Kyoto Visa Application] Complete Guide for Foreigners: 7 Steps to Establish a Company in Kyoto

Why don't you realize your business dreams in Kyoto, where beautiful history and innovation coexist?

Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner requires many procedures. In particular, the requirements for the "Management/Administration" visa status are strict and are expected to be further strengthened in the future. In this column, we will discuss everything you need to know about starting a business in Kyoto,First StepsThe following is an easy-to-understand explanation from

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Step 1: Develop a business plan and understand the "high barriers

The key to success is building a solid foundation and planning forObjective reliabilityThe first step is to show the following. First, understand the "high barriers" that foreign entrepreneurs may face in the future.

1-1. 🚨 Stricter visa requirements: funding, employment, and professional barriers

Currently, the following regulations are being considered for tightening the requirements for obtaining a "business administration" visa, which will dramatically increase the hurdles to starting a business.

requirement entry	Current minimums	⚠️ Tighter regulations being considered for the future
Capital/Investment	More than 5 million yen	Raised to 30 million yen or moreMay be able to
employment (long term)	Exempt with capital of 5 million yen or more	Secure at least one full-time staff membermay become a requirement
Reliability of business plan	none in particular	Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant(lessening the significance or value of the previous word) the likes ofExpert evaluation reportwill be required to

1-2. business plan development and use of experts

• Specificity of the business plan: "What will we do and how will we make a profit?"clearly and strongly relate it to your past history.
• Utilization of SMEs: It will be essential in the future.Expert evaluation reportFrom the beginning of the planning process, in order to obtainSmall and Medium Enterprise Management Consultantand ... andparalegal qualified to prepare legal documents on administrative matters, e.g. immigrationto consult with the company to ensure the credibility of the business model.

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Step 2: The most difficult step! Secure a business location and prepare capital

This step is the first major barrier, required for both corporate registration and visa application.

2-1. difficulty in paying in capital: "Japanese bank account barrier

Before registering the corporation, the capital is paid into the personal account of the promoter,Certificate of Paid-in Capitalmust be created.

• Restrictions on opening accounts: Address in Japan orForeigners without mid- to long-term resident statusIn principle, theI cannot open a personal account at a Japanese bank.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
• 払込取扱機関の例外： 会社法上、資本金の払込先となる「払込取扱機関」には、内国銀行の海外支店（邦銀の海外支店）も含まれます。したがって、海外居住者である発起人は、邦銀の海外支店で開設した個人口座を利用して払い込みを行うことも可能It is.
• 一般的な解決策（邦銀海外支店がない場合など）： Reliable collaborator with address in Japan(e.g., founding director) and have the capital temporarily transferred to the personal account of the collaborator, which is the most common practice.
• Notes on international remittances: Since there is a risk that the amount will be reduced by the transfer fee and fall below the visa requirement amount, be sure toMore than the requirement amountand remit the money to the bank,After certification of Articles of IncorporationPlease transfer the money to

2-2. securing a place of business: a substantial requirement for visa examination

The application for a "business administration" visa requires the applicant to have aSecure an independent place of business (office)is a prerequisite.

• Virtual offices are not allowed in principle.It is.
• Independence and exclusivity: The office must be clearly separated from the living space.
• Contract Eligibility: of the lease agreement.intended useBe sure to check that the "Office" is "Office".

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Step 3: Procedure for incorporation (corporate registration)

Once the business office and capital are ready, it is time to start the company incorporation process.

1. Preparation and certification of articles of incorporation: Company rules (Articles of Incorporation) are prepared and certified at a notary public's office. Foreigners are required to have their home country-issuedcertificate of signatureis required.
2. Payment of capital: Transfer capital through a collaborator's account, etc.certificate of paymentCreate a
3. Registration of incorporation: Jurisdiction.regional legal affairs bureau(Kyoto District Legal Affairs Bureau, etc.), and the company is officially incorporated.

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Step 4: Apply for a status of residence (visa)

After establishing a company, apply for a "Management/Administration" visa at the Immigration Bureau (Kyoto Branch Office, etc.) without delay.

• Documents to be submitted: Certificate of registration, office lease agreement, and certificate of capital payment,Rigorous business planandSmall Business Assessment Letter(scheduled), etc., a large amount of documentation is required.
• Utilization of experts: If your visa is denied, you cannot engage in management activities.To avoid the risk of To avoid the risk of non-permission,Administrative scrivener specializing in foreignersWe strongly recommend that you ask the

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Step 5: Various notifications after establishment

After obtaining a visa and commencing management activities, the following mandatory notifications are to be made immediately.

• Tax office/prefectural tax office: Incorporation forms, etc.
• Pension Office: Procedures for enrollment in social insurance (health insurance and employee pension).
• Labor Standards Inspection Offices and Hello Work: Labor insurance (unemployment insurance and workers' accident compensation insurance) procedures (when hiring full-time staff).

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summary

How did you start your business in Kyoto?You may face the high barriers of "30 million yen in capital + 1 full-time staff + expert evaluation." Because of this difficult situation, early planning and strategic collaboration with expertsis the key to success. We invite you to thoroughly enhance the feasibility of your business plan and make your business dreams come true in this special place called Kyoto.