Oak Admin Guides
Immigration is where many Japan market entry plans become real, or fall apart.
Visas are not issued in isolation. Japanese immigration authorities do not evaluate applicants solely as individuals; they assess the business context in which those individuals will operate. Visa outcomes are deeply influenced by incorporation choices, office arrangements, banking status, capitalization, and hiring plans.
How Immigration Authorities Evaluate Business Visas
Japanese immigration authorities focus less on nationality and more on credibility and necessity. When reviewing a business-related visa application, they typically ask three fundamental questions:
- Is the business real and viable?
- Is the role clearly defined and necessary?
- Does the company have the resources to support the individual long-term?
These questions are answered through structure and evidence, not marketing language.
Founder and Executive Visas: More Than Just Incorporation
Founder and executive visas are often assumed to be automatic once a company is registered. In practice, they are among the most scrutinized applications.
Immigration authorities will typically examine:
- The company's business activities
- Capitalization and funding
- Office arrangements
- The founder's role and responsibilities
- Expected revenue and growth trajectory
- Whether the business requires the founder to be physically present in Japan
A common misunderstanding is that "being the owner" is sufficient justification. Ownership alone does not establish necessity. The role must be operationally meaningful and tied to activities that genuinely need to be performed in Japan.
The Importance of Role Definition
Clear role definition is central to visa success. Immigration authorities expect to see:
- Specific responsibilities
- Decision-making authority
- A logical connection between the applicant's background and the role
- A reason the role cannot be performed remotely
Vague titles or generic descriptions often trigger additional scrutiny.
Business Performance and Visa Renewals
Initial visa approval is only part of the picture. Renewals often involve a review of:
- Actual business activity
- Financial performance
- Tax compliance
- Continued need for the role
Underperformance does not automatically lead to non-renewal, but a persistent mismatch between projections and reality can raise concerns.
Hiring Foreign Employees in Japan
For foreign employees hired locally, visa eligibility depends on:
- The nature of the job
- The employee's education and experience
- Salary levels
- The company's ability to support the employee
Roles must align with recognized professional categories. Immigration authorities assess whether the job genuinely requires foreign expertise.
Salary and Employment Conditions Matter
Immigration authorities consider whether compensation is:
- Reasonable for the role
- Consistent with industry norms
- Sufficient to support life in Japan
Underpaying employees, even unintentionally, can undermine visa applications.
Immigration as an Ongoing Obligation
Visa compliance does not end with approval. Changes in role, employer, or business structure may require notification or new applications. Common triggers include:
- Significant changes in job duties
- Company restructuring
- Changes in compensation
- Office relocation
Why Immigration Exposes Weaknesses in Business Setup
Immigration processes force companies to articulate their business clearly and consistently. Gaps that might be overlooked elsewhere, vague roles, weak capitalization, unclear office arrangements, are often surfaced during visa review.
This is why immigration is often described as a "stress test" for Japan market entry plans.