Do I need an administrative scrivener to apply for a secondhand goods dealer license in Japan?

 

When you want to obtain a license for dealing in second-hand goods in Japan, you can hire an administrative scrivener (known as a “gyoseishoshi” in Japanese) to help you with the process. 

 

Even if the scrivener is located far from you, it’s generally not a problem. They can assist you with creating application documents, obtaining necessary documents, and handling the application procedures.

However, you might want to consider the following points:

  • Expertise in second-hand dealer licensing: Obtaining a license for dealing in second-hand goods requires specialized knowledge. Therefore, it’s recommended to hire a scrivener who is familiar with this process.
  • Transparent fees: Make sure the scrivener’s fees are clearly stated.
  • Time to obtain the license: Check how long it will take to obtain the license.
  • Costs if the license cannot be obtained: Find out what happens to the fees if the license cannot be obtained for some reason.

Even when you hire a scrivener, you will need to cooperate in obtaining some of the necessary documents. For example, you will need to sign and seal a letter of attorney, answer a dedicated questionnaire, and create a resume.

Considering these points, it’s important to choose a scrivener that fits your situation. Even if the scrivener is located far from you, as long as they meet the above conditions, they should be able to handle the process of obtaining a second-hand dealer license without any problems. 

 

However, the specific procedures and costs may vary depending on the scrivener’s office, so it’s recommended to contact the office directly for details.

 

As for your question about whether a foreigner needs to go to the police station to obtain a second-hand dealer license, generally, if you hire a scrivener, you won’t need to go to the police station yourself. The scrivener can handle the application procedures at the police station on your behalf.

However, please note the following points:

  • Residence status: If a foreigner wants to obtain a second-hand dealer license, they need to have a residence status that matches the purpose of the license.
  • Japanese language ability: The application for a second-hand dealer license is made at the police station, where you may be asked various questions. Therefore, if you don’t have the ability to understand and respond to questions in Japanese, it may be difficult to apply for the license.

The specific procedures and costs may vary depending on the scrivener’s office, so it’s recommended to contact the office directly for details. 

 

Also, each police station has its own local rules, and you may be asked to submit unexpected documents, so please be aware of this. By hiring a scrivener, you can save time and effort as they can handle these tasks on your behalf. However, the final decision is made by the police station.

 

However, I have heard of cases where the applicant was required to come to the police station. Therefore, it might be a good idea to keep in mind that there may be a possibility of needing to go to the police station.

 

 

by

Gyoseishoshi Wada Office in Kyoto city

Administrative procedures legal specialist

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