Chapter 1: [4‑Month Visa] Business Manager Visa Failure Cases and How to Avoid Them｜Extra Caution Under the New Rules

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Whether you are coming to Japan to start a new business or expanding an existing one, choosing the right visa category and setting a realistic timeline are critical. When applying for the Business Manager Visa, the current framework requires capital of JPY 30 million and at least one full‑time employee. With only a 4‑month short‑term visa as your preparation window, the risk of missing deadlines rises sharply.

This page uses real‑world patterns to explain common traps in the 4‑month Business Manager Visa route and how to avoid them, and it also clarifies when you should prioritise the Startup Visa. Sectors that require licenses—restaurants, beauty salons, real estate brokerage, travel agencies, construction—demand especially careful planning.

→ What is the Startup Visa? Who it’s for & the latest process

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Case 1: Restaurant opening — import delay on equipment

Mr. A planned to open a café on a 4‑month visa. Leasing and fit‑out went smoothly, but customs clearance for the coffee machine was delayed. The public health permit arrived with only two weeks left on his visa—too late to complete status change.

Sign a provisional lease before arrival.
Place equipment orders early and prepare a contingency for customs delays.
Use online pre‑consultation with the local health office.
Where possible, choose the Startup Visa to secure a longer preparation period.

Case 2: Beauty salon — qualification registration takes longer than expected

Ms. B planned a salon in Harajuku. Registering an overseas beautician licence in Japan required certified translation and verification (about three weeks). Combined with plumbing work and inspections, she ran out of time and the change of status was not approved.

Start licence registration before entering Japan.
Secure a premises that already meets equipment/utility requirements.
Lock in construction and inspection dates as early as possible.
Confirm whether your municipality includes beauty services in its Startup Visa scope.

Case 3: Real estate brokerage — hiring a dedicated Real Estate Transaction Agent (Takken-shi) was delayed

Mr. C planned a brokerage focused on the Chinese‑speaking market. The licence requires a full‑time Takken‑shi and a compliant independent office. Because recruitment began only after arrival, the licence took three months, and the visa change could not be completed in time.

Secure a Takken‑shi with a signed intent letter before arrival.
Choose an office that satisfies independence requirements (no shared reception, lockable space, signage possible).
Draft application forms in advance so the filing can start immediately.
Note: many municipalities do not include real estate brokerage in their Startup Visa menu—check first.

Case 4: Travel agency — key personnel and security deposit not ready

Mr. D aimed to register a travel agency. Hiring the responsible manager took one month; the overseas transfer for the security deposit added two more weeks. The registration certificate was not issued before the deadline and the status change failed.

Sign your responsible manager early.
Begin the security‑deposit transfer and bank review in parallel.
Process business registration and immigration status change at the same time.
The Startup Visa can provide the additional months you need.

Case 5: Construction — couldn’t secure qualified technical staff in time

Mr. E planned to launch a construction company. The licence requires both a management officer and a full‑time technical manager. Verifying credentials and obtaining certified translations took longer than expected; the permit was not issued within four months.

Confirm candidate qualifications and availability before arrival.
Translate and notarise proof documents in advance.
Build in time for possible amendments (supplemental filings).
Some municipalities exclude construction from Startup Visa coverage—verify early.

Practical advice & time management

Work backwards: status‑change screening typically takes 1.5–3 months. Aim to complete licences and prerequisites within the first two months after arrival.
Front‑load paperwork: complete translations, notarisation, and contract drafts while abroad.
Secure key personnel early: Takken‑shi, responsible managers, technical staff—sign intent letters or contracts in advance.
Run tasks in parallel: company set‑up, licence filings, and immigration procedures should proceed simultaneously.

Summary

The effective preparation window under a 4‑month visa is very short. Construction, hiring, funds movement, and government reviews each introduce delays. Under today’s rules—JPY 30 million capital plus one full‑time hire—the margin for error is even thinner. Teams that succeed typically have 80% of the work done before landing in Japan.

Unsure which path fits your case? If your industry requires licences or multiple hires, the Startup Visa—with 6 to 12 months of preparation time—often provides a more reliable route.

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