For Foreign Nationals Who Wish to Establish and Manage a Business in Japan

The Business Manager Visa is a status of residence for foreign nationals who wish to establish and operate a business in Japan or serve as a manager or executive of a Japanese company.

Following the immigration policy revision effective October 16, 2025, the eligibility requirements were significantly revised to emphasize genuine and sustainable business operations.

At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive, one-stop support—from company incorporation to Business Manager Visa applications and renewals.

What is the Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa allows foreign nationals to:

  • Establish and operate a business in Japan
  • Serve as a Representative Director or executive of a Japanese company
  • Perform important management or administrative duties within a business

Simply incorporating a company is not sufficient to obtain this visa. Applicants must demonstrate that the business is genuine, stable, and capable of continuous operation.

Main Eligibility Requirements

1. Capital of at Least JPY 30 Million

Under the revised regulations, the company must have:

  • Paid-in capital of at least JPY 30 million, or
  • Total investment of at least JPY 30 million.

This represents a substantial increase from the previous requirement of JPY 5 million.

2. Employment of at Least One Full-Time Employee

The company must employ at least one full-time employee residing in Japan.

This requirement was newly introduced under the revised system to ensure that the business has genuine operational substance.

3. Business Management Experience or Educational Background

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

  • Approximately three years or more of experience in business management or administrative work; or
  • A graduate degree (Master's degree or higher) or other recognized academic qualifications related to business management or the proposed business field.

Supporting documents demonstrating the applicant's experience or educational background must be submitted.

4. Japanese Language Ability

Either the applicant or at least one full-time employee must possess an appropriate level of Japanese language proficiency.

This new requirement aims to promote effective communication with local communities and ensure proper business operations.

5. Independent Office

The business must maintain an independent office suitable for commercial operations.

As a general rule, a home office or virtual office alone will not satisfy this requirement.

6. Business Continuity and Stability

The Immigration Services Agency evaluates whether:

  • The business is capable of actual operation.
  • The business is expected to generate sufficient revenue.
  • The business can continue on a stable basis.

For this reason, the Business Plan is one of the most important documents in the application.

Required Documents

The required documents vary depending on the individual case.

Documents Prepared by the Applicant

  • Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Application for Change of Status of Residence
  • Passport
  • Residence Card (for Change of Status applications)
  • Passport-sized Photograph
  • Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
  • Documents proving professional experience
  • Academic degree or professional qualification certificates (if applicable)

Documents Prepared by the Company

  • Certificate of Company Registration
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Business Plan
  • Company Brochure or Profile
  • Office Lease Agreement
  • Documents proving paid-in capital of at least JPY 30 million
  • Documents proving employment of at least one full-time employee
  • Financial Statements (for renewal applications)
  • Tax-related documents

Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances.

Application Process

  1. Initial Consultation
  2. Company Incorporation and Office Setup
  3. Preparation of the Business Plan
  4. Collection of Required Documents
  5. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Change of Status of Residence
  6. Examination by the Immigration Services Agency
  7. Approval and Issuance of Residence Card
  8. Commencement of Business Operations

Visa Renewal

The Business Manager Visa must be renewed before the period of stay expires.

During the renewal process, the Immigration Services Agency reviews factors such as:

  • Whether the business is still operating
  • Business performance and financial condition
  • Proper payment of taxes
  • Enrollment in the social insurance system
  • Continued employment of full-time staff

Maintaining stable business operations is essential for a successful renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need JPY 30 million in capital to apply?

Under the revised requirements, applicants are generally required to have paid-in capital or total investment of at least JPY 30 million.

Careful financial planning before submitting the application is strongly recommended.

Can the full-time employee be a foreign national?

Possibly.

However, whether a foreign employee qualifies as a full-time employee depends on his or her immigration status. Some statuses of residence do not satisfy this requirement.

Can I renew my visa if my company is operating at a loss?

Yes.

A deficit does not automatically result in denial.

However, immigration authorities will carefully examine the business's future viability, financial condition, and plans for improvement.

Our Services

At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support for:

  • Business Manager Visa Applications
  • Company Incorporation
  • Preparation of Business Plans
  • Visa Renewal Applications
  • Dependent Visa Applications
  • Permanent Residence Applications

Following the recent revision of the Business Manager Visa system, immigration examinations have become more rigorous than before.

For this reason, careful preparation prior to application is more important than ever.

We tailor our services to your individual business plan and provide practical, professional support to maximize your chances of obtaining approval.

Contact Us

If you are planning to establish a business in Japan, apply for a Business Manager Visa, renew your visa, or seek Permanent Residence in the future, please feel free to contact Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office. We are committed to supporting your business success in Japan.