employment structure - and someone with 20+ years building them in
Tokyo.
Why do most English-speaking entrepreneurs in Japan struggle to get a legitimate work visa?
- The Business Manager visa costs ¥30,000,000+ upfront and requires a registered company you may not be ready to own.
- Japanese advisors operate in Japanese and the stakes are too high for a translation gap.
- Tourist visa extensions feel like borrowed time. You know it. Japanese Immigration knows it.
- You have searched Reddit, asked in expat groups, and you still do not have a clear answer that applies specifically to your situation.
How can an international entrepreneur work legally in Japan without owning a company?
The short answer: You are employed within an established Japanese company structure – one with real operating divisions and active employees. Japan’s government issues your Certificate of Eligibility. You enter with a real work visa – no company registration, no ¥30,000,000 upfront. Process ususally takes 6–8 weeks.
Definition
What is an Employer of Record (EOR) in Japan?
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a registered Japanese company that employs workers on behalf of individuals or foreign businesses – managing employment contracts, payroll, social insurance (社会保険), and legal compliance under Japanese law. For international entrepreneurs, an EOR provides the employment structure required to qualify for a Japan work visa, without requiring the entrepreneur to own or register their own company. Thom has spent 20+ years building this kind of structure in Tokyo — working across film production, education, consulting, and more.
A real employment structure - built inside active Japanese companies, across film production, education, consulting, and more.
Thom has been building businesses in Tokyo since 2004 – and companies in the US since 1996. The people he employs are not on paper arrangements. They are working producers, educators, consultants, and creators inside real ventures. That is what separates this from a visa service. The discovery call is where Thom explains exactly how it works for your situation.
1
Thom reviews your situation, explains how the employment structure works, and tells you exactly what is involved. No commitment at this stage.
2
Bilingual employment contract (Japanese + English), social insurance enrollment, all paperwork handled entirely in English.
3
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency reviews your employment documentation and issues your Certificate of Eligibility – a government document confirming your work status is legally recognised in Japan. Typically within 4–6 weeks of submission.
4
Your residential status is confirmed through Japan’s standard immigration process – the same path as any employed professional working here. Renewable. Recognised by landlords, banks, and government offices.
“Thom uses experienced professionals for all visa, labor and accounting matters. Everything is explained clearly and handled efficiently”
— Client Voice
“Thom is very transparent about all costs and the process – someone who truly wants to help me stay and succeed in Japan long-term.”
— Client Voice
19 entrepreneurs · 5 countries · 0 immigration issues
Common questions
How does this employment structure relate to Japanese immigration law?
The employment structure is built on a registered Japanese company with real operating divisions and active employees. Your employment contract is governed by Japan’s Labor Standards Act (労働基準法). Your Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁 — immi.moj.go.jp), a government body that verifies the legitimacy of employment before issuing any document. This is the same process used by every international company with employees working in Japan.
Do I need to already be in Japan?
No. The Certificate of Eligibility is issued and mailed to you before you arrive. You obtain your visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate — then enter Japan with a valid work visa already in hand.
What happens if my income changes?
Income changes affect renewal — they do not automatically cancel your visa mid-term. Thom monitors this proactively. Most situations that come up are workable with early notice.
How much does it cost?
Essential plan: ¥500,000 setup + ¥80,000/month (minimum 6 months). For most clients this is cash-flow neutral – fees are typically covered by the income their work in Japan generates. The discovery call is free.
12-month comparison: Essential plan totals ¥1,560,000 (setup + 12 months). A Business Manager visa typically costs ¥30,000,000+ in required capital, registration and setup alone – before any monthly overhead or accounting fees.
What is the difference from the Business Manager visa?
The BM visa requires a registered company, a physical office, and proof of business revenue. The employment structure Thom uses requires none of that. You remain an employee, not a business owner.
| Factor | Business Manager Visa | Thom’s Employment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ¥30,000,000+ | ¥500,000 |
| Monthly cost | Company overhead (varies) | ¥80,000/month |
| Own company required | Yes — you register and own it | No |
| Physical office required | Yes | No |
| Revenue proof required | Yes | No |
| Time to legal status | 3–6 months | 4–6 weeks (COE) |
| Language | Japanese advisors | English-first, bilingual contracts |
| Who manages compliance | You (or your accountant) | Thom’s team |
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Thom will review your situation on the call and explain exactly what the right next step looks like — either way.