“Japanese Foreigner in China, Dubai, and India” Vo.1

Just when I was celebrating that my company registration in India was finally complete,
I was told to submit additional documents I hadn’t expected. Things no one mentioned suddenly show up.
More apostille certifications, and so many of them. That’s why I can’t leave Japan…

“Of course. It’s always tough for foreigners.”

At times like this, I can’t help but feel down like that.
But is that really the only reason?

Until just before moving to Mumbai, I lived in Dubai.

I set up a company there a year and a half ago,
and I think it’s no exaggeration to call it the easiest country in the world for foreigners to start a company.
All you need is your passport. You apply online, and your company is set up in just 7 days!
I still remember being amazed at how stress-free it was for foreigners.

But no matter where you are, where there is light, there is also darkness.

Lenient screening also means it’s easier for all kinds of people to get in. That’s a fact.
It’s a country where you need more money than in other countries, but how is that money being made?
The truth is, I was a victim of fraud. That is one fact.

After a baptism like that, here I am being a foreigner again in yet another new country, and I have to laugh at myself.

But I never get tired of it.
The more challenges I face, the more I feel I’m growing. That’s what makes life worth living for me.

What built this foundation was my time in China.

During Zero-COVID, it took six months from application to get my visa from Japan…
Even after I finally entered China, I couldn’t go out into the city until about a month later, after a strict hotel quarantine.

After that, there were many times I felt I was about to lose my mind. At one of those moments, my partner said to me:

“It’s not only tough on foreigners. It’s tough on everyone, including us.”

Those words made sense to me. They calmed me down and made things easier.

That’s right. Even if setting up the company takes three months, it’s okay.
I’m sure I can enjoy my life as a foreigner in a third country, too.

#JapaneseForeigner
#China #Dubai #India
#KaoruCrossborderConsulting