Business Management Visa: A Basic Guide and Key Points You Should Know

The “Business Manager” visa is the status of residence required for foreign nationals who wish to start a business in Japan or perform management duties at a business establishment in Japan.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the essential information and key points required when applying for a Business Manager Visa. Links to related articles are also included for your reference.

Business Manager Visa for Foreign Nationals | Overview of the Business Manager Visa

The “Business Manager Visa” is designed for individuals who engage in the management or administration of business operations in Japan.Since this visa is primarily intended for business owners, its requirements are extensive and can be difficult to understand for those who are unfamiliar with the application process.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the Business Manager Visa, covering its basic concepts, eligibility requirements, screening criteria, and key points to keep in mind.

The “Business Manager Visa” is one of 19 types of work visas

The Business Manager Visa is one of Japan’s work-related statuses of residence for foreign nationals.

Although its official immigration status is “Business Management,” it is commonly referred to as the “Business Manager Visa,” just as other work-related statuses of residence are often referred to as “visas.” For consistency and ease of understanding, this article also uses the term “Business Manager Visa.”

First, let’s briefly review Japan’s work visas, including the Business Manager Visa, in the table below.

The status of residence that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Japan while engaging in the activities listed above is commonly referred to as a “work visa.”

In the following sections, we will explain one of these work visas—the Business Manager Visa.

The Business Manager Visa is a work visa for foreign executives, managers, and entrepreneurs

The Business Manager Visa is a work-related status of residence for foreign nationals who wish to start or manage a business in Japan. It is intended for individuals who establish and operate a business—such as a trading company—or who engage in the management or administration of an existing business in Japan, including the Japanese branch of an overseas company. Because obtaining this visa often involves establishing a company in Japan, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its requirements and application process.
The Business Manager Visa was formerly known as the “Investor/Business Manager Visa.” Following amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in April 2015, the status of residence was renamed “Business Management,” and the requirements were revised accordingly. These amendments also expanded the available periods of stay and simplified certain application requirements, making the system more accessible to foreign nationals.

However, the amendments to the Ministerial Ordinance that took effect on October 16, 2025, significantly tightened the requirements to prevent abuse of the system and the use of shell companies to fraudulently obtain Business Manager Visas.

Under these amendments, the following requirements were introduced:
・Capital of at least JPY 30 million
・Employment of at least one full-time employee in Japan
・Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 for either the applicant or a full-time employee
・As a general rule, at least three years of management or administrative experience, or a master’s degree or higher in a related field
・An evaluation report prepared by a qualified expert to accompany the business plan

These revisions were introduced to more rigorously assess the legitimacy, feasibility, and sustainability of the business.
The Business Manager Visa is a work-related status of residence that allows foreign nationals to establish, manage, or administer a business in Japan, even if they do not hold a status of residence that permits unrestricted employment, such as Permanent Resident or Spouse of a Japanese National.

It is commonly used by individuals who wish to start a business in Japan, serve as an executive or manager of a Japanese company, or manage the Japanese branch of an overseas company.
Because the application process involves satisfying a number of legal and practical requirements, consulting an immigration professional can help ensure a smoother and more efficient application process.

A Business Manager Visa may be granted for one of the following periods of stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months, or 3 months.

A Business Manager Visa may be granted for one of six periods of stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months, or 3 months.

The period of stay is determined by the Immigration Services Agency based on the applicant’s circumstances and the details of the application. The requested period of stay is taken into consideration, but the final decision rests with the immigration authorities.

The 4-month period of stay is a special option intended for individuals who are preparing to establish a company or launch a business in Japan. It allows applicants to apply for a Business Manager Visa before the company has been incorporated. During this period, they can secure office space, complete the incorporation process, and make other necessary preparations before applying to extend their period of stay to a standard term, such as one year.

Before the current period of stay expires, holders may apply for an Extension of Period of Stay. The Immigration Services Agency will review the application, and if it is approved, a new period of stay will be granted.

Required Documents for the Business Manager Visa

When a foreign national applies for a Business Manager Visa for the first time and intends to enter Japan under this status, they must submit an Application for Certificate of Eligibility.
In contrast, individuals who are already residing in Japan and wish to change their status to the Business Manager Visa must file an Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence.

The specific requirements and necessary documents vary depending on the category of the application.

Applicants falling under Category 3 or Category 4 must submit additional documents. In particular, Category 3—where many applicants are classified—requires materials that verify the actual substance and continuity of the business. The main documents are outlined below.

▼Documents clarifying the applicant’s activities
・A copy of the articles of incorporation specifying executive compensation, or minutes of the shareholders’ meeting in which executive compensation was resolved
(for those assuming an executive position in a Japanese corporation)
・Documents issued by the affiliated organization specifying duties, position, duration, and compensation(for transfers to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation, or for assuming an executive role in a non‑corporate organization)
・Documents provided to employees under Article 15(1) of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of its Enforcement Regulations, clearly stating working conditions
(for those employed in Japan as managers)

▼Business plan evaluated by a certified professional
・A copy of a business plan evaluated by a tax accountant, certified public accountant, or small and medium enterprise management consultant

▼Documents clarifying the business activities
・A copy of the corporation’s Certificate of Registered Matters(or articles of incorporation if registration has not yet been completed)
Applicable whether the business is conducted through a Japanese corporation or a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation.
・A company brochure detailing the organization’s history, structure, capital, and business activities

▼Copy of the most recent fiscal year’s financial statements

▼ Documents proving that required licenses or permits have been obtained
・Explanatory statement for the application (reference format)
・A copy of the license or permit demonstrating that the required authorization has been obtained

▼Documents proving the existence of an office facility
・Certified copy of the real estate registry
・Lease agreement
etc.

▼Documents demonstrating the scale of the business
・Payroll documents and resident records proving that at least one full‑time employee is employed
・Balance sheet

▼Documents proving Japanese language ability
・Explanatory statement for the application (reference format)
・Resident record of the person with Japanese language ability
・Any of the following documents proving that the manager or full‑time employee possesses Japanese language ability:
A. Certificate of examination results or transcript
B. Documents proving identity and educational background of the person with Japanese language ability (e.g., graduation certificate)
・If the person with Japanese language ability is a full‑time employee: payroll documents

▼Documents proving the applicant’s background
If proving through academic background
Documents certifying possession of a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in a field related to business management or the business to be operated (degree certificate)
If proving through work experience
・Resume
・Certificate of employment, etc.

Business Management Visa for Foreign Nationals | Application Requirements (Revised October 2025)

A minimum capital of 30 million yen is required

Under the ministerial ordinance revision implemented on October 16, 2025, the minimum capital requirement was raised from 5 million yen to 30 million yen.
This change aims to prevent misuse of the system and the establishment of “nominal companies,” ensuring genuine business operations and job creation.

Applicants must provide objective proof showing how the capital was formed—whether it comes from accumulated past income, loans from relatives, or financing from a financial institution. Depending on the situation, appropriate documents such as income certificates, loan agreements, or bank remittance notices must be prepared.

Note that startup loan programs generally cover operating funds and do not provide loans that can be counted as capital. Therefore, such financing cannot be used to meet the 30‑million‑yen capital requirement.

Requirement of at Least Three Years of Management Experience or a Related Master’s Degree

This requirement ensures that the applicant possesses the expertise necessary to operate and manage a business.

Applicants must have:
・At least three years of practical experience in business management or administration, or
・A master’s degree or higher in a related field such as business administration, economics, or management.

Under the previous system, business owners were not required to have management experience.
However, the 2025 revision now requires even business owners to demonstrate a certain level of managerial experience.

If the applicant lacks sufficient experience, those with at least one year of management-related work experience may apply for a Startup Visa.
During the Startup Visa period, entrepreneurial preparation and business activities can be counted as management experience, allowing applicants to gradually build the required background for future Business Manager Visa eligibility.

Employment of at least one full-time employee

It is mandatory to employ at least one full-time employee in Japan.
A “full-time employee” must fall under one of the following categories:
・Japanese nationals
・Special permanent residents
・Foreign nationals with a status listed in Annex Table II of the Immigration Control Act
(Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident)

This means that the applicant themselves or foreign workers on work visas cannot be counted as full-time employees.
Therefore, securing an eligible full-time employee before submitting the visa application is essential.

Additionally, either the applicant or the full-time employee must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language ability.
For individuals other than Japanese nationals or special permanent residents, one of the following must apply:
・JLPT N2 or higher
・BJT score of 400 or higher
・20+ years of residence in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident
・Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
・Completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from high school

Even if the applicant does not meet the Japanese language requirement, it is acceptable as long as the full-time employee satisfies it.

Securing an office where full-time employees can perform their duties

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, the applicant must secure an office separate from their residence.
Virtual offices that merely provide an address without physical workspace are not accepted.
However, rental offices with actual usable space are acceptable.

Because the visa requires employment of at least one full-time employee, extremely small office units that cannot accommodate actual business activities may be deemed insufficient.
Therefore, an office with adequate space for real operations must be secured.

The business plan must be evaluated by an expert

For the Business Manager Visa, the specificity and feasibility of the submitted business plan are major points of examination.

Following the 2025 revision, the system now places greater emphasis on verifying the sustainability and profitability of the business.
The mechanism for objectively assessing whether the business plan is truly executable has been strengthened.

To confirm that the business plan is concrete, reasonable, and feasible, an evaluation by a professional with expertise in business management is required.

Currently, the recognized professionals are:
・Certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants
・Certified Public Accountants
・Tax Accountants

Management and Administration Visa for Foreign Nationals | Essential Background Information

Main Screening Criteria for the Management and Administration Visa

When applying for a Business Manager Visa—both for new applications and renewals—the Immigration Services Agency conducts a strict review based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The fundamental screening criteria are organized around assessing the continuity and stability of business operations in Japan.
When Applying for a New Business Manager Visa
In addition to securing a business office in Japan, applicants must employ at least one full-time employee. To ensure the substance of the business, applicants must also secure capital of at least 30 million yen.
Based on these prerequisites, the content of the business plan—demonstrating feasibility and profitability—becomes extremely important. The specificity and executability of the plan are central points of examination.

When Renewing an Existing Business Manager VisaThe review focuses on whether the applicant has been conducting business activities appropriately.
Specifically, applicants should submit documents showing business performance, such as:
・Sales records
・Transaction history
・Business activity reports
・Financial statements (preferably)
Tax payment status and enrollment/payment of social insurance are also key items. Proper compliance with these obligations serves as evidence of the business’s soundness and continuity.

Proof of Asset Accumulation Is Required

The ministerial ordinance revision implemented on October 16, 2025 significantly tightened the requirements for the Business Manager Visa, reversing the previous trend toward relaxed standards.
This revision aims to prevent misuse of the system and the establishment of “nominal companies,” ensuring genuine business operations and job creation.

As part of the revision, the minimum capital requirement was raised from 5 million yen to 30 million yen. Applicants must objectively prove the origin of the 30 million yen capital—how the assets were formed.
Whether the funds come from accumulated income, loans from relatives, or financing from a financial institution, the applicant must provide objective evidence.

Documents that may be required include:
・Income Certificate
Issued by the local government, showing annual income after deductions.
・Bank Remittance Notice for Overseas Transfers
A notice issued by the receiving financial institution when funds are transferred from overseas.
・Loan Agreement
A contract specifying loan amount, interest, repayment date, and repayment method.
・Customs Declaration for Carry-on or Unaccompanied Baggage
Submitted to customs upon entering Japan, listing items brought into the country.
・Bank Passbook from the Applicant’s Home Country
Showing deposits and withdrawals related to the capital.

New Screening Criteria Regarding Departure from Japan During the Period of Stay

The screening policy for overseas travel during the period of stay has also been significantly revised.

Previously, as long as the business was operating soundly and taxes were paid properly, long absences from Japan rarely resulted in denial of renewal.

However, under the revised standards, if the applicant leaves Japan for an extended period without a legitimate reason, it may be determined that they are not actually engaged in business management. In such cases, renewal will not be approved.

Even if the business is performing well, renewal will be extremely difficult unless the applicant’s actual involvement in management—while residing in Japan—can be confirmed.

Key Points to Keep in Mind When Applying for the Management and Administration Visa

In addition to the points explained above, applicants should also consider the following, based on past approval and denial cases:

・Business Sector in Japan
There are no specific restrictions on business sectors, but the business must be lawful and show continuity in the business plan.

・Source of Investment
Investment may come from either foreign or domestic sources.

・Non-Profit Activities Also Eligible
The Business Manager Visa covers both for-profit and non-profit business activities.

・Registration Requirements at the Time of Application
Registration is not required for sole proprietorships.
For corporations (e.g., KK, GK), registration is required.

・Number of Foreign Managers Allowed per Business
There is no fixed limit on the number of foreign nationals who can obtain a Business Manager Visa for a single business. However, the appropriateness of the number is reviewed each time.
Under the post-October 2025 standards, one manager per 30 million yen of capital is generally considered appropriate. If the number of managers is deemed excessive relative to the business scale, approval may be denied.
When multiple managers are involved, the necessity must be justified based on business scale, and each manager’s role, responsibilities, and compensation must be clearly defined.
If the applicant intends to bring family members to Japan in the future, a separate application for a Dependent Visa will be required.

Matters to Prepare Before Applying for a Management Visa

When applying for a Business Manager Visa, it is essential to prepare the following items in advance. The sections below explain each point in detail.

Incorporating a Company

To establish a Japanese corporation—such as a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK)—you must first prepare the articles of incorporation (teikan), which define the basic elements of the company. The articles must also include the business purpose, names and addresses of the founders, total number of authorized shares, and the value of contributed assets.
You must decide the company name in order to create the corporate seal, and determine the location of the head office. Although the founder’s residence may be used as the registered address, keep in mind that a separate business office is required when applying for the Business Manager Visa.

If the head office is registered in the same administrative district as the office you plan to rent after incorporation, you can avoid amending the articles of incorporation later.

Once the articles are notarized at the notary office with jurisdiction over the company’s head office (not required for GK), and the corporate seal is ready, the next step is payment of capital.

Capital is paid into the founder’s personal bank account. Foreign founders living in Japan can usually open a personal bank account without difficulty, but those living overseas may face challenges. Possible solutions include appointing a Japan‑resident founder and using their account, or obtaining a 4‑month Business Manager Visa, establishing residence in Japan, and then opening a personal account.

After capital payment, you must register the company at the Legal Affairs Bureau with jurisdiction over the head office. Registration typically takes about one week.

Once registration is complete, obtain the Certificate of Registered Matters and seal registration certificate, then proceed with required notifications to the tax office and local government—such as the corporate establishment notification, blue tax return application, municipal and prefectural notifications, and pension office filings.

Finally, open a corporate bank account if needed for business operations. Note that banks do not automatically approve account openings for newly established corporations; due to fraud prevention measures, banks conduct strict screening before deciding whether to open an account.

Obtaining Business Licenses (Food and Beverage Industry, Secondhand Goods Dealers, Vacation Rentals, etc.)

If your business requires a license or registration under Japanese law, you must complete the necessary procedures with the relevant authority.

Food Service License
Prepare documents such as the application form, facility layout plan, Certificate of Registered Matters, and water quality test results (if required). After submission, the public health center conducts a facility inspection. If deficiencies are found, approval is put on hold until improvements are made, which may delay the start of operations. If you have concerns about facility requirements, consult the public health center in advance with your layout plans.

Secondhand Dealer License
Prepare the application form, résumé, resident record, identity certificate, oath, and documents proving the right to use the business premises (e.g., lease agreement). Submit these to the police station (Community Safety Division, Crime Prevention Section). After submission, documents are reviewed. If deficiencies or unmet requirements are found, corrections or additional documents may be required, potentially delaying approval. If you have concerns about facility requirements (locks, management systems, etc.), consult the police station in advance.

Minpaku (Private Lodging) Registration
Prepare the lodging business notification form, building floor plan, fire safety compliance certificate (if required), and materials for explaining the operation to neighbors. Submit these to the prefecture or designated city under the Private Lodging Business Act.After submission, document review and on‑site inspections (if necessary) are conducted. Deficiencies may require corrections, delaying the start of operations. If you have concerns about fire safety equipment or zoning requirements, consult the fire department or local government in advance.

Hiring Full-Time Employees

Under the October 2025 revision, the Business Manager Visa clearly requires employment of at least one full-time employee. This is a crucial indicator that the business is genuinely operating in Japan and is one of the most heavily weighted screening criteria.

The required “full-time employee” must hold a status of residence without work restrictions, such as:
・Japanese national
・Permanent resident
・Spouse or child of Japanese national
・Spouse or child of permanent resident
・Long-term resident

Foreign nationals working under work visas (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) do not qualify as full-time employees for this requirement. Therefore, even if you employ multiple foreign staff, the requirement is not met unless you secure at least one full-time employee with an unrestricted status of residence.

To demonstrate actual full-time employment, you must provide:
・Employment contract
・Payroll records
・Social insurance enrollment and payment records

Because screening has become stricter after the revision, it is essential to design hiring timing, salary levels, and working conditions in detail during the business planning stage to ensure compliance with the requirement.

Alternatives to the Management Visa

Business Manager Visa explained in this article is a common option for foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan or for overseas corporate managers engaging in business operations in Japan. However, depending on the specific circumstances, other residence statuses may also be appropriate.
Below are several examples for reference.

・Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (Gijinkoku Visa)
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (hereinafter “Gijinkoku Visa”) is one of Japan’s primary work visas for foreign nationals employed by Japanese companies who utilize specialized knowledge or skills.

Eligible work categories include:
・Technical fields (IT engineers, system development, mechanical design, etc.)
・Humanities fields (accounting, general affairs, planning, marketing, legal affairs, etc.)
・International services (interpretation/translation, overseas business operations, language instruction, etc.)

In general, applicants must meet academic requirements such as university graduation or possess a certain level of relevant work experience.

A major difference from the Business Manager Visa is that the Gijinkoku Visa is a residence status for employees, not for individuals who operate their own business. Therefore, if you intend to establish a company and act as its owner or manager, the Business Manager Visa is generally required.
In particular, when working for a company operated by Japanese nationals or permanent residents, the Gijinkoku Visa may be easier to obtain than the Business Manager Visa.

・Intra-Company Transferee Visa

The Intra-Company Transferee Visa is another work visa distinct from the Business Manager Visa. It is required when an employee working at an overseas office is transferred to a Japanese office due to a personnel reassignment. Permitted activities fall under the scope of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, similar to the Gijinkoku Visa.

There are three major differences between the Intra-Company Transferee Visa and the Business Manager Visa:
1. Required Work Experience Abroad
Applicants must have worked at the overseas office for at least one year prior to transferring to Japan.

2. Scope of Permitted Activities
The Business Manager Visa is limited to activities performed by business owners or managers. The Intra-Company Transferee Visa only permits activities within the scope of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.

3. Requirements for the Japanese Office
For the Business Manager Visa, the suitability of the business premises—such as building structure and clear separation from a residence—is heavily scrutinized. For the Intra-Company Transferee Visa, it is generally sufficient to prove the actual existence of the Japanese office, without detailed structural requirements.

Practical Workflow from Company Incorporation to Obtaining a Management Visa

Following the October 2025 revision, the screening criteria for the Business Manager Visa were significantly updated. As a result, the traditional flow—“establish a company → immediately apply for the visa”—no longer applies in many cases.

In particular, the requirements for a 30 million yen capital structure and three or more years of management experience impose a substantial burden on many applicants, both domestic and overseas, and generally require considerable preparation time.

Securing one full-time employee is also a major hurdle, especially for applicants living abroad, due to distance, limited access to local information, and the practical difficulty of hiring remotely.

Given these circumstances, a more realistic approach after the revision is to:
・first establish the company with the capital amount that can be prepared at the current stage,
・keep the representative based overseas,
・and use short-term stays in Japan to gradually prepare for business operations.

During this preparation period, applicants can:
・hire full-time staff,
・build an operational structure capable of delegating tasks,
・raise additional capital,
・and accumulate business performance.

By doing so, they can eventually meet all requirements for the Business Manager Visa.

In other words, the post‑revision process for obtaining the visa has shifted from:
Company establishment → Immediate application

to a more realistic, phased approach:
Company establishment → Building the business foundation → Meeting requirements → Application.

Among Various Work Visas, the Management Visa Is Relatively Difficult to Obtain

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Business Manager Visa, a residence status available to foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan or to managers engaging in organizational operations within Japan.

The requirements and level of difficulty for obtaining the Business Manager Visa vary significantly depending on the applicant’s purpose, reasons for application, business scale, and business outlook. Among the 19 categories of work visas, the Business Manager Visa is generally considered one of the more challenging to obtain.

If the Business Manager Visa appears suitable for your situation but you find the requirements difficult to understand, or you are unsure which documents to prepare and how to prepare them, we encourage you to consult with a legal professional.

First & TandemSprint LPC offers free consultations regarding the Business Manager Visa.

Accurate assessment of eligibility and preparation of required documents—based on extensive practical experience—are crucial for Business Manager Visa applications and have a significant impact on the examination results.

At our firm, all staff members are licensed Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scriveners), and under the supervision of attorneys, we provide professional support in visa applications, foreign employment, labor matters, and contract-related legal issues. You can consult us with confidence.

Furthermore, following the October 2025 revision, the process now requires a phased approach:
“Company establishment → Building the business foundation → Meeting requirements → Business Manager Visa application.”

First & TandemSprint LPC provides comprehensive support throughout this entire process. We assist from the foundational stage—now especially important after the revision—including capital accumulation, securing full-time employees, strengthening the feasibility of the business plan, and building an operational structure. We accompany you through each step until all requirements are fully met. You may consult us at any stage of your journey toward obtaining the Business Manager Visa. As specialists, we are committed to supporting your business so it can take a confident and successful step forward in Japan.

The contents of this article are based on laws and information as of August 2026.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. We strive to provide accurate information; however, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the contents.

Author: ONO, Tomohiro
Attorney at Law
First & TandemSprint LPC