Business Manager Visa

The Business Manager Visa is Japan's primary investment-based residence status for foreign nationals who want to invest in and operate a business in Japan. It allows holders to start a new business, invest in an existing one, or manage a company on behalf of foreign nationals. The program underwent a major reform in October 2025, significantly raising requirements including a sixfold increase in the minimum capital investment.

• Minimum capital investment of JPY 30,000,000 (approximately USD 200,000) in the business
• At least one full-time employee
• Management experience of 3 or more years, OR a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in business management or a related field
• Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N2 level or higher (for the applicant or a full-time employee)
• Business plan verified by a certified professional (small/medium enterprise consultant, CPA, or licensed tax accountant)
• Physical office space (home offices and virtual offices are not accepted)
• Active engagement in business management (passive investment alone does not qualify)

• Certificate of Eligibility application form
• Passport copy and photograph (4cm x 3cm)
• Company registration certificate and articles of incorporation
• Professionally verified business plan
• Proof of capital investment (bank certificates, transfer records, source of funds explanation)
• Office lease agreement and photographs of premises
• Employment contracts and payroll records for full-time employees
• Educational credentials or proof of 3+ years management experience
• Japanese language proficiency certificate (JLPT N2/BJT 400+ or equivalent)
• Financial statements (for existing businesses)
• Industry-specific permits where applicable
• Representative Affidavit Form (代表者に関する申告書) for Category 3 and Category 4 applicants (required from April 15, 2026)

Initial grants are typically 1 year. Upon renewal, periods of 1, 3, or 5 years may be granted based on the business's stability and profitability. Renewal requires updated business financials, tax payment certificates, social insurance enrollment proof, and employee documentation. Starting June 2027, the government will deny status changes and renewals for residents delinquent on National Health Insurance or National Pension premiums. A 3-year transitional period through October 2028 allows existing holders who do not fully meet the reformed criteria to be assessed individually.

The business entity is typically established as a Kabushiki Kaisha (joint-stock company) or Godo Kaisha (LLC). The holder must be actively engaged in management -- simply investing capital without management involvement does not qualify. Shell companies or businesses without real operations will face scrutiny and potential denial. Co-working spaces are generally not accepted as the principal office. If the business is unprofitable for consecutive years, renewal may be denied, though short-term losses with a clear recovery plan may be accepted.

Spouse and dependent children may obtain Dependent status. Dependants receive the same period of stay as the principal applicant. Dependant visa holders may work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted. Parents, siblings, and other relatives are not eligible. Applications may be filed simultaneously with the principal applicant or separately afterward.

Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive national rates of 5-45%, plus 10% local inhabitant tax and a 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax liability. The business entity is subject to corporate tax at an effective combined rate of approximately 30-37% depending on size and income. Japan has tax treaties with over 80 jurisdictions.

Permanent residency may be applied for after 10 years of continuous residence in Japan (including at least 5 years under a work-related status). An accelerated path is available after 3 years if total investment is JPY 100,000,000 or more. Naturalization (citizenship) generally requires 5 or more years of continuous residence.

The standard process involves establishing a business entity in Japan, securing a physical office, hiring at least one full-time employee, having the business plan professionally certified, then filing a Certificate of Eligibility application at the regional immigration bureau. Processing typically takes 1-3 months for the COE, with the total process from incorporation to visa approval taking 3-6 months. Applicants already in Japan under another valid status may apply for a change of status directly. The Startup Visa pathway allows entrepreneurs to enter Japan first and prepare for up to 2 years before transitioning to Business Manager status.

• Fee cap increases (March 2026): The Cabinet approved a bill to raise statutory upper limits on immigration fees to JPY 100,000 for change of status/extension (from JPY 10,000) and JPY 300,000 for permanent residence (from JPY 10,000) -- the first major revision since 1982. Actual fee amounts will be set by Cabinet Order after Diet passage.
• Health insurance enforcement (June 2027): The government will deny status changes and renewals for foreign residents delinquent on National Health Insurance or National Pension premiums. Medical institutions will share nonpayment data with the Immigration Services Agency.