Japan is a country that has traditionally maintained a restrictive immigration policy. However, with an aging population and growing labor shortages, the country has begun to loosen its grip and embrace foreign talent. The introduction of the "Specified Skilled Worker" visa in 2019 has marked a new chapter in Japan's immigration history.
As the demand for foreign workers in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries continues to grow, Asian migrants are presented with new opportunities. The success rate of Asian groups migrating to Japan has been impressively high, thanks in part to Japan's urgent need for skilled labor in specific industries and relatively lenient immigration policies.
The majority of Asian migrants to Japan come through the Japanese Business Manager Visa, which has been approved for thousands of applicants in recent years, including over 800 Highly Skilled Professional visas in 2023. However, getting a Japanese visa is not merely a personal affair. It is essential to demonstrate a capacity to operate or manage a business in Japan and to make fiscal sense in your application.
To obtain a Japanese Business Manager Visa, applicants must meet several specific requirements. These include providing proof of residency, submitting various application documents, fulfilling management experiences such as having at least three years of relevant business management experience, providing a viable and detailed business plan, investing a minimum of JPY 5 million, securing a physical office space for business operations, and completed company registration in Japan, among others.
While Japanese residency is relatively easy for Asians to obtain, success does not end with immigration. Industrial transformation is necessary, and adapting to the local culture and environment is critical. In many cases, applicants with previous experience in industries such as gambling, real estate speculation, and wildlife breeding in Southeast Asia must align their development with Japan's economic growth by entering the construction, manufacturing, and service sectors.
Japan's social welfare, education standards, and quality of life often attract middle-class families from Asia, hoping to provide their children with better growth opportunities and a superior educational environment. As Japan's immigration policy continues to open, more opportunities will arise for Southeast Asian groups, and it is crucial to stay updated on new developments in policies and regulations.
In conclusion, obtaining a Japanese visa through business management or opening a business is undoubtedly an achievable feat. However, acquiring the visa is only the starting point of a challenging yet exciting journey. Consultation with experts, staying updated on the latest policies and regulatory changes, and practical preparation are core elements necessary for prosperous business development in Japan.
