Key Points for Acquiring a Business Manager Visa in Japan

What is a Business Manager Visa?

A Business Manager Visa is a status of residence for foreign nationals who manage or administer a business in Japan.
It applies to people who establish a business in Japan, manage an existing business, or take a responsible management position such as representative director, director, branch manager, or equivalent role.

The important point is that the applicant must actually engage in business management activities.
A title-only position is not sufficient. Immigration examines whether the applicant has real authority, responsibility, and involvement in the business.

Main requirements after the 2025 reform

After the 2025 reform, the Business Manager Visa has become stricter. Applicants must prepare not only a company or office, but also evidence showing sufficient business scale, management ability, Japanese communication capacity, and realistic business planning.

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Office requirement

A Business Manager Visa requires a real and stable business office in Japan.
The office must be suitable for the scale and nature of the business.

After the reform, Immigration has clarified that using a private residence as the business office is generally not accepted, because the revised standards assume a business of a certain scale.

Business scale: ¥30 million capital or investment

For a corporation, the ¥30 million requirement generally refers to paid-in capital or total contribution.
For a sole proprietorship, it refers to the total amount invested into items necessary to operate the business, such as office setup, employee salary for one year, equipment, and other business operation costs.

Applicants should prepare clear evidence showing how the money was invested into the business.
A simple bank balance is usually not enough. Immigration needs to understand how the funds are connected to the actual business.

• Capital contribution or paid-in capital.
• Office lease, deposit, renovation, or setup costs.
• Employee salary and social insurance costs.
• Equipment, machinery, computers, furniture, signage, or tools.
• Inventory, materials, website, software, and digital infrastructure.
• Professional fees and other business-related expenses.

Japanese language requirement

Under the revised standards, either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese ability equivalent to B2 level.
For non-Japanese nationals, this may be shown through JLPT N2 or above, BJT 400 or above, long-term residence in Japan, graduation from a Japanese higher education institution, or other official criteria.

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Depending on your visa type and life in Japan, Japanese language ability may not always be legally required.

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Business plan and professional confirmation

The business plan is now more important than ever.
For status determination, Immigration requires that the business plan be specific, reasonable, and feasible, and that it be confirmed by a professional with management expertise, such as a SME management consultant, certified public accountant, or tax accountant.

The business plan should explain:

• Business model and revenue structure.
• Target customers and sales channels.
• Office, staffing, and operational structure.
• Capital, investment, and financial resources.
• Sales forecast and expense plan.
• Licenses and permits required for the business.
• Why the business is feasible in Japan.

Important points depending on your situation

Points for renewal

For renewal, Immigration does not only check whether the applicant still has a company.
It also examines whether the business has been genuinely operated and whether the applicant has complied with legal and tax obligations.

• Business activity and management involvement.
• Sales, profit, and future business prospects.
• Payment of taxes, social insurance, and labor insurance where applicable.
• Required notifications and filings.
• Licenses and permits required for the business.
• Whether the applicant spent excessive time outside Japan without a valid reason.

Common reasons applications become difficult

• The office is not suitable or appears to be only a virtual address.
• The applicant does not actually manage the business.
• The business plan is vague or unrealistic.
• The source and use of funds are unclear.
• The required licenses or permits are not considered.
• Tax, social insurance, or labor insurance obligations are not properly handled.
• The applicant cannot explain how the business will continue after obtaining the visa.

Consultation with Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign entrepreneurs with Business Manager Visa and Startup Visa applications in Japan.
We assist with case analysis, document preparation, business plan organization, application forms, and communication with Immigration where necessary.

Because the Business Manager Visa standards have become stricter after the 2025 reform, early preparation is strongly recommended.
Before applying, it is important to confirm whether your business structure, office, investment, staffing plan, Japanese language capacity, and business plan are consistent with the latest requirements.

Need personalized advice?

You can book a paid consultation with Trust Administrative Scrivener Office.

We offer online, in-person, and text consultations for visa procedures, residence status matters,
company setup, permits, and Japanese official documents.

All consultations require advance booking and advance payment.

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Related Articles

Official References

• Immigration Services Agency: Amendment to Business Manager Visa standards
• Immigration Services Agency: Business Manager Visa application information
• Immigration Services Agency: Clarification of standards for foreign business managers