Japan Business Manager Visa Guide

経営・管理ビザ申請ガイド

The Business Manager visa (経営・管理) allows foreign nationals to start, operate, or manage a business in Japan. This guide covers the requirements, application process, and tips for success.

Who Is This Visa For?

• Entrepreneurs starting a new business in Japan
• Executives and managers of existing companies
• Investors managing their business operations in Japan
• Branch office managers of foreign companies

Key Requirements

1. Capital Investment (資本金)

• Minimum 5 million yen (approximately $35,000 USD) in capital
• OR employ 2 or more full-time workers who are Japanese nationals or permanent residents
• Capital must be in the company's Japanese bank account

2. Office Space (事務所)

• A dedicated office separate from your residence
• Must be a commercial property (not residential)
• Co-working spaces may not be accepted — confirm with Immigration
• Lease agreement must be in the company's name

3. Business Viability

• A clear and realistic business plan
• Evidence that the business will generate revenue
• Sustainability for the visa period

4. Management Role

• You must be involved in the management of the business
• Simple investment without active management does not qualify

Required Documents

Company Formation Documents

1. Company registration (登記事項証明書) — After incorporating in Japan
2. Articles of incorporation (定款) — Notarized
3. Business plan (事業計画書) — Detailed 3-5 year plan
4. Profit and loss projection — For at least 1 year
5. Office lease agreement — Commercial property
6. Office photos — Interior and exterior
7. Bank statements — Showing capital deposit

Personal Documents

8. Application form — COE form or Change of Status form
9. Passport — Current valid passport
10. Photo (4cm x 3cm)
11. Resume (履歴書) — Business and education history
12. Degree certificates (if applicable)
13. Previous business experience — Documents proving management experience

Financial Documents

14. Personal bank statements — Proving source of capital funds
15. Tax certificates (if already in Japan)
16. Source of funds explanation — How you accumulated the capital

Business Plan Requirements

Your business plan should include:

1. Executive summary — What the business does and why
2. Market analysis — Target market in Japan, competition
3. Revenue model — How you'll make money
4. Financial projections — Revenue, costs, profit for 3+ years
5. Hiring plan — Expected employees and their roles
6. Marketing strategy — How you'll acquire customers
7. Your qualifications — Why you're the right person to run this business

Important: The business plan is one of the most scrutinized documents. Be realistic and detailed.

Company Types in Japan

Kabushiki Kaisha (株式会社 / KK)

• Most common and prestigious company type
• Minimum capital: 1 yen (but 5M yen needed for visa)
• Registration cost: ~200,000-300,000 yen
• Preferred by Immigration

Godo Kaisha (合同会社 / GK)

• Similar to LLC
• Simpler formation, lower registration costs (~60,000-100,000 yen)
• Accepted for Business Manager visa
• Less prestigious but perfectly functional

Application Process

From Outside Japan

1. Register a company in Japan (through an agent or lawyer)
2. Secure an office and deposit capital
3. Apply for COE — Your agent submits at Immigration
4. Receive COE (1-3 months)
5. Apply for visa at Japanese embassy in your country
6. Enter Japan and begin operations

From Inside Japan (Changing Status)

1. Register a company while on your current visa
2. Secure office and deposit capital
3. Apply for Change of Status at Immigration Bureau
4. Receive new residence card (1-3 months)
5. Begin operations under new status

Processing Time

Visa Duration and Renewal

• Initial visa: Usually 1 year
• Renewal: 1, 3, or 5 years depending on business performance
• Renewal requirements: Business must show activity and viability

What Immigration Checks at Renewal

• Company tax filings — Is the business operating?
• Revenue and expenses — Is it generating income?
• Employee records — Are workers properly hired?
• Office still exists — Is the office maintained?
• Your involvement — Are you actively managing?

Common Challenges

1. Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Japanese banks are notoriously difficult for new foreign-owned businesses. Tips:

• Try multiple banks (Shinsei, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho)
• Have a Japanese co-signer if possible
• Bring your full business plan to the bank meeting
• Consider starting with Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ) which is more accessible

2. Finding a Commercial Office

• Landlords may require a Japanese guarantor
• Guarantor companies (保証会社) can help
• Virtual offices are generally NOT accepted for visa purposes
• Shared offices may or may not be accepted — confirm before signing

3. Proving Source of Funds

Immigration wants to see that your 5M yen capital is legitimately sourced:

• Personal savings — Bank statements over time
• Previous business income — Tax returns
• Family support — Documented gifts or loans
• Investment returns — Brokerage statements

Tips for Success

1. Hire a professional — An immigration lawyer (行政書士) or judicial scrivener (司法書士) can dramatically improve your chances
2. Realistic business plan — Overly optimistic projections raise red flags
3. Proper office — Don't cut corners on office space; it's heavily scrutinized
4. Capital in bank before applying — Must be deposited, not just promised
5. Learn basic Japanese — Not required but shows commitment and helps operations

Cost Summary

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