This page explains the conditions for obtaining a Business Manager Visa, the documents required for application, and the procedure for obtaining a Business Manager Visa.
What is a Business Manager Visa?
The Business Manager Visa is a visa (status of residence) granted to foreigners who engage in business activities in Japan.
Specifically, the following people qualify:
- CEO of corporations
- Directors, department heads, factory managers, etc. of listed companies
Requirements for Business Manager Visa ①【Capital】
You must meet one of the following requirements:
- Capital must be 5 million yen or more
- Employ two or more Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
In reality, the overwhelming majority of cases require a capital of 5 million yen.
Requirements for Business Manager Visa ②【Office】
Separate space required
As an office requirement, you must secure a separate space. In principle, you cannot rent part of another company’s office to use as your own office.
If you absolutely must rent part of another company’s office, you must create a shared space and design the layout so that you can enter and exit your own office from the outside through the shared space. In other words, you must be able to enter and exit your own office without passing through the other company’s space at all.
When using your home as an office
It’s OK to use your home as an office if you can prove the following:
- The home and office areas are clearly separated
- There is an entrance for the home and an entrance for the office
- There is an office sign and a dedicated mailbox
- There is an agreement regarding the payment of electricity and water bills (preferably separate electricity and water contracts for the home and the office)
- If the home is rented, the landlord must acknowledge that it is a home and office
When renting a store
A dedicated space is required within the store to carry out business activities. Since this is just an office space for one manager, it doesn’t have to be small, but a separate space is required.
To give an idea of the space, it is necessary to have something like the back yard of a convenience store.
If it is difficult to secure a separate space, please rent a other office.
Documents required for applying for a Business Manager Visa
When applying for a business manager visa, you must submit the following documents.
- Application for permission to change status of residence (if changing from another visa)
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (if inviting from overseas)
- Passport photo (taken within the last 3 months, 4cm x 3cm)
- Business plan
- Certificate of registered matters
- Copy of articles of incorporation
- Annual investment amount explanation
- Shareholders list
- Minutes of general shareholders meeting to determine directors’ remuneration
- Copy of bankbook in company name
- Copy of resolution on appointment of directors at time of establishment and location of head office
- Company profile *Includes names of officers, business details, and major business partners
- University graduation certificate (if you have graduated)
- Document certifying Japanese language proficiency (if you can speak Japanese)
- Statement of reasons for application
In addition, the following documents are required for new companies:
- Documents that can prove the capital investment formation process
- Company photos
- Copy of the building lease agreement for the office or business *If you own real estate for the office, you will need a “Certificate of Registration”
- Contract documents regarding utility fees, internet lines, etc. for the office or business
- Documents submitted to the tax office
Frequently asked questions about business management visas
Does a large amount of capital increase the chances of getting a visa approved?
Legally, there is no relationship between the amount of capital and the approval rate. However, the higher the capital, the higher the approval rate. I have never heard of a case where a company with capital of over 10 million yen was denied approval.
How much should the representative be paid?
There are no rules regarding the representative’s executive compensation. However, when renewing your visa one year later, it is recommended that you have at least 3 million yen as a guideline.
If a capital investor lives overseas, do they need to come to Japan to complete the procedures?
Investors of capital do not need to come to Japan. However, proof of remittance from overseas is required, so please have the remittance sent from a bank. If you bring cash with you, please make sure you know who brought it and when.
Can elderly people obtain a business manager visa?
If the person is running a company in their home country or has run a company in the past, age does not matter. Depending on the size and sales of the company, there is a good chance that they will be able to obtain a business manager visa.
How long does it take to apply for a Business Manager Visa?
According to the Immigration Bureau, it takes about 3 months from application to receiving a result for a Business Manager Visa. However, this is just the official statement, and in reality it may take longer or shorter.
Usually, those with favorable conditions, large companies will receive a result quickly.
Business/management visa application support
Our Office provides comprehensive support for obtaining business manager visas.
＜What’s included in the service＞
- Compiling a complete set of application documents
- Creating business plans and income/expense plans
- Negotiating with government agencies, acting as an agent for applications, and handling amendments
- Consulting on obtaining a business manager visa
- If the person in question is overseas, providing support for coming to Japan
Examples of business manager visa approvals
Here are some cases where we have supported clients in obtaining business management visas.
| Nationality | Business details |
| USA, China, Vietnam, etc. | Interpretation and translation |
| India, Sri Lanka, etc. | Automobile Exports |
| Korea | Export of daily necessities and cosmetics |
| China | Real estate investment business |
| HongKong | language school |
| Sri Lanka, etc. | Automobile Exports |
| Korea | restaurant |
| Indonesia | Transportation business |
| Myanmar | System development |
| Vietnam | Vietnamese Grocery Store |
| Germany | Japanese branch of a foreign company |
|
China, Taiwan, Korea, etc. |
Real estate rental business |
| Mongolia, China, Thailand, and many others |
Recruitment business |
| Vietnam, Myanmar, and many others |
Internet line sales agent |
| China |
Guesthouse |
| China |
Passenger car transport industry |
