NEWS

Hello, everyone!

Did you know that the number of foreign business owners in Japan has been increasing recently?

If you are interested but don't really understand the situation, please read on!


The current situation of foreign business owners: Increasing trend in recent years
Next, we will explain the current situation of foreign business owners in Japan. First, as a general trend, the number of foreigners becoming business owners in Japan has been increasing until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The number of foreigners who newly obtained a management visa to work as business owners in Japan increased from 632 in 2013 to over three times that number, reaching 2,237 in 2019. While this number is small compared to the number of international students, the upward trend is expected to continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Over 80% are from Asia
Looking at the origins of foreign business managers, data shows that over 80% are from Asia. Among them, Chinese nationals are particularly numerous, with approximately 13,000 Chinese nationals holding business management visas in 2019. Next are South Korea and Nepal, followed by a small number of business managers from regions outside Asia, such as the United States and France. Compared to those from Asia, business managers from Europe and North America tend to be dispatched to Japanese companies as part of their management teams.

They can receive loans on the same terms as Japanese nationals
The third point is that foreign business managers can also obtain loans on the same terms as Japanese nationals. Many foreign business managers starting a business in Japan may require financial support in the form of loans. Financial institutions such as the Japan Finance Corporation provide loans to such individuals on the same terms as Japanese nationals. However, in general, financial institutions limit loans to those who fall under categories such as permanent residents or long-term residents, making it difficult for foreigners to obtain loans. Additionally, it is important to note that loans must generally be repaid in full during the period of residence.

Conditions for working as a foreign business operator: Must meet the residency qualifications specified by the Ministry of Justice
How can foreigners work as business operators? Here, we will explain the main conditions for working as a foreign business operator. First, foreign business operators must meet the residency qualification standards set by the Japanese Ministry of Justice. For example, one of the conditions is that they must secure a place of business based on the definition listed in the second item of the General Principles of the Japan Standard Industrial Classification by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Additionally, they must demonstrate the continuity of their business activities. Furthermore, they must properly comply with tax-related laws and labor-related laws.


How was that?  

We hope this information is helpful for those aiming to become foreign business operators.  

Please take the initiative and become a pioneer in the field of foreign business operators!

instagram

realestatejapan