How to Obtain a Residence Status in Japan

While our usual reports focus on real estate investment in Japan (especially short-term rentals), this article is intended for foreign nationals who wish to reside in Japan in the future and establish a stable living foundation.

Japan’s residence status system may appear complex, but multiple options are available depending on individual backgrounds and circumstances. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of practical residence statuses with relatively low hurdles.

Overview of Japan’s Residence Status System

There are a total of 29 types of residence statuses in Japan, broadly classified into two categories. When considering eventual permanent residency, the choice of the initial status is a critical strategic decision.

Comparison of Major Residence Statuses for Prospective Immigrants

The following table summarizes the difficulty levels and characteristics of major residence statuses related to long-term stay or immigration in Japan.

Details of Practical Residence Statuses with Low Hurdles

When considering immigration to Japan, this section focuses on residence statuses with relatively low barriers in terms of initial costs and procedures.

1. Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa

This is the most recommended residence status for those legally married to a Japanese national.

Key Features and Requirements

There are no activity restrictions, allowing unrestricted employment or entrepreneurship within Japan. Additionally, the period until permanent residency is significantly shortened; permanent residency applications are possible after 3 years of marriage and at least 1 year of residence in Japan.

Advantages for Immigration

This status offers the highest degree of freedom without employment restrictions. It is a powerful option for those seeking to establish a stable living foundation as quickly as possible, with the shortest path to permanent residency.

2. Future Creation Talent Visa (J-Find)

Established in April 2023, this residence status targets outstanding graduates from overseas universities.

Key Features and Requirements

Applicants must have graduated within the past 5 years from a university ranked within the top 100 in at least two of the three designated global university rankings. An initial deposit or savings of 200,000 yen or more is required to cover living expenses at the time of application; however, no large capital investment is necessary.

Advantages for Immigration

Applicants may stay in Japan for up to 2 years to conduct job hunting or prepare for entrepreneurship. This period allows acclimatization to the Japanese environment and preparation for employment or business startup aligned with their career plans.

3. Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Program)

This residence status allows entrepreneurs to engage in preparatory activities before formally establishing a company.

Key Features and Requirements

The visa is granted under the support and supervision of a local government certified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Osaka City). Applicants must submit and obtain approval for a concrete startup preparation plan. However, securing office space or making a large capital investment at the time of application is not mandatory.

Advantages for Immigration

Applicants may stay for up to 2 years, during which they can develop business plans and prepare their living foundation. This approach is a safe and gradual way to build a business and life in Japan, even with limited initial funds.

4. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

This system favors individuals who meet certain criteria based on a point calculation of academic background, work experience, income, and other factors.

Key Features and Requirements

Applicants scoring 70 points or more on the points system are recognized as highly skilled professionals. Points are awarded for high academic qualifications, high income, and specialized work experience. The greatest benefit is the relaxation of permanent residency requirements: applicants with 70 points can apply after 3 years, and those with 80 points or more after just 1 year.

Advantages for Immigration

This visa suits those who have already established a specialized career and can easily meet the points threshold. It is ideal for individuals aiming to obtain permanent residency quickly and stabilize their long-term career and life in Japan.

Tightening of Business Manager Visa Requirements and Countermeasures

The Business Manager visa, traditionally the standard route for residing in Japan while operating a business, has undergone significant tightening of requirements due to legal amendments effective October 2025.

Key Changes

Previously, the visa could be obtained with a capital investment of 5 million yen or more; now, an investment of 30 million yen or more is mandatory. Additionally, the employment of at least one full-time staff member (Japanese national or permanent resident) is required. The business manager must have at least 3 years of management experience and Japanese language proficiency equivalent to N2 level or higher (or employ staff meeting this requirement).

Impact on Prospective Immigrants and Strategies

Obtaining a Business Manager visa based on a small-scale business as a foothold for immigration has become extremely difficult. Therefore, a realistic approach is to first utilize the Startup Visa or J-Find visa to establish a living and business foundation in Japan, then gradually expand the business.

Recommended Roadmap for Immigration to Japan

Below is a suggested path from obtaining a residence status to acquiring permanent residency, tailored to individual circumstances.

Scenario A: Aiming to Start a Business with Low Initial Costs

Enter Japan with a Startup Visa, establish a business plan and living foundation within up to 2 years. Subsequently, raise capital and transition to a Business Manager visa, operating the business full-scale while aiming for permanent residency.

Scenario B: Leveraging Outstanding Academic Background

Enter Japan with a J-Find visa, proceed with job hunting or entrepreneurship preparation. After understanding the Japanese environment, transition to an employment visa or Business Manager visa to establish a long-term residence foundation.

Scenario C: Possessing a Specialized Career

Calculate points for the Highly Skilled Professional visa and enter Japan with a score of 70 points or more. Aim to obtain permanent residency within 1 to 3 years, enabling early stable immigration.

Scenario D: Having a Japanese Spouse

Enter Japan with a Spouse visa, freely engage in employment or entrepreneurship without activity restrictions. Apply for permanent residency after 3 years of marriage, establishing a stable residence foundation in as little as 4 years.

Conclusion

To successfully immigrate to Japan in the future, it is essential to strategically select the residence status best suited to one’s circumstances. Given the increased hurdles for the Business Manager visa, utilizing flexible systems such as the Startup Visa and J-Find visa to gradually build a living foundation is a practical choice for many foreigners. Selecting the optimal visa according to one’s background and goals and aiming for permanent residency is advisable.

While we do not provide direct support, we can introduce specialized legal professionals—please feel free to consult us.