Processing Time for the Japan Business Manager Visa

The processing time for the Business Manager Visa in Japan varies depending on the specific case and the Immigration Services Bureau handling the application. Currently, at the Tokyo Immigration Services Bureau, the review period can take more than six months. This extended timeline can significantly impact business planning for foreign entrepreneurs.

Key Point 1: You Must Prove That You Meet All Requirements

Applications that fail to clearly satisfy the Business Manager Visa requirements, or that raise any doubt as to eligibility, tend to face longer examination periods. To ensure smoother processing, applicants must be able to demonstrate—through clear and verifiable documentation—that all visa conditions are fully met.

However, determining whether your evidence is sufficient often requires professional expertise. Immigration lawyers and certified Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi) familiar with immigration law can provide crucial guidance to strengthen your application package.

Key Point 2: You Cannot Operate Your Business During Visa Screening

While your Business Manager Visa application is under review, you are not allowed to engage in business activities until the visa is officially approved. In other words, your newly established company cannot conduct normal operations during this time. Meanwhile, ongoing expenses such as office rent and personnel costs will continue to accumulate.

For companies facing a review period exceeding six months, this pause in operations can pose a serious financial burden.

Options for Applicants Already in Japan

For foreign nationals already residing in Japan under another visa status, this situation can be especially difficult. In such cases, two possible strategies are:

• Option 1: Return to your home country and wait for the examination to conclude.
• Option 2: Apply for a Startup Visa (Designated Activities No. 44) first, and later change your status to a Business Manager Visa.

The Startup Visa allows you to conduct business activities during the preparation period before switching to the Business Manager Visa. However, it requires multiple visa changes and may involve interviews or meetings with local government officials—such as those in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government—adding complexity to the process. Ultimately, the best choice depends on each applicant’s individual circumstances.

How to Shorten the Examination Period

To help shorten the processing time, applicants should ensure that:

• All Business Manager Visa requirements are clearly met and supported by documentation.
• All application materials are complete, consistent, and free from errors or omissions.
• The business plan is well-structured, realistic, and supported by evidence that substantiates the proposed business model.

Preparing such a package can be challenging without professional assistance. While private agents may offer support, many are not fully familiar with the Immigration Services Bureau’s legal and procedural practices. Therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants consult an experienced Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) who specializes in immigration procedures before submitting their application.

Conclusion

The Business Manager Visa examination process in Japan requires patience, precision, and professional preparation. By ensuring your application is complete, well-documented, and compliant with all legal standards, you can minimize delays and increase the likelihood of approval.

For expert assistance in preparing your Business Manager Visa application, contact Continental Immigration for a consultation.