step requires accurate understanding and proper action.
1. Securing Housing and Resident Registration
Purpose: To prove actual residence, which is required for immigration and various contracts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Target | Preferably apartments via real estate agents (Airbnb not acceptable) |
| Required Documents | Passport, residence card, personal seal, guarantor or guarantee company |
| Registration Office | City/Municipal Office (for obtaining resident certificate) |
| Note | Some landlords may refuse foreign tenants; support from an administrative scrivener is helpful |
Benefits of Obtaining a My Number Card:
- Accepted as an official ID for banks, insurance, and tax matters
- Enables access to e-Tax and online government services
- Can be linked with health insurance card; allows document retrieval from convenience stores
2. Setting Up a Mobile Phone and Internet Connection
Purpose: Ensuring reliable contact information, which is also essential for bank and business account setup
- A Japanese phone number (080/090) is required; 050 numbers are often not accepted
- Affordable foreigner-friendly plans available from Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, etc.
- Resident certificate and residence card required at signup
3. Opening a Personal Bank Account
Purpose: A mandatory step for capital deposit and company registration
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Banks | Japan Post Bank, Rakuten Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank are relatively flexible |
| Required Documents | Resident certificate, residence card, valid ID, Japanese language availability |
| Note | Some regions may reject foreigners or short-term residents |
4. Depositing Capital
Purpose: To demonstrate actual investment when establishing the company
- Deposit the capital into your personal bank account with clear labeling and retain bankbook copies
- For multiple investors, each person must document their deposit history
- Ensure deposit date and company registration date align to avoid issues
5. Company Registration
Purpose: Establishing the company as a legal entity for business operations
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Godo Kaisha (low cost, flexible) or Kabushiki Kaisha (high trust, investment-oriented) |
| Articles of Incorporation | Must state business purpose, capital, head office, etc. |
| Registration Office | Legal Affairs Bureau (online filing available) |
| Note | Ensure timeline matches visa change schedule |
6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account (Critical for Visa Review)
Purpose: To manage income and expenses under the corporation and show business reality
- Prepare company register, seal certificate, company profile, etc.
- Net banks and credit unions are more realistic than major banks
- Examine if the source of capital and corporate representative match
7. Application for Change to Business Manager Visa
Purpose: To transition to a long-term visa for conducting business in Japan
| Review Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Business Activity | What preparation and marketing have been done after company setup |
| Funding Plan | Operating funds and expected business revenue |
| Office | Physical location and proof of use (lease, photos, etc.) |
| Document Consistency | Ensure business plans, contracts, receipts align with no contradictions |
(Supplement) Key Review Points for Business Manager Visa
- Whether the business is actually operating
- Credibility of capital usage, cash flow, and activity plan
- Existence and actual usage of office space (photos, etc.)
- Consistency in documents (contracts, invoices, income reports, etc.)
Summary: The First Month Determines Success or Failure
Resident registration and My Number acquisition are essential foundations for company setup and visa renewal.
Failure to complete these steps can result in denial of your Business Manager Visa and hinder future activities in Japan.
Our office provides full support from housing search and resident registration, to incorporation and visa application. Please feel free to contact us.
📩 Contact & Consultation
Our services are by appointment only. Don’t hesitate to reach out first.
（参考：総務省「外国人住民に係る住民基本台帳制度」／デジタル庁「マイナンバーカード総合サイト」）
