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Complete Guide to the Business Manager Visa｜From Acquisition to Renewal, Permanent Residency, and Family Stay

Complete Guide to the Business Manager Visa｜From Acquisition to Renewal, Permanent Residency, and Family Stay

This guide is designed for foreign nationals who wish to start or manage a business in Japan. It explains the full process—from obtaining the Business Manager Visa to renewal and permanent residency—in clear, practical terms. Based on the experience of a certified administrative scrivener, it covers required documents, examination points, and real-world cases of rejection and success.

Table of Contents｜Steps to Obtain a Business Manager Visa

Recommended For

  • Those who want to start a business in Japan but are unsure which visa to apply for
  • Applicants who find the Business Manager Visa process complicated
  • Entrepreneurs planning a long-term path toward renewal or permanent residence
  • Families wishing to prepare dependent visas for a spouse or children

What Is the Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is a residence status that allows foreign nationals to establish and operate a company in Japan. Unlike self-employment, it requires the formation of a registered corporation and the operation of a real, ongoing business.

Typical Applicants

Many applicants come from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. Even without prior business experience, the visa can be approved if you have a viable business plan and sufficient funds.

Steps and Required Documents

Company Formation Process

  1. Office lease contract
  2. Preparation and notarization of Articles of Incorporation
  3. Company registration
  4. Opening a corporate bank account
  5. Payment of capital (30 million yen or more + employment of at least one full-time Japanese staff member under the new requirement)
  6. Visa application

Required Documents

  • Business plan
  • Articles of Incorporation / Certificate of Registered Matters
  • Office lease agreement
  • Proof of capital (bankbook, remittance record, etc.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Using a virtual office only → High risk of rejection
  • Unclear business plan → Include concrete figures and supporting contracts
  • Registering a residential property → Always choose a property with a “business use” clause

Service Details and Fee Guide

  • Company Incorporation + Business Manager Visa (new): ¥300,000–¥450,000 + actual costs (registration tax, notary fees, etc.)
  • Visa Renewal Application: ¥80,000–¥150,000 (depending on documents and business performance)
  • Permanent Residency Application: ¥150,000–¥250,000 (depending on stay history and tax records)
  • Dependent Visa Application: ¥50,000–¥100,000 (depending on number of dependents)

The above are reference prices. Actual fees may vary depending on the case complexity, number of documents, and need for translation. We provide one-stop support covering company incorporation, document preparation, and visa application in coordination with a judicial scrivener. Please start with a free consultation to review required documents and estimated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How much capital is required for a Business Manager Visa?
A. Under the current system, the standard requirement is an investment of at least ¥5 million. However, starting from 2025, the new rule will require capital of ¥30 million and at least one full-time Japanese employee.
Q. Can I register my home or use a shared office?
A. A shared office may be accepted if it is officially designated as “for business use” and allows company registration. Purely residential apartments are generally not accepted.
Q. When can I apply for permanent residency?
A. In principle, you must have lived in Japan for 10 years or more. In certain cases (e.g., Highly Skilled Professional), this can be shortened to 5 years. Holding a Business Manager Visa alone does not automatically grant eligibility after five years.
Q. Why do some Business Manager Visa renewals get rejected?
A. The main causes include zero sales, continuous losses, tax delinquency, failure to employ Japanese staff, or termination of your office lease. Maintaining a stable, active business operation and proper accounting is crucial.
Q. Can I bring my family to Japan?
A. Yes, if you meet the requirements for a Dependent Visa. Typically, this includes an annual income of ¥3 million or more, adequate housing, and submission of marriage and birth certificates (with Japanese translation).
Q. What is the difference between the Business Manager Visa and the Startup Visa?
A. The Startup Visa allows up to one year of preparation time for business setup with relaxed capital and employment requirements. The Business Manager Visa requires an established company actively operating a business.

Free Consultation

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