【Latest Guide -Part2- 】Guide to Obtaining a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for Foreign Nationals (Corresponding to the 2025 Oct. revision) -EN

[Part 2] Key Points in Joint Management & Business Continuity for Business Manager Visa Japan

For foreign nationals seeking to establish or operate a business in Japan, the Business Manager Visa Japan (residence status: "Business Manager") is an essential permit. This article explains, based on the latest official operational guideline clarifications from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, how joint management by multiple foreign business managers is evaluated and what criteria determine ongoing business continuity. Practical examples and compliance advice are included.

▶ Official Guidelines (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)

Examination Points for Joint Management by Multiple Foreign Nationals

When several foreign nationals jointly manage a company, eligibility for the Business Manager Visa Japan is reviewed individually for each person, based on their specific roles and duties.

All of the following requirements must be satisfied:

• Rational Justification: The business organization and number of managers must match the scale of operations and actual workload.
• Clear Duties: Each manager’s role and scope of business administration or management must be clearly defined and substantial.
• Compensation: Each person must receive appropriate, market-based remuneration for their responsibilities.

✅ Successful Applications: Case Examples

• Foreign co-managers with distinct areas of expertise—for example, one serving as import/export officer and another as quality control officer—were each engaged in their respective fields and jointly made key business decisions.
• Management responsibilities were divided by geographic region, with each foreign manager acting as a regional business head.
• Utilizing the National Strategic Special Zone Startup Support Program, separate roles were assumed by a CEO also functioning as head trainer and a CMO handling marketing strategy.

These cases demonstrate that actual responsibilities and work scope, not just nominal titles, are critical to successful Business Manager Visa Japan applications.

Business Continuity: Critical for Visa Renewal

At the time of renewal, rigorous evaluation is conducted to determine if the business can continue operations in Japan. The assessment is based on the most recent two fiscal years’ financial statements, as outlined below.

Surplus at End of Most Recent Fiscal Year

As a rule, business continuity is recognized and renewal of the Business Manager Visa Japan is not problematic.

Deficit at Year-End (But No Excess Liabilities)

Applicants must submit a detailed one-year business plan and projected revenue data. If the business demonstrates potential for improvement, renewal is generally permitted.

Excess Liabilities at Year-End (But Not Previous Year)

If excess liabilities have not persisted for more than one fiscal year, a professional evaluator (such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant) must provide a written statement verifying there is a reasonable prospect of eliminating the excess liabilities within one year. If accepted, business continuity and visa renewal may be approved.

Excess Liabilities Continued Over Two Years

If the company has been in excess liabilities status for over a year (at both most recent and previous fiscal year-end), business continuity is not recognized in principle, and renewal will typically be denied.

Special Exception: Startups within 5 Years of Incorporation

Deficits or lack of profit are expected in early stage startups. In such cases, if the applicant presents a credible improvement forecast from an expert, or documentation proving fundraising efforts, business continuity may be judged flexibly for the Business Manager Visa Japan.

Impact on Permanent Residency and Other Status Changes

This revision will affect long-term residence planning. After the effective date, failure to meet the new Business Manager Visa Japan criteria may bar applicants from applying for permanent residency or for a change to “Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)” status.

Maintaining compliance with business manager visa requirements is crucial for long-term career and life planning in Japan, making these rule changes especially important for current and future foreign business managers.

Change of Status: From “Designated Activities” Visas

When switching from a “Designated Activities” (Tokutei Katsudo) visa to the Business Manager Visa Japan, eligibility may depend on visa category and the issue date of official certificates.

Designated Activities No. 44 (Foreign Entrepreneur)

If the confirmation certificate was issued by the local government before the revised Notice on the Promotion Project for Foreign Entrepreneurship took effect, old standards apply; certificates issued after the enforcement date follow the new criteria.

Designated Activities No. 51 (Future Creation Talent)

For No. 51 visa applications submitted or held before October 15, 2025, old criteria apply. For applications submitted on or after October 16, 2025, new criteria apply as set by the revised Business Manager Visa Japan rules.

Leverage Expert Support for Success

Securing or renewing a Business Manager Visa Japan demands advanced knowledge, from document preparation to handling inquiries from immigration authorities. Our licensed administrative scriveners, specializing in employment and business visas for foreign nationals, provide services and advice in both English and Japanese, tailored to your unique situation.

Summary: Sustainability & Track Record Are Key

For obtaining or renewing a Business Manager Visa Japan, not only formal job titles and financial data but also evidence of ongoing business activity, real-world responsibilities, and robust improvement plans play decisive roles. For teams with multiple foreign managers, it is essential to clarify each member’s track record and division of duties for successful immigration approval.

We hope this overview provides practical guidance for all professionals aspiring to business management in Japan.