Business Manager Visa

Start or manage your business in Japan with the right visa status.

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No trips to immigration required

Introduction to the Business Manager Visa

The Business Manager Visa (formerly known as the Investor/Business Manager Visa) allows foreign nationals to start, operate, or manage a business in Japan. This visa category is designed for entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners who wish to conduct business activities in Japan.

Why Choose the Business Manager Visa?

  • Operate your own business in Japan
  • Full control over business operations
  • Path to permanent residence after meeting requirements
  • Bring your spouse and children to Japan on Dependent visas
  • Potential eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional visa with bonus points

Key Benefits of the Business Manager Visa

  • Business ownership: Legally own and operate a business in Japan
  • Long-term stay: Visa validity of 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable)
  • Family residence: Sponsor spouse and children for Dependent visas
  • No nationality restrictions: Available to citizens of any country
  • Multiple business activities: Engage in various permitted business operations

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Business Manager Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Business Requirements

  • Physical office: Secure dedicated business premises in Japan (not a virtual office or home office)
  • Capital investment: Total investment of at least 30 million yen (approximately USD 200,000), including capital, office costs, equipment, salaries, and operating expenses
  • Employment: Employ at least 1 full-time Japanese national, permanent resident, or long-term resident employee
  • Japanese language: The applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N2 (CEFR B2)
  • Professional business plan assessment: Business plan must be assessed by a certified SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant
  • Experience: 3+ years of management experience, or a master's degree / doctoral degree in a related field

Personal Requirements

  • No criminal record
  • Sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents
  • Clear business purpose and plan

Types of Businesses

The Business Manager Visa covers various business activities including:

  • Import/export trading companies
  • Restaurants and food service
  • Retail shops
  • IT and software development companies
  • Consulting firms
  • Real estate management
  • Manufacturing businesses

Application Process

  1. Company establishment: Set up your company in Japan (KK or GK)
  2. Office preparation: Secure office space and business equipment
  3. Document preparation: Gather all required documents and business plans
  4. COE application: Submit Certificate of Eligibility application
  5. Visa issuance: Obtain visa at Japanese embassy/consulate
  6. Entry and registration: Enter Japan and complete residence registration

Required Documents

  • Certificate of Eligibility application form
  • Passport copy and photo
  • Company registration documents (Tokibo Tohon)
  • Business plan
  • Office lease agreement
  • Proof of capital investment
  • Financial statements (for existing businesses)
  • Resume and educational certificates

Our Services

Oak Admin Office provides comprehensive support for your Business Manager Visa application:

  • Company incorporation (KK or GK)
  • Business plan preparation
  • Document collection and preparation
  • Certificate of Eligibility application
  • Post-approval support and compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a Virtual Office or Shared Address

Immigration requires a dedicated physical office space with a proper lease agreement. Using a virtual office, coworking space membership, or home address as your business address will almost certainly result in denial. The office must be exclusively used for your business and clearly identifiable as such.

Insufficient or Unverifiable Capital

The 30 million yen investment must be genuine, traceable, and properly accounted for. Immigration will verify the source of funds and how they have been allocated across capital, office costs, equipment, salaries, and operations. Borrowing money temporarily to meet the requirement, or failing to show a clear paper trail from the source of funds to the company, can lead to denial.

Weak or Unrealistic Business Plan

Your business plan is one of the most important documents in the application. Immigration examiners look for realistic revenue projections, a clear market analysis, and evidence that the business can sustain itself. Overly optimistic projections without supporting data, or vague descriptions of business activities, weaken the application considerably.

Not Understanding Renewal Requirements

Getting the initial visa is just the beginning. At renewal, immigration will review your company's actual performance against your business plan. If the company is not generating revenue, not paying taxes, or not operating as described, renewal may be denied. Maintaining proper bookkeeping and tax compliance from day one is essential.

Confusing Business Manager with Other Visa Categories

Not all business activities require a Business Manager Visa. If you manage investments but do not actively operate a business, different considerations apply. Choosing the wrong category leads to denial or complications at renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to start a business in Japan on a Business Manager Visa?

Following the October 2025 reform, the Business Manager Visa requires a total investment of at least 30 million yen (approximately USD 200,000), covering capital, office costs, equipment, salaries, and operating expenses. You must also employ at least one full-time Japanese national, permanent resident, or long-term resident employee. The investment must be genuine and verifiable — immigration will check that funds have been properly transferred and used for legitimate business purposes. Existing visa holders have a transition period until October 15, 2028 to meet the new requirements.

Can I use a virtual office for a Business Manager Visa?

No. Immigration requires a dedicated physical office space for Business Manager Visa applications. A virtual office, shared coworking desk, or residential address generally does not meet the requirement. The office must be a space exclusively used for your business operations, with a proper lease agreement in the company's name.

How long does it take to get a Business Manager Visa?

The overall timeline typically ranges from 3-6 months. Company incorporation takes about 2-4 weeks. After that, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application usually takes 1-3 months to process. Once approved, visa issuance at a Japanese embassy takes another 5-10 business days.

Do I need to incorporate a company before applying for the visa?

Yes, in most cases. You typically need to establish a Japanese company (KK or GK) before applying for the Business Manager Visa. The company registration documents are part of the required application materials. Oak Admin can assist with both company incorporation and the visa application.

What is the difference between a KK and a GK company in Japan?

A KK (Kabushiki Kaisha, 株式会社) is similar to a corporation and carries more prestige in Japan. A GK (Godo Kaisha, 合同会社) is similar to an LLC and has lower setup costs and simpler governance. Both are acceptable for a Business Manager Visa. Learn more about the differences on our company incorporation page.

Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa from outside Japan?

Yes. The typical process involves incorporating a company in Japan (which can be done remotely with a representative), applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, and then using the approved COE to obtain a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.

Can my spouse and children come to Japan with me?

Yes. Business Manager Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children for Dependent visas. Dependent visa holders can also work up to 28 hours per week with a Permission for Another Activity. Your family members' applications can be submitted alongside your own visa application.

What types of businesses qualify for a Business Manager Visa?

Most legitimate business activities qualify, including import/export, restaurants, retail, IT services, consulting, real estate, manufacturing, and more. The key requirement is that the business must be viable and sustainable. Some businesses may also require additional licenses and permits.

How often do I need to renew my Business Manager Visa?

The initial Business Manager Visa is typically granted for 1 year. Upon renewal, you may receive a 1, 3, or 5-year visa depending on your business performance, tax compliance, and overall stability. Immigration will review your company's financial statements, tax filings, and business activities at each renewal.

Can I get permanent residence with a Business Manager Visa?

Yes. Business Manager Visa holders can apply for permanent residence after meeting the standard requirements, typically 10 years of continuous residence. However, if you qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa with 70+ or 80+ points, you may be eligible for PR in as little as 1-3 years. Many business managers qualify for HSP points through their management experience, education, and salary.

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