5 Crucial Tips for Foreign Residents Abroad in Selecting a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) for “Business Manager” Visa in Japan

2025年10月21日

For foreigners who aim to start a business or manage a company in Japan from overseas, obtaining the “Business Manager” Status of Residence (Visa) is the first and most crucial step. The application for this visa requires advanced expertise and meticulous document preparation regarding the company’s business plan and financial foundation. Consequently, many applicants hire a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) for application agency services.

However, choosing the wrong administrative scrivener can lead to visa rejection or negatively impact subsequent business operations. Here are specific points that foreign residents living abroad should be particularly mindful of when selecting an administrative scrivener for their application.

1. Prioritize Overwhelming Expertise and Track Record in “Business Manager” Visas

The scope of work handled by an administrative scrivener is broad, but the “Business Manager” visa is considered one of the most difficult visa applications.

Confirm more than just general visa expertise: Some firms specialize in foreign visa applications but have limited experience with “Business Manager” visa applications. Use free consultations to specifically ask about the number of past “Business Manager” visa applications, success stories by industry, and their experience with highly complex cases.
Check for knowledge of business and finance: The visa screening heavily scrutinizes the feasibility and continuity of the business plan, as well as financial stability. It’s important to check if the scrivener is proficient not only in Immigration Law but also in Japanese Company Law, taxation, and general business knowledge (e.g., holding related qualifications like Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, or collaborating with Judicial Scriveners and Tax Accountants).

2. Understanding of Unique Circumstances of Foreign Entrepreneurs and Multilingual Support

Applicants residing overseas are often unfamiliar with the situation in Japan and require special support from the initial stages of application preparation.

Communication and Language: If you are not confident in Japanese, it is essential to choose an administrative scrivener who can communicate in English or another native language. Misunderstandings due to specialized terminology or nuanced differences can lead to document deficiencies or application delays. Ensure that smooth communication is possible.
Support for Foreign Funding and Remittance: When proving the source of capital of $30 million yen or more, it is crucial that the scrivener is familiar with documentation and procedures related to remittances from overseas. Choose a scrivener who can provide accurate advice to clearly substantiate the flow of funds.

3. Thoroughly Compare Fee Transparency and Scope of Services

Administrative scrivener fees are deregulated, so they can vary significantly between offices. It is risky to decide solely based on a low price.

Clear Fee Presentation and Breakdown: Check if the fees are clearly presented on the website and if the conditions for additional charges (e.g., re-application fees in case of rejection, costs for business plan preparation) are clarified in advance.
Check for reasonable pricing: If the fee is drastically lower than the market rate (generally $200,000$ to $300,000$ yen is a guideline), there is a risk that the quality of service will decrease due to insufficient time allocated to each case.
Response in case of rejection: Before signing a contract, you must confirm the details of re-application support and additional costs in the event of a rejection, and ensure it is documented in writing.

4. Scope of Support and Collaboration with Other Professionals

Obtaining the “Business Manager” visa involves many associated tasks, such as company registration, securing a business office, and tax/accounting processes.

Provision of One-Stop Service: Verify if the scrivener has a system in place to collaborate with Judicial Scriveners for company incorporation and Tax Accountants for post-establishment tax and accounting, allowing them to support the applicant throughout the entire process of starting a business in Japan. For overseas residents, a system that allows them to delegate complex procedures is a significant advantage.
Advice on Securing a Business Office: The “business office” required for the visa must be an independent, dedicated business space. Virtual offices or home-based offices are strictly scrutinized. Confirm that you can receive accurate advice on the conditions for a suitable office and precautions for leasing agreements.

5. Careful Interviews and Commitment to Building Credibility

In the immigration review, “credibility” and “consistency” across the entire application, with no contradictions in the submitted documents, are highly prioritized.

Thorough Interviewing: Confirm if the administrative scrivener spends time carefully interviewing you about your management experience, business background, source of capital, and concrete future business plan (expected sales, employee plan, etc.), and if they effectively translate this into the business plan document.
Pre-Assessment of Risks: It is crucial that the scrivener identifies potential issues in advance regarding the applicant’s past status of residence history (e.g., violation of permitted activities while on a Student visa) or concerns in the plan (e.g., single-person restaurant management, past negative equity), and is committed to collaboratively preparing reasonable explanations and supporting documents for these points.

Conclusion

Obtaining the “Business Manager” visa is the foundation for your success in Japan. Don’t focus only on the immediate cost. Choose an administrative scrivener who has deep expertise in the “Business Manager” visa, experience dealing with overseas applicants, and a sincere interviewing approach—someone who can be a trusted partner to maximize the credibility of your business.