What Is a Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa is a residence status that allows a foreign national to establish, manage, or operate a business in Japan.

This visa is intended for:

• Entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan

• Business owners managing their own company

• Managers responsible for business operations in Japan

It is not a work visa for ordinary employees.

Major Changes After the 2025 Reform (Effective October 16, 2025)

Japan’s Business Manager Visa standards were significantly tightened in 2025.

Key Requirements (Overview)

• Capital investment: at least JPY 30 million

• Employment: at least one full-time employee

• Japanese language ability: B2 level (JLPT N2 or equivalent)

• Business plan: highly detailed and realistic

• Stricter screening by Immigration

For a detailed breakdown of the reform and what it means for you,
👉 Business Manager Visa Reform 2025 – New Rules & Key Takeaways

What If You Don’t Have a Collaborator in Japan?

If you do not have a collaborator in Japan (such as a Japanese national or a foreign resident with Permanent Residence or a status-based visa),
the standard approach is to apply for a 4-month Business Manager Visa first.

This route is possible, but much more challenging and requires careful planning.

Basic Flow for Applicants Without a Collaborator (4-Month Visa Route)

Below is a general overview of the process:

1. Paid consultation with an administrative scrivener

2. Preparation of a business plan and supporting documents

3. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

4. Entry into Japan

5. Resident registration and personal bank account opening

6. Company incorporation

7. Application for visa renewal (1-year Business Manager Visa)

⚠️ The 4-month period is very short.
Delays in bank account opening, office contracts, or document preparation can easily cause problems.

Applying While Living Overseas

Even if you are currently residing outside Japan, it is generally possible to proceed with the Business Manager Visa application while remaining overseas.

Our office can act as an authorized application agent and handle the immigration procedures on your behalf.

Please note that the exact procedure and feasibility vary depending on individual circumstances,
and the appropriate process will be explained in detail during a paid consultation.

Common Challenges (Important)

Applicants without collaborators in Japan often face different challenges before and after arriving in Japan.

Before Arriving in Japan

• Preparing a business plan in Japanese that meets Immigration Bureau standards

• Finding a suitable office property in Japan for company establishment and visa purposes

After Arriving in Japan

• Opening a personal bank account
  (In many cases, communication in Japanese is required, except for some online banks)

• Signing an office lease agreement
  (Most real estate contracts in Japan are written only in Japanese)

Because of these challenges, prior consultation is strongly recommended.

Procedure Flow & Estimated Timeline (Overview)

Below is a general overview of the procedure and approximate timeline
for applicants without a collaborator in Japan.

Step 1: Paid Consultation (Initial Review)

Review of your situation, business type, capital, and overall plan.
Feasibility, procedure options, estimated costs, and risks are explained.

Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
(Consultation and preliminary review only)

Step 2: Formal Engagement & Document Preparation

After a formal engagement agreement is concluded,
preparation of the business plan, Articles of Incorporation draft,
capital documentation, and office-related arrangements will begin.

Estimated time: 3–6 weeks
(Depends on the speed of document preparation and communication)

Step 3: COE Application (4-Month Business Manager Visa)

Submission of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to Immigration.

Estimated time to submission:
Approximately 1–2 months after formal engagement

Step 4: Immigration Examination

Immigration reviews the application and may request additional documents.

Estimated review period: 3–4 months

Step 5: Entry to Japan & Post-Arrival Procedures

After COE issuance: entry to Japan, resident registration,
personal bank account procedures, company incorporation,
and application for visa renewal.

Overall Estimated Timeline

➡️ Approximately 4–6 months from paid consultation to entry into Japan
(Indicative only; timelines vary by case.)

Important Notes

• The above timeline is indicative only

• Delays may occur due to document preparation, bank procedures,
  or additional requests from Immigration

• Detailed scheduling is discussed only during a paid consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can approval be guaranteed?

No. Immigration approval is never guaranteed.

Q2. Can you guarantee bank account opening?

No. Banks make independent decisions. We cannot guarantee approval.

Q3. Why do fees vary?

Because procedures, risks, and preparation volume differ greatly by case.

Q4. Is cheaper support available elsewhere?

Possibly. However, extremely low fees often mean limited support and higher risk.

Q5. Can I do everything remotely?

Up to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application stage,
the procedures can generally be completed remotely.

Depending on the case, some documents may need to be sent by mail,
but in most situations, in-person visits are not required before the COE application.

After arriving in Japan,
procedures such as government office filings and visa renewal applications
can also be handled by our office on your behalf, depending on the case.

What Our Office Can Support (Scope & Estimated Fees)

Below are general fee guidelines:

• Business Manager Visa (COE application): from USD 1,900

  • Includes business plan preparation

  • External certification (SME consultant / CPA), if required: USD 300–700 (separate)

• Company incorporation support fees are structured as follows:
  ■ Professional fee (our office fee)
  – from USD 1,400
  ■ Statutory registration costs (paid separately, approximate):
  – Godo Kaisha (GK): around USD 700
  – Kabushiki Kaisha (KK): around USD 1,400
  ※ Statutory costs include registration tax, notary fees, and related expenses.
  ※ The final total varies depending on the amount of capital and company details.

• Resident registration & personal bank account support (Fukuoka area only): from USD 400

⚠️ These are estimates only.
Exact fees depend on your case and will be confirmed during a paid consultation.

Our Office Location & Support Area

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office is located in
Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

• In-person support is available in Kitakyushu and the Fukuoka City area

• For other regions (e.g. Nagoya), support is limited to remote assistance

Next Step – Before Contacting Us

Due to a high volume of inquiries, we do not provide individual guidance by free email.

If you are seriously considering:

• A Business Manager Visa

• A Startup Visa

• Company establishment in Japan

Please proceed as follows:

Step 1

Complete our Google Form
→ This allows us to review your situation efficiently.

Step 2

If necessary, book a paid consultation
→ Detailed feasibility, procedure, and cost explanation is provided here.

👉 Google Form Link
👉 Paid Consultation Page

Please note:
We do not accept applications without prior paid consultation.

📩 Contact (General Inquiries & Communication)

For updates on an ongoing case, document submission, or other general inquiries, you may contact us through the tools below.

⚠️ Please note that we do not answer visa, residency status, licensing, apostille, or other consultation-related questions through this Contact section.
If you would like to receive advice or guidance, please apply through our paid consultation page.

👉 Click here to book a consultation (Consultation Page)

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com