A: The four “residence status based on personal status or position” and the “Business Manager” status of residence are applicable.
Enagic distributors are considered sole proprietors engaged in sales activities. Therefore, if the “Permission to Engage in Activity” section on a residence card states “Engage in activities permitted under the status of residence only,” distributor activities are generally not allowed.
However, individuals holding one of the following statuses of residence without work restrictions—classified as “personal status” types—are permitted to engage in distributor activities:
- Permanent Resident
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Long-Term Resident
- Special Permanent Resident
In addition, individuals holding a “Business Manager” status, which allows the operation or management of a business, may also engage in distributor activities under the name of the applicable business entity they manage.
For foreign nationals with other types of residence status who wish to operate as sole proprietors, it is necessary to obtain individual permission for activities outside their authorized status. Engaging in work beyond the permitted scope of their visa (i.e., working without proper authorization) is considered unauthorized employment.
Foreign nationals who engage in unauthorized employment are, in principle, subject to deportation procedures and must leave Japan. Those who are forcibly deported may not re-enter Japan for five years.
Furthermore, anyone who facilitates or encourages unauthorized employment, or is involved in arranging it, is subject to prosecution under the crime of promoting illegal employment. This law is extremely strict, and ignorance is not considered a valid excuse.
To protect foreign nationals who are or wish to become Enagic distributors, please handle cases involving individuals with work restrictions with great care.