Insights & Guides
Practical knowledge on Japan market entry — from company setup and visas to trade logistics and branding.
How Does Japan's HSP Visa Work for Academic Researchers?
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) visa has a dedicated track for researchers, category 1号イ (academic research activities, 高度学術研究活動), covering work at universities and research...
Why Do Japan HSP Visa Applications Get Rejected?
Most Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP, 高度専門職) visa rejections trace back to five recurring causes: points miscalculation (usually overclaimed experience years or a misread income-by-age...
What Office Counts for Japan's Management Visa in 2026?
The Management Visa (経営・管理) requires commercial premises actually used for the business: a leased office, a dedicated room, or a co-working desk with sustained, documented use and visible business...
Can You Renew a Japan Management Visa Under Old Rules Until 2028?
Yes, but only if you already held Management Visa (経営・管理) status before October 16, 2025. The Immigration Control Act (入管法) reform tightened the standard that day, and existing holders may renew...
Proving Japanese Ability for Japan's Management Visa (2026)
Acceptable proof is a JLPT N2 certificate or CEFR B2-equivalent documentation, held by either the visa applicant or the company's qualifying full-time employee, not a self-declared claim of...
Japan Management Visa (2026): Who Counts as a Qualifying Employee?
A qualifying employee for Japan's Management Visa (経営・管理) is a Japanese national, a Special Permanent Resident, a Permanent Resident, the spouse or child of a Japanese national, or a Long-Term...
Does Changing Employers Affect Your J-Skip Visa Status in Japan? (2026 Guide)
Yes, in two distinct ways. First, a general notification obligation under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (入管法) requires most work-visa holders, including status-of-residence...
How Does Japan's HSP Visa Change Your Spouse's Work Rights in 2026?
The spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職, HSP) visa holder can apply for a dedicated status of residence that permits employment without the 28-hour weekly cap applied to an ordinary...
Does Japan's Startup Visa Guarantee You a Management Visa in 2026?
No. The Startup Visa (特定活動告示44号, Designated Activities Public Notice No. 44) buys a founder up to two years to build toward the Management Visa (経営・管理) standard; it does not lower or waive that...
What Documents Prove Income Eligibility for Japan's J-Skip Visa? (2026)
Proving J-Skip income eligibility requires a coherent evidence package, typically an employment contract stating salary, corroborating tax or withholding records, and (where the applicant...