Business Manager Visa Renewal Guide (Part 1)｜Key Review Points & Checklist
The Business Manager status is not “granted and done.” For renewal, authorities focus on your actual business operations and social compliance (employment, taxes, social insurance). This article explains the key review points and how to prepare for your first renewal.
How Renewals Are Reviewed
Unlike the initial filing (which is plan-oriented), renewals emphasize your current business reality. Four pillars matter consistently:
1) Continuity of Business Operations
- Real office in use (lease agreement and rent payment records).
- Traceable sales/expenses (contracts, invoices/receipts, ledgers, bank statements).
- No signs of a paper company or name lending.
2) Employment in Substance
- Employment contracts, time sheets, payroll and withholding records.
- Proper enrollment in social insurance for eligible staff.
3) Tax Compliance
- Proper filing and payment of corporate tax, consumption tax, withholding income tax, etc.
- Resolve any arrears and prepare explanatory materials if needed.
4) Social Insurance
- Enrollment status of the company, representative, and eligible employees.
- Proof of premium payments (receipts, payment slips).
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Lack of substance: prolonged zero sales, missing books/vouchers, no functioning office.
- Formalistic hiring: payroll without actual work; uninsured employees despite eligibility.
- Gaps in tax/insurance: non-filing or arrears with no resolution plan or evidence.
Renewal Checklist (Save This)
- Corporate: Certificate of Registered Matters, Articles, office lease & rent payments
- Business: quotations, POs, contracts, invoices/receipts, sales/expense ledgers, bank statements
- Accounting/Tax: trial balance/financials, tax returns, relevant tax payment certificates
- Employment: contracts, attendance, payroll/withholding, social insurance enrollment & payment
- Representative: tax certificates, proof of residence/living status, etc.
* Exact documents vary by case; we will tailor the list for you.
Be Ready for the 2025 Policy Update
From Oct 2025 (planned), new standards are expected: JPY 30 million paid-in capital + one full-time employee, and expert evaluation of the business plan. Even for renewals, stronger emphasis on effective business operations is likely—plan documentation accordingly.
Suggested Timeline
- 3 months before expiry: audit your documents; check tax/insurance status
- 2 months before: collect evidence, tidy books, update the business plan
- 1 month before: draft forms, final check, prepare for possible inquiries
- During review: respond promptly to any questions from the authority
Takeaway｜“Substance + Compliance” is the core
Renewal hinges on four pillars: business substance, employment, taxes, and social insurance. With the upcoming changes, timely documentation is crucial. We support you continuously—from renewal through PR planning and status changes.
*This article is general information. Please check official announcements for the latest rules. Required documents vary by case.
