Japan Business Manager Visa

Designed for foreign nationals aiming to build and operate businesses in Japan

Processing Time

5-8 months

Status Type:

Temporary Residents

Investment Requirement:

30 million JPY or more

Residency Requirement:

No mandatory requirement; however, applicants are advised to reside in Japan for at least six months annually; extended stays abroad may result in renewal being refused due to lack of active business operations

Language Requirement:

JLPT N2 or higher

Project Overview

The Business Manager Visa is granted to foreign nationals who establish and manage a company in Japan or oversee the operations of an existing business. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including securing an office, building a staffing structure, planning finances, and preparing a comprehensive business plan.

Project Advantages

Extended stay in Japan
- Stay in Japan for 1 to 5 years, depending on your business plan and application strength
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Permanent residency is generally available after 10 years of continuous residence, including at least 5 years under work or resident status.
- If the applicant qualifies under Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points, permanent residency may be granted much sooner (i.e., 3 years with 70 points or 1 year with 80 points)
Family benefits
- Spouses and dependent children can typically obtain Dependent visas, allowing them to study and, with permission, work part-time.
Multiple-entry convenience
- The visa usually permits multiple entries, enabling applicants to leave and return to Japan as needed

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years old (28+ recommended)
Japanese-language proficiency
- JLPT N2 or higher
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test 400+
- 20+ years of residence in Japan
- Graduation from a Japanese university or vocational school
- Completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from high school
Applicant must meet one of the following:
- Hold a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in management or a related field
- Have 3+ years of experience in business management or as a manager

Business Requirements:

Minimum investment of 30 million JPY
Business plan must be verified by a certified professional (SME consultant, CPA, or licensed tax accountant)
Dedicated office in Japan meeting revised standards for scale and continuity

Application Process

Create a detailed, consistent business plan that demonstrates feasibility and continuity
- The plan must be verified by a certified professional
Secure investment and documentation
- Ensure a minimum investment of 30 million JPY
- Prepare supporting documents, including consistent bank records, proof of working capital, and clear source of funds
Establish the Company (if not already existing)
- Prepare and notarize the Articles of Incorporation
- Deposit the capital into a bank account
- Register the company with Japan’s Legal Affairs Bureau
Apply for any required business licenses or permits based on your industry
Prepare application
- Prepare all materials needed for the visa application, such as notarized papers, proof of education, language proficiency, and other required documents
Submit the complete application to Japan’s Immigration Bureau
Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, obtain the visa from the local Japanese embassy and enter Japan