How to set up a branch in Japan and obtain a business manager visa

For those considering setting up a branch in Japan and obtaining a business manager visa

This article contains useful information for people like you.

What you can learn about the Business Management Visa in this article

In this article you’ll find out:

Overview of Japan branch

There are three patterns for foreigners to enter Japan: a Japanese corporation (subsidiary), a Japanese branch (branch office, sales office), and a representative office. In this article, we will focus on the second pattern, a Japanese branch office, and explain its relationship with the business manager visa.

（1）Legal status of Japanese branches

A distinctive feature of a Japanese branch is that it is legally treated as part of the legal personality of a foreign company. The legal status of a Japanese branch is that it is a base in Japan where a foreign company’s business is carried out. Therefore, a Japanese branch is not usually expected to make decisions independently.
However, it is possible for a Japanese branch to open a bank account or rent real estate, etc., in the name of the Japanese branch, independent of the home company.

（2）Installation method and benefits

To start business activities as a Japanese branch, you must secure a branch address in Japan, designate a representative for the branch in Japan, and register the necessary information. By registering the Japanese branch, you will be able to secure a base for business activities in Japan. The establishment of a Japanese branch will be described later.

Visa required for setting up a branch in Japan

When establishing a branch office in Japan, foreigners may serve as directors or representatives, or foreigners may be employed as employees. In such cases, it is necessary to apply for the appropriate visa (status of residence) for these people. In this regard, the type of visa to apply for will be determined based on the position and work content of the person.

Not everyone who works for a parent company can obtain a work visa in Japan. When a foreigner working for a parent company in their home country is dispatched to Japan, an “intra-company transferee visa” is obtained. In some cases, the representative may obtain a business manager visa. And when hiring a foreigner who is currently living in Japan, a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa is often obtained.

Flow of establishing a Japanese branch

（1）Overall flow

Next, we will understand the general flow of setting up a Japanese branch, and in the next chapter we will explain what you should be aware of in relation to the business manager visa.

The process of setting up a Japanese branch will proceed as follows. We also take into consideration obtaining a business manager visa.

（2）Timing of applying for a business manager visa

If you are trying to obtain a business manager visa in addition to setting up a Japanese branch, you may be confused about what to do and in what order. As mentioned above,You can apply for a business manager visa after establishing a Japanese branch.

Sales office

As shown in the overall diagram in 5 (1) above, when establishing a branch office in Japan, it is possible to establish a sales office. What does this mean for applying for a business manager visa?

（1）What is a sales office?

To begin with, what is a “sales office”? It is a spot that is the base of business activities in Japan. It is a place where planned operations are carried out. Examples include advertising, providing services, and selling goods.

Specifically, you find a property that can be used as an office and rent it. The important thing to remember at this time is to check with the owner whether you can use the property for business purposes. Using a property designated for residential use as a business location without permission can lead to trouble.

（2）If you want to obtain a business manager visa

Need to secure an office?

It is not necessarily a must to set up a sales office in order to set up a branch office in Japan. However, if you are considering obtaining a business manager visa for your representative, securing an office is an absolute requirement.

Points to note

That being said, not just any office will do.If you do not choose the office appropriately, your business management visa may be denied.So, here are some points to keep in mind:

Use your home as an office	△
The landlord has not agreed to use the space for business purposes	×
Space not adequate for business purpos	×
virtual office	×
There are no desks or equipment necessary for the business	×

Summary of how to set up a branch in Japan and obtain a business manager visa

Here’s a summary of the essence of this article.