1-year Business Manager Visa
There are various types of work visas (status of residence), but this “Business Manager Visa” has many differences from other visas.
In order for foreigners to obtain a “Business Manager” visa (also known as a Business Manager Visa) required to run and manage a company in Japan, they must meet the following clear conditions. In addition to the conditions below, immigration bureaus will rigorously examine the continuity, feasibility, and legal compliance of the business before deciding whether or not to grant the visa. In recent years, due to the rapid increase in paper companies, immigration bureau screening has become stricter every year. One of the characteristics of this visa is that the approval rate is lower than other visas.
Main requirements (as of 2025)
①Securing an independent business location
・A “clearly separated office” must be prepared in Japan.
・Virtual offices and properties that can be used as a home are generally not permitted.
②Investment of 5 million yen or more
・The applicant must make the investment. (Alternatively, if two or more full-time employees residing in Japan are employed, this investment condition will be waived.)
・The source of the investment, the process of raising funds, and the route of funds (submitting remittance records and bankbooks) must also be clearly stated.
③Continuity, stability, and appropriateness of the business
・Prove that it is a substantial business through business plans, income and expenditure forecasts, contracts, etc.
・Businesses that are expected to continue to be in the red and paper companies with no substance will not be permitted.
④Activities as a manager or administrator
・Applicants must act as the representative director, officer, or manager of a company.
・Activities that are primarily on-site work such as in restaurants are not eligible.
Examples of required documents
(In addition to these documents, you will need to submit many other related documents.)
・Application for Certificate of Eligibility
・Business plan (including 3-year income and expenditure forecast)
・Certified copy of company register (if already established)
・Office rental contract
・Remittance record of capital contributions and bankbook
・Resumes and work experience (if you have management experience)
Key points of the system reform in 2025 [Attention]
・Payments for stock acquisition rights are now recognized as capital investments.
・The scope of the start-up visa will be expanded nationwide, and support will be provided for starting businesses in rural areas.
・The initial period of stay may be extended from one year to two years.
This visa does not have any educational or work history requirements, but instead the substance and continuity of the business are strictly examined. In particular, the completeness of the business plan is the key to the examination.
If you are considering a business manager visa, it is safest and most expeditious to fully understand the features and points of this visa and consult with an expert before taking on the challenge.
4-month Business Manager Visa – 横山大輔行政書士事務所 （東京・新宿）