Do Foreign Nationals Appointed as Directors of a Japanese Company Need a Visa if They Reside Abroad?

A Business Manager Visa or Temporary Visitor Visa Is Required Depending on Whether the Director Receives Compensation.

Foreign Directors of Japanese Companies and Visa Requirements

With the spread of corporate governance reforms in Japan, particularly among publicly listed companies, the appointment of foreign nationals as directors has become increasingly common. This includes cases where individuals are appointed to the board of directors of a Japanese head office while continuing to reside and work overseas.

This raises an important question: What type of visa (Status of Residence) is required for non-resident foreign nationals who serve as directors of a Japanese corporation?

When a Business Manager Visa Is Required

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, if a foreign director is appointed to a Japanese company and receives compensation from that company—even if they only enter Japan occasionally for board meetings or internal coordination—they are required to obtain a Business Manager Visa.

This requirement applies even if the individual is based abroad and only visits Japan several times a year for a few days at a time. If compensation is paid from the Japanese company, a valid visa status for managerial activities is mandatory.

Additionally, under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, such individuals must submit a notification of their residential address in Japan. However, since these directors usually stay in hotels during short visits, and Japanese immigration authorities generally do not accept hotels as official residences, separate arrangements must be made. We assist with this on a case-by-case basis.

For those already residing in Japan under the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa and promoted to director-level positions, an immediate change to a Business Manager Visa is not required. It is generally acceptable to change visa status at the time of the next renewal.

When a Temporary Visitor Visa May Be Sufficient

If the foreign national serves as a CEO or executive of an overseas affiliate but does not hold an official executive or board role at the Japanese entity—and receives no compensation from the Japanese company—they may enter Japan using a Temporary Visitor Visa to attend meetings or conduct internal liaison activities.

For example, if the individual is a director of the Japanese head office but receives no compensation from Japan and is paid solely by the U.S. subsidiary, then short visits to Japan for board meetings may be permitted under a Temporary Visitor status.

If the applicant is from a visa-exempt country, the permitted duration of stay under a Temporary Visitor Visa varies by nationality. That said, brief visits for board meetings are generally permissible without issue.

➡️ Click here to learn more about Business Manager Visa requirements and compliance tips.

Professional Profile

Masakazu Murai
Masakazu Murai is a certified Immigration Lawyer and business consultant. He previously worked at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, a joint venture between MUFG and Morgan Stanley, advising on corporate finance, capital strategy, and M&A.

In addition to legal representation, he promotes diversity in the workplace and supports HR policy reform. He specializes in visa applications for foreign nationals and financial advisory services for corporate executives.

• Certified Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan