How long stay in Japan after getting a Business VISA (for VISA RENEWAL)

2025年6月21日

約 7 分

How Long Must I Stay in Japan to Renew My Business Manager Visa?

No Specific Day Requirement, But a Justifiable Reason is Necessary for Short Stays.

Many foreign business owners run companies in multiple countries, requiring frequent travel. This raises the question of how long one must stay in Japan to renew a Business Manager Visa.

Japanese immigration law does not set a strict minimum stay requirement for visa renewal. However, if you spend limited time in Japan, you must provide reasonable justification proving active business management in the country. Additionally, financial records must demonstrate business continuity and sustainability.　Those who spend more than 100 days abroad per year are, in principle, only granted a one-year visa upon renewal.

Key Considerations for Business Visa Holders

If you plan to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) or Japanese citizenship in the future, continuous physical presence in Japan is required. Immigration authorities may not consider you as “continuously residing” in Japan if you:

Travel abroad for more than 2 to 3 consecutive months
Accumulate over 100 days of total overseas stays per year

Even if your Business Manager Visa is renewed, exceeding these travel limits may result in rejection when applying for PR or naturalization.

Practical Steps to Maintain Eligibility

To improve your chances of obtaining PR while managing a business across multiple countries:

Limit overseas trips to under 100 days annually
Avoid any single trip exceeding three months
Ensure financial statements reflect stable business operations in Japan

By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain eligibility for both Business Visa renewals and long-term residency options.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS VISAS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a minimum number of days I must stay in Japan to renew my Business Manager Visa?

No. Japanese immigration law does not specify a minimum stay requirement for visa renewal. However, if you spend only limited time in Japan, you must demonstrate that you actively manage the business (e.g., board minutes, client meetings, tax filings) and that the company remains financially stable.

Will frequent overseas travel affect my eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR)?

Yes. For PR or naturalization, immigration authorities expect continuous residence. As a rule of thumb, avoid single trips longer than three months and keep total annual overseas stays under 100 days. Exceeding these limits may jeopardize your PR application, even if your visa renewals remain unaffected.

What documents can prove active business management if I am often outside Japan?

Useful evidence includes recent financial statements, tax returns, board resolutions, client contracts, payroll records, and logs of Japan-based meetings. Providing a detailed itinerary of Japan visits alongside remote-management records (e.g., online meetings) can further strengthen your case.

Meet Our Expert

Masakazu Murai

With 18 years of investment banking experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Masakazu Murai has advised over 500 entrepreneurs and executives. He specializes in business visa applications, permanent residency consultations, and financial advisory for foreign entrepreneurs in Japan.