Overview of
Japanese Business Manager Visa
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What is "Japanese Business Manager Visa"？
Individuals from foreign countries who wish to run a business in Japan or manage business as an executive position in a corporation are required to obtain a "Japanese Business Manager Visa." This visa allows for a broad range of business activities in Japan.
However, "Japanese Business Manager Visa" holders must concentrate on management and administrative duties and are not allowed to serve customers or do operations on the site themselves.
Requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa
Business Office
Office or Store: Secure an independent business office or retail location in Japan (use of a private residence is generally not permitted).
Capital and Employees
Paid-in Capital / Total Investment: At least JPY 30 million (approximately).
Employment: Hire at least one full-time Japanese employee (or a special permanent resident, etc.).
Business Plan
Plan: Submit a business plan verified by a qualified professional (such as a Small and Medium Enterprise management consultant).
Sustainability: The business must be objectively recognized as stable and continuously operative.
Experience and Competence
Experience / Academic Degree: Must have at least three years of experience in business management or administration, or hold a master’s degree (or higher) in a related field.
Compensation: Must receive remuneration equivalent to or higher than that of a Japanese person engaged in a comparable position.
Japanese Language: Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have a sufficient level of Japanese proficiency (equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher).
Process for Obtaining the Business Management Visa
The overall process typically requires approximately five to six months. The period may be extended if additional documentation is requested.
1. Preparation for Company Incorporation
• Complete the necessary procedures to establish a company in Japan.
• For businesses requiring permits or licenses (e.g., food service, secondhand goods trading), submit applications after company formation.
2. Visa Application Procedures
Use the following as a general schedule guideline:
• Company establishment preparation and completion: 1–2 months
• Preparation of visa application documents: 1 month
• Visa review and approval period: approximately 3 months
Required Documents
• Basic documents designated by the Immigration Bureau
• Supplemental documents according to the nature of the business and individual circumstances
(e.g., business plans, financial statements, etc.)
Grace Period (Transitional Measures)
After the amended ministerial ordinance takes effect, new requirements will be deferred for 3 years. The grace period extends until October 16, 2028 (Reiwa 10). During visa renewal applications within this three-year period, decisions will be made based on a comprehensive evaluation of your current business situation and prospects for adapting to the new requirements.
However, after the three-year grace period ends, you must generally meet all the new requirements. Nevertheless, there are important exception provisions. Even if you cannot meet the new requirements after three years, if you can demonstrate that your business is performing well, you are properly paying taxes and social insurance premiums, and you have prospects for meeting the new requirements by the next renewal period, other circumstances will also be considered, and renewal may be approved.
Eligible Visa Statuses for Full-time Employees
Only the following individuals can be counted toward the 1 or more full-time employee hiring requirement:
• Japanese nationals
• Special permanent residents
• Foreign nationals with the following visa statuses:
o "Permanent Resident"
o "Spouse or Child of Japanese National"
o "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident"
o "Long-term Resident"
※Foreign nationals working under work visas such as "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" are NOT included in this hiring requirement, so please be careful.
However, for the purpose of fulfilling the Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N2 equivalent) requirement, the "full-time employees" referenced differ from those above. Foreign nationals working under work visas are also included in this requirement (limited to Japanese language proficiency verification).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there any possibility that I may be denied for a Japanese Business Manager Visa?
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Yes, there are many cases of disapproval.
Inadequate documentation and unclear business plans are often the reason. Professional assistance is recommended.
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There is a requirement of 30 million yen in capital. What procedures does it require?
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For corporations: Deposit 30 million yen or more as paid-in capital at incorporation, with evidence such as capital deposit certificates and bank statement copies. For LLCs, equivalent total investment amount is required. For individual businesses, calculate based on total funds invested in the business. Please consult with specialists for funding planning.
Please watch the video for an overview of the Business Manager Visa.
Startup Visa Information
The Startup Visa (Foreign Entrepreneurship Promotion Program) is a special status of residence designed to allow foreign nationals to prepare for starting a business in Japan. Normally, foreigners must obtain a Business Manager Visa to establish a company, but the Startup Visa temporarily waives these requirements, permitting residence for up to two years. Initially, permission is granted for six months or one year and may be converted to a Business Manager Visa once startup preparations are complete.
Basic Conditions and Key Notes
The Startup Visa is not a nationwide unified system. Each local government certified by the national government establishes its own operational standards under the general framework. However, visas are ultimately issued by the Immigration Services Agency, not directly by local authorities.
To obtain a Startup Visa, applicants must first meet the requirements set by the local government where they plan to launch their business and receive local certification. After that, they apply to the national authority for the formal visa issuance.
Note that only a limited number of municipalities—mainly large cities—currently implement the Startup Visa system. Further details are explained below.
Therefore, it is practical to select a municipality that operates the Startup Visa program and provides the most suitable environment for launching your business.
Application Flow
1. Submit your business activity plan to an accredited local government or authorized organization to obtain a Certificate of Confirmation for Startup Preparation Plan.
2. Submit the certificate to immigration authorities to apply for the “Designated Activities” visa.
Required documents include the business preparation plan, résumé, passport copy, and financial proof. Upon visa expiration, applicants must apply for a status change to a Business Manager Visa or for renewal.
Startup Visa Programs in Tokyo and Kanagawa
• Tokyo: Implemented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya City, offering entrepreneur support programs including office referrals and consultation services.
• Kanagawa: Operated by the prefectural and Yokohama city governments, providing startup facilities and professional consultation.
Related Links
Invest Tokyo - Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Official Website
Business Development Center TOKYO
Official Website
METI - Startup Visa (English page)
Official Website
Yokohama City - Startup Visa (English page)
Official Website
Additional Points to Review
Differences by Nationality
The system applies equally to all nationalities without preferential or restrictive treatment. Past participants include entrepreneurs from China, the United States, and Europe.
Note: Most information releases are primarily in Japanese, so language ability can affect practical operations.
Differences by Industry and Available Support
There are no sector restrictions in principle. However, applicants whose business fields align with municipalities’ focus areas (e.g., semiconductors, robotics, clean energy in Fukuoka or Sendai) may receive stronger local support.
Businesses that violate laws or public morals (e.g., adult entertainment) are not permitted.
Utilization and Future Outlook of the Startup Visa (as of October 2025)
On October 16, 2025, the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa were revised and significantly tightened. The capital requirement was raised from “JPY 5 million or more” to “JPY 30 million or more,” a sixfold increase.
Such an increase greatly heightens the barrier for obtaining the visa. For many small startups, preparing JPY 30 million in capital is unrealistic. Therefore, a practical approach is to first utilize the Startup Visa to initiate your business, and once operations are stable, meet the capital threshold and transition to the Business Manager Visa.
This change, alongside the nationwide expansion of Startup Visa programs since January 2025, indicates a strategic balancing between encouraging new business through the Startup Visa and ensuring stricter standards for the Business Manager Visa. Consequently, the Startup Visa will become increasingly vital for foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, and broader adoption by municipalities will be essential.
Explanation Video: Overview of the Startup Visa
お問い合わせフォーム / Contact Form
- 【Latest Guide -Part1- 】Guide to Obtaining a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for Foreign Nationals (Corresponding to the 2025 October revision) -EN
On October 16, 2025, the criteria and requirements for obtaining Japan's “Business Management Visa” were revised. Based on official guidelines, we provide a clear explanation for foreign business owners wishing to stay in Japan and conduct business. - 【Latest Guide -Part2- 】Guide to Obtaining a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for Foreign Nationals (Corresponding to the 2025 Oct. revision) -EN
This article provides an in-depth explanation of the evaluation points for obtaining "Japanese Business Manager Visa", based on the 2025 latest Operational Guideline Clarification published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. - 【Latest Guide -Part3- 】Guide to Obtaining a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for Foreign Nationals (Corresponding to the 2025 Oct. revision) -ENThe new application rules for Japanese Business Manager Visa are explained. A special exception has been made that allows stock acquisition rights and local government support to be included in the capital stock of the visa requirement.
- To start a business in Japan - EN
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the requirements and schedule for the Japanese Business Manager Visa for foreign business owners who intend to reside in Japan as a manager. - How to obtain a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" in case of operating deficit - EN
Even in the case of a negative profit, there is a chance of obtaining a "Japanese business manager visa". In this article, we will clearly explain the concept of business continuity for foreign entrepreneurs in Japan who are seeking to obtain a Japanese Business Manager Visa. - How much does it cost to establish a Japanese corporation and obtain a Business Manager Visa?
This article outlines the necessary costs for foreign nationals seeking a Business Manager Visa in Japan. It comprehensively covers company establishment fees, professional service fees, office securing costs, and visa application-related expenses, aiming to support you in confidently starting your business in Japan.
