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-- Requirements for Business Manager Visa (Updated for October 2025 Revision) --
Introduction
For foreign nationals wishing to establish a company and work as a business manager in Japan, obtaining a "Business Manager Visa" is essential. Due to legal revisions in October 2025, the requirements have become even more stringent. As the schedule is also tight, thorough advance preparation is the key to success.
"What are the new conditions for the Business Manager Visa?"
"How long does it take to obtain one?"
This article provides a clear explanation of the new requirements and schedule for the revised Business Manager Visa for foreign entrepreneurs aiming to reside in Japan as business managers.
Key New Requirements for the Business Manager Visa
Following the October 2025 revision, applicants must primarily meet the following new requirements to obtain a Business Manager Visa.
- Business Scale: Capital of 30 Million JPY or More
- In principle, the amount of capital or the total amount of investment must be 30 million JPY or more. (Special measures may relax this requirement for those receiving specific support from local governments.)
- In principle, the amount of capital or the total amount of investment must be 30 million JPY or more. (Special measures may relax this requirement for those receiving specific support from local governments.)
- Employment of Full-time Staff: At Least One Employee Required
- It is now mandatory to employ at least one full-time employee with a specific residence status, such as a Japanese national or a permanent resident.
- It is now mandatory to employ at least one full-time employee with a specific residence status, such as a Japanese national or a permanent resident.
- Manager's Experience and Academic Background
- Applicants must have at least three years of practical experience in business management or hold a master's degree or higher in a related field.
- Applicants must have at least three years of practical experience in business management or hold a master's degree or higher in a related field.
- Japanese Language Proficiency
- The applicant or at least one of the full-time employees must have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to the JLPT N2 level or higher.
- The applicant or at least one of the full-time employees must have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to the JLPT N2 level or higher.
- Expert Confirmation of the Business Plan
- The business plan must be reviewed for objectivity and feasibility by a nationally certified expert, such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Accountant.
- The business plan must be reviewed for objectivity and feasibility by a nationally certified expert, such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Accountant.
- Securing an Independent Office
- It is necessary to secure an independent office in Japan for business operations. Using a home as an office is, in principle, no longer permitted.
- It is necessary to secure an independent office in Japan for business operations. Using a home as an office is, in principle, no longer permitted.
- Business Legality and Fulfillment of Public Duties
- Compliance with necessary business licenses (e.g., restaurant operating license) and proper payment of taxes and social insurance premiums will be scrutinized more strictly than ever before.
Period of Stay
The period of stay granted under the Business Manager Visa can be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months, or 3 months. In practice, an initial period of one year is commonly granted.
The more stable and continuous the business is deemed, the higher the likelihood of being granted a longer period of stay.
Schedule
The document review process takes approximately three months, with an additional 2-3 weeks required for the visa application at the local embassy.
Please note that you must enter Japan within three months of the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility.
Main Process
- 1. Company Establishment (Approx. 1 month)
- Handle the procedures for establishing the company.
- 2. Business Licenses (Approx. 1 week)
- Obtain the necessary business licenses for your operations.
- 3. Document Collection (Approx. 2-3 weeks)
- Gather all the necessary documents for the application.
- 4. Application Preparation and Submission (Approx. 2 weeks)
- Prepare and submit the application to the Immigration Services Agency.
- 5. Residence Status Examination (Approx. 3 months)
- The application will be reviewed by the Immigration Services Agency.
- 6. Receipt of Certificate of Eligibility (Approx. 1 week)
- Receive the Certificate of Eligibility.
- 7. Visa Application at Local Embassy (Approx. 2 weeks)
- Apply for the visa at your local Japanese embassy or consulate.
- 8. Entry into Japan
- Enter Japan and begin your business activities.
Key Points for Obtaining the Business Manager Visa
- Thorough Preparation: To meet the new requirements, it is more important than ever to prepare all necessary documents without omission and apply correctly.
- Consult with Experts: If you have any concerns or questions about the visa application, consult with experts familiar with the revised regulations (such as administrative scriveners or lawyers) as early as possible.
- Business Plan Formulation: Create a detailed business plan to demonstrate the stability and continuity of your business. Consultation from the planning stage is beneficial, especially since confirmation by an expert like a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant is now mandatory.
If you are considering obtaining the new Business Manager Visa, please feel free to contact us for a consultation!
"What kind of preparation do I need?"
"I'm worried if I can meet the revised requirements..."
If you have such concerns, please take advantage of the "Free Consultation" at the Japan Business Visa Center.
Our experienced experts will provide optimal advice tailored to your situation. We offer comprehensive support for obtaining the new Business Manager Visa.
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