Business Manage Visa - Overview

What Is a Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is a status of residence for foreign nationals who establish and operate a company in Japan or engage in the management or administration of an existing business.

This status of residence is not granted simply because a company has been established.

Applicants must satisfy the requirements established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, including securing appropriate business premises, preparing a viable business plan, and demonstrating the continuity and stability of the business.

It is not permissible to obtain this status of residence by merely borrowing another person’s company name. The applicant must actually perform business management or administrative duties.

This status is intended for individuals who wish to establish a company and start a business in Japan, manage a Japanese corporation as its representative, or perform managerial duties at the Japanese subsidiary or branch of an overseas company.

Requirements for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa

A Business Manager Visa cannot be obtained simply by establishing a company.
Applicants must satisfy the approval criteria established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The nature and scale of the business, the business premises, and the applicant’s role are assessed comprehensively.

① Securing Business Premises

Applicants must secure independent business premises in Japan from which the business can be operated on a continuous basis.
The premises must be appropriate for the scale of the business and the actual management activities. In principle, using a private residence as the business premises is not permitted.

② Capital or Investment of at Least ¥30 Million

Capital or investment of at least ¥30 million is required.
For a corporation, the relevant amount is the paid-in capital of a stock company or the total amount of contributions made to a general partnership company, limited partnership company, or limited liability company.
For a sole proprietorship, the relevant amount is the total investment made for purposes necessary to operate the business, such as securing business premises, paying one year’s salaries for employees, and purchasing equipment.

③ Employment of at Least One Full-Time Employee

The applicant’s company or other business entity must employ at least one full-time employee.
Eligible full-time employees are limited to Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, and foreign nationals holding the status of residence of Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident.
Foreign nationals residing in Japan under a work-related status of residence listed in Appended Table I of the Immigration Control Act are not included as eligible full-time employees for this purpose.

④ Educational or Professional Background Required for Management or Administration

The applicant must satisfy one of the following requirements:
・ Hold a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree relating to business management or to the technical knowledge or expertise required for the proposed business
・ Have at least three years of professional experience in business management or administration

⑤ Sufficient Japanese Language Proficiency

Either the applicant or a full-time employee must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency.
Unless the individual is a Japanese national or special permanent resident, Japanese proficiency equivalent to at least CEFR Level B2, such as JLPT N2 or above, is generally required.

⑥ Professional Review of the Business Plan

The submitted business plan must be specific, reasonable, and realistically achievable.
The business plan must also be reviewed and confirmed by a certified small and medium enterprise management consultant, certified public accountant, or tax accountant.

Who Is Eligible for a Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is intended for individuals who will actually engage in the management or administration of a business in Japan.
This includes those who establish and operate their own company, manage an existing business, or undertake managerial responsibilities within an organization.
* Even if a person is listed as a company representative or director, they may not qualify for a Business Manager Visa if they do not actually perform management or administrative duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I obtain a Business Manager Visa simply by establishing a company?
A. No. Establishing a company alone is not sufficient. You must satisfy the requirements set by the Immigration Services Agency, including securing business premises, investing at least ¥30 million in capital or equivalent business investment, employing at least one full-time employee, meeting the educational or professional experience requirements, demonstrating sufficient Japanese language ability, and obtaining professional confirmation of your business plan.

Q2. Can I use my home as my business office?
A. In principle, a private residence cannot be used as business premises. You must secure an independent office in Japan that is appropriate for the scale of the business and the actual management activities.

Q3. Can I apply while living overseas?
A. Yes. If you intend to establish a company in Japan and commence business operations while residing overseas, you may apply for a Business Manager Visa through a Certificate of Eligibility application.

Q4. Can I bring my family to Japan?
A. Yes. After obtaining a Business Manager Visa, you may be able to invite your spouse and children to Japan under the status of residence of Dependent, provided the applicable requirements are met.

Q5. Can a Business Manager Visa be renewed?
A. Yes. As long as the business continues to operate and the business activities and financial condition satisfy the renewal requirements, the visa may be renewed.