Japan Business Manager Visa Application: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner is an exciting prospect — but navigating the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理ビザ, keiei kanri biza) process can feel daunting. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, from initial eligibility checks to receiving your visa, including the major rule changes that took effect in October 2025.

Whether you're launching a tech startup, opening a restaurant, or establishing a consulting firm, understanding these requirements upfront will save you time, money, and frustration.

What Is the Japan Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa (officially "Management and Administration" resident status) is the visa category for foreign nationals who want to operate or manage a business in Japan. It covers:

• Company founders launching a new venture in Japan
• Business owners who will manage daily operations
• Executives such as CEOs, directors, and branch managers
• Management personnel in roles with genuine decision-making authority

As of the end of 2024, over 41,600 foreign nationals held this visa status — a remarkable 11% year-over-year increase and a 50% rise over the past five years. Japan actively wants skilled international entrepreneurs, but with the October 2025 reforms, the bar has been raised significantly.

For a broader overview of all Japanese visa types, see our Complete Guide to Japan Visa and Immigration.

The 2025 Rule Changes: What You Must Know

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan introduced sweeping reforms to the Business Manager Visa, effective October 16, 2025. These represent the most significant tightening of requirements in a decade. If you are applying after this date, you must meet the new standards:

Transitional measures: If you already hold a Business Manager Visa, you may renew under the previous standards through October 16, 2028. However, immigration officers will strictly evaluate your actual business activity during this transition period.

For guidance on the broader employment landscape in Japan, visit Living in Nihon's Japan Visa and Residency Guide.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before diving into paperwork, confirm you meet all core eligibility criteria.

Capital Requirement

You need a minimum paid-in capital of ¥30 million (approximately USD 200,000). This must be demonstrably invested in the business — not just sitting in a personal account. The source of funds must be transparent and traceable.

For sole proprietorships, the total investment equivalent must cover: one full year of employee costs, office setup and rent, and all necessary equipment.

Loans can count toward capital requirements if the terms, repayment schedule, and personal guarantees are clearly documented and the funds are operationally deployed.

Employment Requirement

At least one full-time employee must be hired before or concurrent with your application. Eligible employees include:

• Japanese nationals
• Special Permanent Residents
• Foreign nationals with Permanent Resident status or other unrestricted work authorization

Part-time employees do not satisfy this requirement.

Japanese Language Proficiency

Either you or your full-time employee must demonstrate Japanese proficiency at JLPT N2 level or higher (B2 equivalent on the CEFR scale). This can be proven via:

• JLPT N2 or N1 certificate
• Completion of Japanese education
• Other recognized Japanese language qualifications

Management Experience or Education

You must satisfy one of the following:

• 3+ years of documented experience in business management or administration
• A Master's degree, Doctoral degree, or professional degree in a relevant field (business, management, economics, etc.)

Note: Time spent studying business management at graduate school counts toward the experience requirement.

Business Plan Certification

Your business plan must be professionally verified by one of the following:

• A certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant (中小企業診断士)
• A Certified Public Accountant (公認会計士)
• A licensed Tax Accountant (税理士)

The certifier must provide a written opinion letter confirming the plan's viability and compliance.

Step 2: Establish Your Company

You cannot apply for a Business Manager Visa as an individual from overseas — you need a legitimate Japanese legal entity first.

Choose Your Company Structure

Kabushiki Kaisha (株式会社, KK) — Joint-Stock Company

• Most recognized and prestigious structure
• Higher setup costs (~¥250,000 in registration fees)
• Required for certain regulated industries

Godo Kaisha (合同会社, GK) — Limited Liability Company

• Lower setup costs (~¥100,000 in registration fees)
• Simpler management structure
• Increasingly accepted, though less prestigious than KK

Company Registration Steps

1. Decide on company name, address, and business purpose
2. Draft Articles of Incorporation
3. Notarize Articles of Incorporation (for KK only, ~¥50,000)
4. Open a temporary bank account and deposit capital
5. Register the company at the Legal Affairs Bureau
6. Register for tax purposes at the tax office
7. Enroll in social insurance (mandatory once you have employees)

Company incorporation typically takes 2–4 weeks once all documents are prepared.

For broader guidance on working in Japan as a foreigner, see our Complete Guide to Working in Japan as a Foreigner.

Step 3: Secure a Physical Office

One of the most common reasons for Business Manager Visa rejection is inadequate office setup. Under the 2025 rules, your office must:

• Be a dedicated business space (not residential)
• Be leased or owned in the company's name
• Demonstrate exclusive, continuous use for business purposes
• Have appropriate signage identifying the company
• Be equipped for actual business operations (computers, furniture, etc.)

What will be rejected:

• Virtual offices (address-forwarding services only)
• Home offices (except in rare, strictly documented cases)
• Shared spaces without clear, dedicated company use
• Temporary or pop-up locations

Evidence required:

• Business-use lease agreement in the company's name
• Photographs showing signage, equipment, and office setup
• Mail and courier delivery records to the business address
• Industry-specific permits or licenses displayed at the office

For guidance on finding suitable space, check out For Work in Japan's Startup and Freelancing Guide.

Step 4: Hire Your Full-Time Employee

Recruiting a qualifying full-time employee is now mandatory. This step involves:

1. Post job listings on Japanese job boards (Hello Work, Indeed Japan, etc.)
2. Screen and interview candidates
3. Execute an employment contract with clear terms (salary, hours, duties)
4. Enroll the employee in social insurance (health insurance, pension, employment insurance)
5. Obtain proof of enrollment for your visa documents

The employee's salary must be competitive with market rates — immigration officers will cross-reference against wage surveys. Underpaying a Japanese employee to cut costs is a red flag that can trigger rejection.

Step 5: Assemble Your Document Package

This is the most labor-intensive part of the process. Here's a comprehensive checklist:

Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation (登記簿謄本)
• Articles of Incorporation (定款)
• Corporate seal registration certificate
• Company bank account statements

Financial Documents

• Evidence of ¥30 million capital with complete paper trail
• Source of funds documentation (bank transfers, investment agreements)
• Receipts and contracts showing operational spending
• If using loans: loan agreements, repayment schedules, personal guarantees

Business Plan Documents

• Detailed business plan (in Japanese)
• Written verification opinion from CPA/consultant
• Market analysis and revenue projections
• Evidence of existing client contracts or letters of intent (if any)

Office Documents

• Office lease agreement in company's name
• Office photographs (exterior, interior, signage, equipment)
• Utility bills or delivery records showing actual use
• Industry licenses and permits (if applicable)

Employee Documents

• Employment contract
• Social insurance enrollment certificates
• Japanese language proficiency proof (for employee if applicable)

Personal Documents (for applicant)

• Curriculum vitae in Japanese
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Employment history with management experience documentation
• Japanese language proficiency proof (JLPT certificate if applicable)
• Photographs
• Passport

All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by certified Japanese translations.

Step 6: Submit Your Visa Application

If Applying from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)

1. Have your Japanese company's representative submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the regional Immigration Services Bureau in Japan
2. Wait for the COE to be issued (typically 1–3 months)
3. Once issued, apply for your Business Manager Visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country
4. Receive your visa (typically within a few days of COE presentation)
5. Enter Japan and register your address at your local municipal office

The 4-Month Business Manager Visa Option

If you're based overseas and need to come to Japan to complete the company setup process, there's a special 4-Month Business Manager Visa option. This allows you to:

• Travel to Japan
• Complete company incorporation
• Open corporate bank accounts
• Transfer capital funds
• Hire employees
• Set up your office

...before transitioning to the standard Business Manager status. This is an excellent option if logistical challenges make it difficult to complete everything from abroad.

If Already in Japan

If you're already in Japan on another status (e.g., student visa, work visa), you can apply for a status change directly at your regional Immigration Services Bureau. The fee is ¥4,000.

Step 7: After Approval — What to Expect

Once your Business Manager Visa is approved, you'll receive one of the following durations:

• 5 years (longest, usually for established businesses)
• 3 years
• 1 year (most common for new businesses)
• 4 months (transitional period, as described above)
• 3 months (rarely issued)

Most first-time applicants receive a 1-year visa, which they then renew annually as they demonstrate business growth and stability.

Renewal Requirements

When renewing, immigration will evaluate:

• Actual business activity (revenue, employees, office use)
• Tax filings and social insurance payments
• Whether the business matches the original business plan
• Financial stability and growth trajectory

Consistent revenue, proper tax compliance, and documented business activity are the keys to smooth renewals.

Common Reasons for Rejection (and How to Avoid Them)

Startup Visa: An Alternative Path

If the ¥30 million capital requirement is out of reach, consider the Startup Visa program launched in January 2025. This program allows you to:

• Reside in Japan for up to 2 years without meeting standard capital and office requirements
• Work with 26 participating municipalities that provide startup support
• Develop your business to the point where you can qualify for the full Business Manager Visa

As of mid-2024, over 716 individuals had obtained residency through startup visa programs, with approximately 359 (50%) successfully transitioning to the Business Manager Visa — making it a viable pathway for early-stage entrepreneurs.

For insights on costs and financial planning as a foreigner in Japan, see our Complete Guide to Cost of Living in Japan. You might also find our Complete Guide to Taxes in Japan for Foreigners essential reading once your business is established.

For additional context on entrepreneurship and immigration pathways in Japan, IT転職 (Ittenshoku) offers resources on building a professional career in Japan. The KPMG Flash Alert on Japan's Business Manager Visa reforms provides an authoritative overview of the 2025 changes from a global professional services perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Business Manager Visa application take? From starting company incorporation to receiving visa approval typically takes 3–6 months. The COE review alone takes 1–3 months. Planning for 6 months is safest.

Can my spouse work on a dependent visa while I hold a Business Manager Visa? Your spouse can enter Japan on a Dependent Visa but will need a separate work permit to work. They can apply for permission to engage in activity outside their permitted status.

Can I hire myself as the full-time employee? No. The required full-time employee must be distinct from the visa applicant/business manager and must be a Japanese national or holder of unrestricted work status.

What if my business fails after I get the visa? You must maintain genuine business activity to renew. If your business closes or becomes dormant, you must either restart a new qualifying business or change to a different visa status.

Are there professional consultants who can help with the application? Yes. Licensed immigration attorneys (gyoseishoshi) and visa consultants specialize in Business Manager Visa applications. Services range from ¥150,000 for individual application support to ¥660,000+ for a full company incorporation plus visa package. For detailed requirements and document checklists, see ACROSEED's Business Manager Visa Guide.

Starting a business in Japan is a significant commitment, but for those who qualify, the Business Manager Visa opens the door to one of the world's largest and most dynamic economies. The key is thorough preparation: secure your capital, find your office, hire your employee, and build a business plan you can defend under scrutiny.

For more on life as a foreigner running a business in Japan, explore our Complete Guide to Banking and Finance in Japan and our Complete Guide to Daily Life in Japan for Foreigners.