The Business Manager (経営・管理) visa allows foreigners to establish and operate a business in Japan. It’s the path for entrepreneurs, investors, and company directors who want to build something in Japan.
Who Is This Visa For?
- Foreigners starting a new company in Japan
- Foreign nationals managing or directing a Japanese company
- Business owners relocating their operations to Japan
Core Requirements
1. Establish a Legal Business Entity
You must set up a Japanese company before applying — typically a 株式会社 (Kabushiki Kaisha / KK) or 合同会社 (Godo Kaisha / GK).
- KK (similar to corporation) — more prestigious, costs ¥200,000–300,000 to establish
- GK (similar to LLC) — cheaper to set up (¥60,000–100,000), less recognized by Japanese clients
2. Capital Requirement
Minimum ¥5,000,000 (¥5M) in paid-in capital. This is not necessarily your entire investment — it’s what’s registered.
3. Business Office (事務所)
You must have a dedicated physical office in Japan — not a virtual office or home address in most cases. A legitimate registered address (e.g., shared office with your name on the door) is usually acceptable.
4. Business Viability
Immigration will assess whether your business plan is realistic and sustainable:
- Business plan in Japanese
- Revenue projections
- Proof of clients or contracts (if any)
- Market research
5. Management Role
You must be actively managing the company — not just a shareholder. Your title should reflect actual management responsibility (代表取締役, Director, Manager).
Employee Requirement (for 1-person businesses)
If you are the sole person in the company, you need to demonstrate your business can support itself. Immigration may look more favorably on businesses that:
- Have at least 2 full-time Japanese employees, OR
- Have ¥5M+ capital and a credible business plan
One-person operations are possible but require stronger documentation.
Application Process
Step 1 — Establish Your Company
Work with a 司法書士 (judicial scrivener) to file company registration. Costs ¥100,000–300,000 in professional fees plus registration fees.
Step 2 — Set Up an Office
Sign a lease for a dedicated business address. Keep all documents.
Step 3 — Open a Corporate Bank Account
Japanese banks require existing business records — this can be a chicken-and-egg problem for new companies. GMO Aozora Bank and some online banks are more accessible for new companies.
Step 4 — Prepare Your Application
Documents typically needed:
- Business plan (in Japanese)
- Company registration documents (登記事項証明書)
- Financial statements or initial capital proof
- Office lease agreement
- Your passport and current visa
- CV and professional background
Step 5 — Apply at Immigration
Apply at your regional Immigration Services Agency. Processing: 1–3 months.
Visa Duration and Renewal
- Initial grant: 1 year (renewable)
- After demonstrating business success: 3 years or 5 years
- Can lead to Permanent Residency if maintained for 10 years (or faster with HSP points)
Costs to Expect
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Company registration | ¥200,000–400,000 |
| Legal / visa consultant fees | ¥150,000–400,000 |
| Office (shared/registered) | ¥10,000–50,000/month |
| Minimum capital required | ¥5,000,000 |