How to Get a Business Manager Visa in Japan: Key Requirements & Roadmap

Starting a business in Japan is an exciting milestone, but navigating the business manager visa japan requirements (経営・管理) is often the most critical step for international entrepreneurs and foreign companies establishing a Japanese branch or subsidiary.

Following the immigration regulation updates in October 2025, the criteria for obtaining this visa have become significantly stricter. Whether you are an overseas founder, an HR manager relocating executives, or a foreign resident in Japan launching your own venture, here is a complete guide to the latest requirements and the step-by-step application process.

1. Key Requirements for the Business Manager Visa

To qualify for a Business Manager Visa, your company and business plan must satisfy several core legal standards set by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

① Capital & Investment Criteria

• Minimum 30 Million Yen: Under the current rules, you must invest at least 30 million yen in capital or business expenditure.

• Legitimate Source of Funds: You must clearly prove the origin of your capital (e.g., bank transfer history, personal savings, investment agreements, or legal loan documents).

② Staffing Requirement

• At Least One Full-Time Employee: You are required to employ at least one full-time staff member who is a Japanese national or a foreign national with a permanent residence status (e.g., Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National).

③ Physical Office Space

• Dedicated Commercial Premises: You must secure a physical office space in Japan suitable for business operations. Short-term rentals, virtual offices, or shared residential spaces without dedicated business zones generally do not meet immigration standards.

④ Viable Business Plan

• Proof of Sustainability: You must submit a comprehensive, realistic business plan with concrete financial projections demonstrating that your business will generate stable, continuous revenues in Japan.

2. Step-by-Step Roadmap: From Setup to Visa Issuance

Setting up a business and obtaining a visa requires careful timing. Below is the standard workflow for international applicants:

1. Incorporate the Company: Register your corporate entity (KK or GK) with the Legal Affairs Bureau and inject the required capital.

2. Secure Office & Staff: Sign a commercial office lease and recruit at least one qualifying full-time employee.

3. Prepare Application Documents: Draft a detailed business plan, gather financial records, and compile proof of capital origin.

4. Submit Visa Application: File the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application with Japanese Immigration.

5. Visa Issuance & Launch: Once the CoE is approved, convert it into your visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate overseas (or change your status if residing in Japan) and begin operations.

3. Summary: Strategic Preparation Is Key

Obtaining a Business Manager Visa requires coordinating legal corporate setup, commercial leasing, employment contracts, and immigration compliance at the same time.

At Maki International Legal Office, we assist international founders, foreign enterprises, and resident entrepreneurs with end-to-end support—from initial corporate structuring to successful visa approval.

If you are planning to launch or expand your business in Japan, feel free to contact us today to discuss your roadmap.

[Contact Maki International Legal Office for Business Manager Visa Support]