Key Points for Acquiring a Business Manager Visa in Japan

2024-11-07
For foreigners

1 What is a Business Manager Visa?
- 1.1 This visa enables activities such as:
2 Conditions for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa
3 Points of Caution for Acquiring a Business Manager Visa
4 Considerations for Business Manager Visa Renewal
5 Consult with Trust Administrative Scrivener Office for Business Manager Visa Assistance
6 Related Articles
7 Contact Us

What is a Business Manager Visa?

A Business Manager Visa is a residence status required for foreign nationals looking to establish or manage a business in Japan. With the 2014 amendment, the visa, previously known as the “Investor/Business Manager” visa, now allows not only investment but also involvement in the management and administration of foreign-owned businesses.

This visa enables activities such as:

Starting a new business in Japan and overseeing its operations,
Joining an existing business and taking on managerial responsibilities,
Managing operations on behalf of a company operating in Japan.

Typically, this visa applies to individuals in executive positions, such as company presidents, directors, or branch managers.

To obtain the visa, one must have established a company and be ready to commence operations, demonstrating the business’s stability and sustainability. Although there are no restrictions on the type of business, legality must be established. Businesses with higher start-up costs, like restaurants, carry the risk of significant losses if the visa application is denied. Engaging an expert’s assistance is highly recommended to avoid complications.

Conditions for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa

To qualify, applicants must meet three main conditions:

Secured Office Space
- The business must have an actual, physical office space in Japan. Even if operations haven’t begun, an office must be available.
Business Scale Requirements
- One of the following must be met:
  - Employ at least two full-time staff members living in Japan,
  - Capital or investment of at least 5 million yen,
  - Other approved criteria demonstrating comparable business scale.
Management Experience
- Applicants need at least three years of experience in business management, including relevant studies in graduate school if applicable, and must earn compensation on par with a Japanese employee in a similar role.

Failing to meet any of these conditions can result in visa denial, so careful preparation is crucial.

Points of Caution for Acquiring a Business Manager Visa

Several considerations apply based on the nature of the applicant’s role in Japan:

Starting a New Business in Japan as a Foreigner
- Office Setup: The business must have a real office space with dedicated facilities (e.g., phones, fax machines, and computers), and shared or virtual office spaces are generally not acceptable.
- Business Scale: Must employ at least two full-time staff or have capital of 5 million yen. Part-time or contracted staff do not fulfill the requirement.
- Using Home as Office: Generally, combining a home and office is not permitted. If a home office is used, clear distinctions and consent from the landlord are necessary.
- Creating a Business Plan: Plans must show the business’s stability, explaining supply channels, sales methods, and employee insurance requirements.
Managing an Existing Business in Japan
- The applicant must be actively involved in managerial work. Title-only positions are not accepted.
Multiple Foreign Nationals in One Company
- If multiple foreigners wish to obtain a Business Manager Visa, each must have a justified role with distinct responsibilities and appropriate compensation.

Considerations for Business Manager Visa Renewal

When renewing the visa, the following points are essential:

The business must show a profit, or at least have a plan for turning profitable if it hasn’t yet achieved this.
Sales must meet a certain level, reflecting sustainable business activity.
Executive compensation should be at least 200,000 yen per month to avoid suspicion of unauthorized income.
All taxes must be paid on time, including personal and corporate taxes.
Required filings (e.g., address or management changes) should be completed promptly.
Excessive time spent outside Japan may negatively impact renewal chances.

Consult with Trust Administrative Scrivener Office for Business Manager Visa Assistance

At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support for Business Manager Visa applications. We assist with everything from preparing required documents to completing application forms, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of denial.

For any questions or concerns about conditions or procedures, our expert staff offer personalized guidance. Consultations can be scheduled via email or through our contact form.

If you’re seeking assistance with acquiring a Business Manager Visa, Trust Administrative Scrivener Office to support you every step of the way.