Business Manager Visa: Required Documents and Application Process Explained

The Business Manager Visa is considered one of the more challenging work visas to obtain due to its nature, and the documents required at the time of application vary depending on each applicant’s individual circumstances.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the required documents for the Business Manager Visa, organized by category.

Links to relevant pages on the Immigration Services Agency’s official website are also included for reference.

Differences in Required Documents Based on Categories Defined for the Business Manager Visa

When confirming the documents required for a Business Manager Visa application, it is essential to first understand the “categories” defined under the Certificate of Eligibility system.
The documents required differ depending on whether the applicant falls under Category 1, 2, 3, or 4.

What Are the “Categories” in the Business Manager Visa?

The “categories” used in Business Manager Visa applications classify the organization or institution involved based on its size and operational status.
For example:
・Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange or mutual insurance companies fall under Category 1.

・Organizations not in Category 1 but whose Withholding Tax Report (previous year) shows withholding tax of 10 million yen or more fall under Category 2.
These classifications are defined in detail on the Immigration Services Agency’s official website.

Below is a summary of Categories 1–4:
・Category 1: Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange, mutual insurance companies, national/local governments, independent administrative agencies, designated public corporations, etc.
・Category 2: Organizations or individuals whose Withholding Tax Report (previous year) shows withholding tax of 10 million yen or more.
・Category 3: Organizations or individuals able to submit the Withholding Tax Report (previous year) but not falling under Category 2.
・Category 4: Organizations or individuals not falling under Categories 1–3.

Required Documents Differ by Category

Foreign nationals applying for a Business Manager Visa—whether establishing a business in Japan or joining a Japanese branch of an existing organization—will fall under one of the four categories above.

Regardless of category, applicants must submit documents proving that the organization meets the criteria for that category, along with related supporting materials.

Below is an example list of documents required by category
(for new entry into Japan under this visa; renewal or change of status may require different documents)

▼Category-Based Required Documents (Example)

Required Documents Common to All Categories for the Business Manager Visa

When applying for the Business Manager Visa for the first time, certain documents are required regardless of which of the four categories the applicant falls under. Below is an overview of these common documents.
Please note that these are general requirements, and depending on the screening process or individual circumstances, additional documents may be requested or supplemental submissions may be required.

Certificate of Eligibility Application Form

Foreign nationals residing outside Japan who wish to newly obtain the Business Manager Visa and enter Japan must apply using the Certificate of Eligibility Application Form. This form requires basic personal information such as name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport validity period.
The form can be downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency’s official website:

Application for Change of Status of Residence

Foreign nationals already residing in Japan who wish to change their status to the Business Manager Visa must apply using the Application for Change of Status of Residence.
This form can be downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency’s official website:

Applicant’s Photo

One photo sized 4 cm × 3 cm is required.
The applicant must be facing forward, without a hat, and the photo must have been taken within the last six months. The photo is attached directly to the application form.

Self‑Addressed Return Envelope

Prepare one standard‑size envelope with the recipient’s address clearly written, and affix the required amount of postage for simplified registered mail.

Required Documents for “Business Operation Permits” Such as Restaurant or Food Manufacturing Businesses

If your Business Manager Visa application involves operating a business that falls under a “licensed industry” such as a restaurant, you must obtain the relevant business operation permit before applying for the visa.
This requires securing a tenant space, completing kitchen construction, and obtaining a Food Service Business Permit from the local Public Health Center.

Below are the basic documents generally required for a business operation permit.
If your business falls under a licensed category, review these documents alongside the Business Manager Visa requirements.

Common Documents Required for Business Operation Permits

・Application form for business operation permit
・Layout plan and equipment diagram
・Certified copy of corporate registry (for corporations)
・Water quality inspection report (if using storage tank water or well water)
・Documentation proving qualification of the Food Sanitation Supervisor (e.g., supervisor handbook)）

General Flow of the Business Operation Permit Process

Before construction begins, bring your facility plans and documents to the Public Health Center for a pre‑consultation with the food sanitation officer.
This consultation is usually free, but it is advisable to confirm by phone.

During pre‑consultation, the officer will check whether the planned construction meets facility standards and provide guidance.

If you have not yet arranged
・A Food Sanitation Supervisor
・Water quality testing (for storage tank or well water)
you should prepare these in parallel.

Once pre‑consultation is complete, you may submit the business operation permit application. The Public Health Center recommends applying about 10 days before the facility’s scheduled completion.

After submission, you will coordinate with the officer to schedule the facility inspection. If any issues are found, corrections must be made and a re‑inspection will be conducted.

Once the facility meets all standards, you will receive a notice of the scheduled permit issuance date. Bring your personal seal to the Public Health Center on that date to receive the permit.

After receiving the permit and obtaining approval for the Business Manager Visa, you may begin operations. Display the Food Sanitation Supervisor’s name tag in the facility and maintain compliance with the Food Sanitation Act. If any interior or equipment changes occur, notify the Public Health Center accordingly.

Flow of Procedures Leading Up to the Business Manager Visa Application

Based on the explanations above, the general preparation flow before applying for the Business Manager Visa is as follows.
This is a typical example; depending on your situation, consult an experienced attorney or administrative scrivener.

Securing an Office in Japan

The Business Manager Visa requires a business office separate from the applicant’s residence. Virtual offices (address‑only rentals) are not permitted, but rental offices with actual usable space are acceptable.

However, because the visa requires at least one full‑time employee, extremely small office spaces that cannot accommodate staff may be considered non‑compliant. Therefore, you must secure an office with sufficient space for actual business operations.

Company Establishment Procedures

Company establishment involves many steps: creating company seals, drafting and notarizing Articles of Incorporation (for corporations), filing registration, and submitting notifications to the tax office.

Both corporation (Kabushiki Kaisha) and LLC (Godo Kaisha) structures are common. LLCs do not require notarization of Articles of Incorporation and can be established more quickly.

Under the post‑October 2025 standards, capital of at least 30 million yen is required. To proceed smoothly with the visa application, it is advisable to establish the company with capital that already meets this requirement.

Creating a Sustainable Business Plan and Preparing a Business Overview

Immigration places strong emphasis on business stability and continuity.
Prepare a detailed business plan and a written overview clearly explaining
・Revenue structure
・Operational policies
・Business model
After the October 2025 amendment, a professional evaluation of the business plan (by a tax accountant, CPA, or SME consultant) is mandatory. This evaluation confirms feasibility and continuity from an expert perspective.

Obtaining Required Permits (for Licensed Industries)

If your business falls under a licensed category, you must obtain the relevant permit before applying for the visa.

Hiring a Full‑Time Employee (Post‑October 2025 Requirement)

Under the new standards, hiring at least one full‑time employee is mandatory.
Eligible full‑time employees include
・Japanese nationals
・Special permanent residents
・Foreign nationals with the following residence statuses:
“Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” “Long‑Term Resident”
Foreign nationals on work visas and the applicant themselves do not count.

Additionally, either the applicant or the full‑time employee must have B2‑level Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2 equivalent).
Accepted qualifications include
・JLPT N2 or higher
・BJT score of 400+
・20+ years of mid‑ to long‑term residence in Japan
・Graduation from a Japanese university
・Completion of Japanese compulsory education and high school

If the applicant does not meet the Japanese proficiency requirement, the full‑time employee must meet it.

Applying for the Business Manager Visa

Once all preparations are complete, gather the required documents described in this article and submit the application.

Practical Workflow from Company Establishment to Business Manager Visa Acquisition

As described above, obtaining the Business Manager Visa requires sequential steps: securing an office, establishing a company, preparing a business plan, obtaining permits, and hiring a full‑time employee.
However, under the new standards effective October 2025, it is often difficult to meet all requirements immediately after company establishment. Therefore, practical workflows increasingly involve longer preparation periods.
For example
・ Establish the company with available capital
・Use short‑term stays to begin business setup
・Gradually build operational structure
・Hire full‑time staff
・Accumulate business performance
・Raise additional capital
This staged approach allows applicants to eventually meet the new standards.

In reality, the process has shifted from
“Company establishment → immediate visa application”
to
“Company establishment → business foundation development → meeting requirements → visa application.”

Required Documents for the Business Manager Visa Are Highly Detailed and Vary by Requirement

When confirming required documents, first identify which category (1–4) applies to the organization or business. In addition to basic common documents, each category has specific requirements and detailed documentation standards.

Because the Business Manager Visa is considered one of the most difficult work visas to obtain, many applicants feel uncertain during preparation. If you are unsure about the procedures or required documents, please consult First & TandemSprint LPC. We provide careful support tailored to each individual situation.

Our firm offers free consultations regarding the Business Manager Visa.
We provide practical, experience‑based advice on questions such as
・“Does my situation meet the requirements?”
・“What additional documents should I prepare?”
Accurate requirement analysis and practical document preparation significantly affect screening outcomes.

We also provide end‑to‑end support for the staged process required under the post‑October 2025 standards:
Company establishment → business foundation development → meeting requirements → visa application

We assist with:・Capital accumulation
・Hiring full‑time employees
・Business plan development
・Building business performance
and other necessary preparations.

All staff members at First & TandemSprint LPC hold the Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) qualification and, under attorney supervision, possess expertise in visa applications, foreign employment, labor matters, and contract law.

Please feel confident consulting us.

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