[Podcast-style] Easy-to-understand - "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for foreign business owners - EN

Learn Through Podcast: Key Points of the Business Manager Visa

This page provides an easy-to-understand, conversational explanation of the “Business Manager Visa” for foreign nationals wishing to start or manage a business in Japan.

Hello. Today, we will discuss the Business Manager Visa for those planning to operate a business in Japan.

Yes, there are official guidelines and case studies provided by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Based on those, let's delve into the key points you should be aware of.

Absolutely. The criteria for this visa have become much clearer in recent years.

Let’s focus on the important aspects you should know when considering application or renewal.

What Does “Substantial Involvement in Management” Mean?

When a foreign national acts as a manager or executive, they must be substantially involved in the actual management, right?

That’s correct. Simply holding a title is not sufficient.

For example, the individual must be involved in making key decisions for the company, directing operations, or functioning as an auditor — it must reflect real engagement.

Securing a Business Office and Key Considerations

One of the first steps many take is securing a business office. If you want to minimize initial costs, it’s possible to use your residence as an office, but certain conditions must be met:

• The lease contract must allow for business use.
• There must be a clear separation between residential and business spaces.
• A company signboard must be displayed.
• Utility expenses must be reasonably allocated and explainable.

So it's not enough just to have an address — you need evidence that actual business activities are taking place.

Utilizing Incubation Facilities

How about government-run incubation facilities?

They are often accepted as temporary business locations and are especially recommended during the early stages of a startup when funds and equipment are limited.

Operating at a Loss and Continuity Assessment

Wouldn’t it be difficult to qualify if the business is running a deficit?

Being in the red does not automatically disqualify you. The visa authority evaluates the overall financial health and business plan across the latest two fiscal years to assess future viability.

For companies established within the past five years, even deficits or liabilities may be evaluated flexibly.

In such cases, it's important to logically explain improvement measures and growth strategies.

Municipal Support and Special Measures

If you receive support from a local municipality, you may be eligible for a special measure that allows you to obtain the visa even with less than 5 million yen in personal capital.

Including subsidies such as rent support, the project may be considered to meet the business scale requirements.

*Under this special measure, the residence period is generally one year, and standard criteria apply at the time of renewal.

Importance of Compliance

Tax payments and social insurance are also checked, right?

Absolutely. If you employ staff, compliance with labor laws will also be reviewed.

In Conclusion: How Should We View the Balance of This System?

This system seems to reflect Japan’s intention to attract foreign entrepreneurs while also maintaining strict oversight.

Exactly. It’s a system that incorporates both support and regulation.

*This article is based on publicly available information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and the content of our podcast. Please consult the latest official guidelines before applying.