Tips for Moving to Japan Spread in China
Exploiting Loopholes in Japan's Business Management Visa
Paper Companies and Guesthouses Used to Obtain Visas
Japanese Netizens Support Sharp Increase in Capital Requirement
On Chinese social networking services (SNS) such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu, numerous posts can be found with titles like "You can move to Japan for 5 million yen," "Company establishment agency services," and "Long-term stay manual for Japan." These are so-called tips for immigrating to Japan. There is even a saying that "living in Japan for 50 million won is cheap."
The main method shared in China is as follows: establishing a paper company (a shell company with no real business operations). This involves setting up a company on paper without actually conducting any business, solely to obtain a visa. Another method is to disguise simple lodging businesses using apartments or houses as "start-ups" and apply for a visa that way.
This is due to the requirements for Japan's "Business Management Visa," which grants foreign entrepreneurs the right to stay for up to five years. Currently, this visa is issued to foreign entrepreneurs who secure a place of business and meet at least one of the following requirements: capital of at least 5 million yen (approximately 47 million won) or at least two full-time employees. This status allows a stay from three months up to a maximum of five years, and renewal and accompanying family members are also permitted.
Although the system was designed for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to start or invest in businesses in Japan, cases of abuse for immigration purposes have surged. Last year, there were about 41,000 residents in Japan on this visa, an increase of approximately 50% compared to five years ago. In particular, there has been a large influx of Chinese nationals, with 21,740 Chinese residents accounting for more than half of the total and more than double the number from ten years ago. Japanese media have analyzed that many of them established lodging operation corporations or paper companies with no real business, with the goal of settling in Japan.
The Japanese government and National Diet have sought to strengthen the eligibility requirements. Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 26th that the Immigration Services Agency has announced a revised set of rules that will take effect from mid-October.
Once the revision is implemented, applicants must secure capital of at least 30 million yen (approximately 280 million won) and simultaneously meet the condition of employing at least one full-time employee. It will also become mandatory to have a certified public accountant or similar professional verify new business plans. To avoid discouraging the recruitment of top talent, exceptions will be made. Holders of startup visas certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or "future creative talent" from world-renowned universities will be allowed to switch to the "Business Management" status under the existing requirements.
Among Japanese netizens, there is support for the stricter requirements, with some saying, "We must prevent Chinese nationals from acquiring real estate," and "The capital requirement should be raised even further." On the other hand, some argue, "A capital requirement of 30 million yen is too high," and "It could make it difficult for small businesses to get started."
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