How to Obtain a Business Manager Visa in Japan

Requirements for a Business Manager Visa

To obtain a Business Manager Visa in Japan, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Physical Business Office – A dedicated office space (excluding residential addresses and virtual/shared offices) is required.
2. Minimum Investment of 5 Million JPY – The applicant must invest at least 5 million JPY.
3. Valid Business Plan – A well-structured business plan, written in Japanese, demonstrating business sustainability.
4. Relevant Business Experience – The applicant must have experience in the industry of their startup.
5. Business Partner in Japan – If applying from overseas, a co-representative or partner residing in Japan is necessary.

1. Securing a Physical Business Office

A physical business office is mandatory for a Business Manager Visa. The office must meet the following conditions:

✅ Accepted Offices:

• Corporate-leased office space
• Private rental office (with an independent room)
• Incubation office (if it has dedicated office space)

🚫 Not Accepted:

• Residential apartments, even large ones
• Monthly rental apartments
• Virtual offices
• Office name-lending arrangements
• Shared office spaces without a dedicated room
• Vehicles (e.g., trailer offices)

Additionally, the lease agreement must be in the company’s name with a business purpose specified (not residential use). The office should have essential equipment, such as desks, computers, printers, and storage.

2. Capital Investment Requirements

A minimum capital investment of 5 million JPY is required for a Business Manager Visa. The applicant must personally invest this amount—funds from business partners or co-founders do not count towards the requirement.

Key Considerations for Capital Investment:

• Bank Financing: Japanese banks may require applicants to have sufficient personal funds to secure additional financing.
• Tax Benefits: If the initial capital is under 10 million JPY, the company is generally exempt from consumption tax for the first two years.
• Industry-Specific Capital Requirements: Some industries (e.g., staffing agencies) may require higher capital investments.
• Source of Funds: If capital is borrowed from family abroad, official documentation proving the relationship, loan agreements, and remittance records are required.

3. Business Sustainability & Planning

Applicants must submit a detailed business plan in Japanese to the Immigration Bureau. The plan should cover:

• Business model and revenue strategy
• Market research and competition analysis
• Financial forecasts and budget planning
• Growth strategy and hiring plans

💡 Important Note: There is no interview process, so the business plan must clearly demonstrate viability and long-term sustainability.

Visa Renewal & Business Performance

For visa renewals, financial performance will be examined. If the company is running at a deficit, a new business plan may be required to justify continued operations.

4. Business Experience Requirement

The immigration review process has become stricter in recent years. Applicants must provide:

• Education & Career History – Evidence of qualifications and past business experience.
• Reason for Starting the Business – A clear explanation of why the applicant is launching the company in Japan.
• Supporting Documents – Contracts, partnership agreements, and financial projections to substantiate the business plan.

5. Business Partner Requirement (If Applying from Overseas)

If you are applying from abroad, a business partner or co-representative director residing in Japan is necessary. This person must:

• Be a Japanese citizen, permanent resident, or current Business Manager Visa holder.
• Have a registered address in Japan (住民票/Juminhyo).
• Hold a Japanese bank account to facilitate the company registration process.

Steps to Establish the Company with a Business Partner:

1. The business partner registers the company in Japan.
2. The partner contracts the office lease and applies for any necessary business licenses.
3. After the visa is granted, the partner resigns as co-representative, if necessary.

Application Processing Time & Approval Flow

The typical processing timeline for a Business Manager Visa is around 3 months, but additional document requests can extend this period.

Visa Application Process:

1. Business planning and preparation
2. Company establishment (2-4 weeks)
3. Obtaining business licenses (if required)
4. Preparing visa application documents
5. Submitting application to the Immigration Bureau
6. Immigration review (approx. 3 months)
7. Additional document requests (if necessary)
8. Notification of approval or rejection

📌 Total estimated timeline: 4-5 months

Case Studies: Successful Business Manager Visa Applications

• YouTube consulting company
• Hospitality & Minpaku (guesthouse) business
• IT services & software development
• E-commerce startups
• Food import/export business
• Student transitioning from a Student Visa to a Business Manager Visa
• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP-1c) entrepreneurs

Additional Resources

• How long can I stay in Japan after getting my Business Visa?
• Guide to extending a Business Manager Visa
• What to do if your application is rejected
• Can two foreign nationals jointly apply for a Business Manager Visa in Japan?

For professional assistance with your Business Manager Visa application, contact Continental Consulting today!