Understanding Japan’s Business Manager Visa

The Business Manager Visa is a type of work visa in Japan that allows foreigners to operate or manage a business. Previously known as the Investor/Business Manager Visa Japan, the name change was made to broaden eligibility, no longer requiring foreign capital involvement for all applicants.

While Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and spouses of Japanese nationals can freely engage in company management or serve as executives, foreigners need a specific visa type to do so. With the Business Manager Visa, non-residents can legally establish and operate a business in Japan.

If you’re considering managing a company in Japan for the first time, you might also want to review our article on Japanese work culture, as it differs significantly from Western norms.

What is the Purpose of a Business Visa in Japan?

The purpose of a business visa in Japan, specifically the Business Manager Visa, is to allow foreign nationals to launch, manage, or oversee a business. Unlike a short-term Japan business visa that permits temporary visits for meetings or conferences, this visa supports long-term residence for business activity.

Business Manager Visa Overview

Visa type: Long-term business visa in Japan
Initial duration: Typically one year, extendable up to five years depending on business performance
Also known as: Investor/Business Manager Visa Japan (former name)

Applicants must secure office space, meet capital or staffing requirements, and prove the viability of their business to the Immigration Services Agency.

Japan Business Visa Requirements

To obtain a business manager visa in Japan, you must fulfill several criteria:

1. Securing Independent Office Space

A key requirement is having a dedicated office in Japan. Shared or virtual offices are usually not acceptable. It must be a commercial lease with clear boundaries and signage.

2. Capital Investment or Staffing

Minimum investment: 5 million yen
OR: Employ two or more full-time staff (Japanese citizens or residents)

This capital requirement can now include paid-in stock options, if specific conditions are met (as of March 2024).

3. Demonstrating Business Viability

You must show:

A sound business plan
Expected income and expenses
Proof of potential for stability and continuity

These form part of the core Japan business visa checklist.

March 2024 Regulation Update

The Immigration Services Agency announced updates including:

Relaxing the capital requirement and office regulations
Extending the initial visa period from one to two years
These changes aim to make the business manager visa Japan more accessible, especially for startups and solo entrepreneurs.

Business Manager Visa Application Process

Here’s how to get a Japan business visa under the Business Manager category:

Step 1: Document Preparation

Prepare the following:

Business plan
Office lease contract
Proof of capital or staffing
ID, company registration, etc.

⏳ Time needed: 1–2 months

Step 2: Submit Application to Immigration Services Agency

Submit all documentation at your regional agency office.

⏳ Time needed: Few days to a week

Step 3: Application Review

The agency will evaluate business stability, office validity, and investment credibility.

⏳ Time needed: 1–3 months

Step 4: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This COE is a prerequisite for your visa application.

⏳ Time needed: 2–4 weeks

Step 5: Apply at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate

With the COE, apply at your nearest Japan embassy or visa/consular services abroad.

⏳ Time needed: Around 1–2 weeks
💵 Japan business visa fee: Varies by location and nationality (typically between 3,000–6,000 yen)

Step 6: Enter Japan and Start Business

Upon approval, enter Japan and receive your residence card.

Japan Business Visa for US Citizens

US citizens must follow the same application process. However, short-term business visits may not require a visa depending on the stay length and activity. For long-term business operations, they must apply for a business manager visa like any other nationality.

Japan Business Visa How Long Can You Stay?

Initial stay: Usually 1 year
Possible extensions: Up to 3 or 5 years depending on business performance and immigration review
For short-term business visa Japan how many days: Typically up to 90 days (requires separate application type)

Business Visa Japan Multiple Entry

The Business Manager Visa allows for multiple entry into Japan during its validity. It’s not a single-entry visa and permits ongoing travel for business purposes.

Different Types of Visa in Japan

Besides the Business Manager Visa, Japan offers various visa categories including:

Work visas (e.g., Engineer/Specialist, Instructor)
Student visa
Dependent visa
Cultural activities visa
Tourist visa
Short-term business visa

Understanding the different types of visa in Japan helps in selecting the correct path based on your business or professional goals.

Business Manager Visa Japan Cost

The total cost of obtaining a business visa in Japan includes:

Visa fee (3,000–6,000 yen)
Legal or scrivener services (optional but helpful)
Office rental, capital requirements, document translations, etc.

💼 Note: We offer support services in partnership with a reputable administrative scrivener firm in Japan.

Business Visa Japan Guarantee Letter

Some embassies may require a guarantee letter when applying for a Japan business visa, especially for short-term stays. This document is issued by the inviting organization or business partner in Japan and outlines their role in supporting the visitor.

How Can I Get Japan Business Visa?

To summarize:

Form a company in Japan
Meet investment or hiring requirements
Secure office space
Prepare and submit all documents
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
Apply through your local Japan embassy or consulate

Final Thoughts

Getting a business manager Japan Visa is a structured process that requires careful planning and documentation. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or setting up a branch office, understanding the Japan business visa requirements can help you navigate the process more effectively.

📩 Interested in applying or need help with a short-term business visa? Contact us today for a consultation.

The Business Manager Visa is a type of work visa that allows foreigners to operate or manage a business in Japan. Previously known as the “Investor/Business Manager Visa,” they changed the name to allow applicants to obtain it even without foreign capital involvement.

While Japanese citizens, permanent residents, and spouses of Japanese nationals can freely engage in company management or serve as executives in Japan, foreigners face restrictions based on their visa status. However, by obtaining the Business Manager Visa, foreigners can manage or run businesses within Japan. If it will be your first time running a business in Japan you may want to check our article on the Japanese Work Culture, as it is different from Western work culture.

Overall Timeline Summary

From document preparation to receiving the Business Manager Visa, the entire process can take approximately 3-6 months. Any down time during the application process may be a good time to learn Japanese, check our article on learning Japanese online. Factors such as the thoroughness of the initial application, the time taken for document preparation, and the review period by the Immigration Services Agency can influence the duration. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance, considering these timelines.

We are pleased to announce that our company can now offer services for clients who wish to stay in Japan for a short period, in partnership with a renowned administrative scrivener firm in Japan. If you are interested in a short-term stay in Japan, please contact us through the form below.

Key Points of the Article:

The Business Manager Visa is a work visa that enables foreigners to manage or operate a business in Japan.
The initial duration of the Business Manager Visa is generally one year, but you can extend it to two or three years upon renewal.
The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa include:
- Securing an independent office space
- A capital investment of 5 million yen or more, or the employment of at least two full-time staff.
- Demonstrating the stability and continuity of the business.
As of March 2024, you can include paid-in funds for stock options in the capital investment requirement if you meet certain criteria.
In 2024, the Immigration Services Agency plans to amend regulations to ease the requirements for securing an independent office and the 5 million yen capital investment, as well as to extend the initial visa duration from one to two years.