The essential elements of a golden visa are typically
Core Investment Requirement: Applicants are required to make a significant financial investment in the host country, with the various aims of enhance local economic development, create jobs, and bring in expertise and business acumen.
Residency or Citizenship Benefits: In return for an investment, applicants receive either a temporary or permanent ability to live, work, and/or study in the country.
Japan has no single ‘golden visa’, but does have various visa options that fit the above core criteria. In general, once the visas are obtained there are no ongoing obligations; and no minimum stay or language requirements are imposed. Dependent family members are generally permitted in connection with each option, upon receipt of a separately obtained ‘dependent’ visa. Tax implications and other considerations may vary, and appropriate professionals should be consulted on a case-by-case basis. An outline of the formal and economic requirements are as follows:
Business Manager Visa (経営管理ビザ): This visa is intended for individuals who wish to start or manage a business in Japan. To qualify, applicants typically need to either start a new Japanese business or manage an existing one, with a fresh investment of at least 5 million yen. The applicant must also secure a physical office space for the business and employ at least two full-time employees in Japan.
High-Skilled Professional Visa (高度専門職ビザ): This option is designed to attract highly skilled professionals by offering a points-based system that evaluates education, professional experience, salary, and other factors. Those who achieve a high score on this system can enjoy benefits such as a faster path to permanent residency (typically within one to three years).
Venture Capital 5-Year Visa (海外のエンジェル投資家用のビザ) (Not Yet Available - in development as of July 2024): For foreign angel investors and entrepreneurs making significant investments (ranging from tens of millions to about 100 million yen) in Japanese startups. Requires substantial assets, a proven track record in business management or investment, and the ability to identify and support promising technologies and ideas. Provides a long-term residency visa initially up to five years, with periodic monitoring of investment and support activities. Investors must establish a base in Tokyo and support local startups.