In theory, it is possible to obtain a Business Manager Visa as a sole proprietorship, and there have been cases in the past, but we do not recommend it.
However, we do not recommend it because the hurdles are much higher and there are few advantages for you. First of all, the advantage of starting a business as a sole proprietorship is that you can reduce the time and cost of setting up a company, and it is easy to start a business just by submitting a business registration form to the tax office.
However, this simplicity often has a negative impact on the visa application process.
In other words, the Immigration Bureau is always wary of foreigners who think that they can obtain a Business Manager Visa as long as they have the capital to do so.
Therefore, the Immigration Bureau is always on the lookout for foreigners who think they can obtain a visa as long as they have the capital to do so.
The reason for this is that the Immigration Bureau's investigation department conducts follow-up investigations even after a visa is obtained, and because there have been frequent cases of foreigners who have obtained Business Manager Visa not carrying out Business Manager activities, the screening process has become more rigorous in recent years.
Therefore, in order to conduct business in Japan on a stable and continuous basis, it is desirable to establish a company and conduct serious business activities in Japan.
In addition, in order to obtain a Business Manager Visa as a sole proprietor, there is no concept of capital, but it is necessary to invest 5 million yen in the business, including securing a business office and purchasing equipment, etc., and a very detailed business plan is required to prove that the business will really be conducted in Japan on a stable and continuous basis.
In the end, it is relatively easier to establish a company and prove that the total amount of capital or investment is 5 million yen or more, and establishing a company is easier from the perspective of obtaining a visa, which is the original purpose of the visa.
If a company is established, there is no need to use up the 5 million yen in capital. The possibility of obtaining a Business Manager Visa as a sole proprietor is limited to "application for permission for change of status of residence".
In other words, foreigners residing abroad cannot obtain a Business Manager Visa as a sole proprietor.
