To operate a company in Japan as a foreign national, obtaining a Business Manager Visa (Keiei-Kanri Visa) is essential.
To qualify for this visa, several requirements must be met — including securing a certain level of investment capital, establishing a physical office, and hiring employees.
In particular, individuals who do not have a registered address or bank account in Japan will face several procedural challenges and important points to consider when setting up their company.
Furthermore, on October 10, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced that new requirements for this visa will come into effect starting October 16, 2025. This means that obtaining or renewing the visa will require even more careful preparation going forward.
Our office has extensive experience assisting clients across a wide range of industries and business plans in obtaining Business Manager Visas. Drawing on that experience, we provide detailed and attentive support throughout the application process.
Below, we offer a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of the process.
Main Eligibility Criteria for the “Business Manager Visa”
Effective from October 16, 2025
Starting October 16, 2025, the eligibility criteria for the Business Manager Visa will become more stringent.
This revision introduces several new requirements regarding capital investment, employment, Japanese language ability, and business experience.
※ For applications submitted before October 16, 2025 (including pending Certificate of Eligibility or visa renewal applications), the previous standards will continue to apply.
✅ Summary of New Eligibility Requirements
1. Capital Investment of at least 30 million yen
- For corporations: Paid-in capital must be 30 million yen or more
- For sole proprietors: The total required business funds (including one year’s personnel costs, office lease, and equipment investment) must be 30 million yen or more
2. Employment of at least one full-time employee residing in Japan
Eligible employees include Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or long-term residents.
3. Japanese Language Requirement (any of the following)
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must meet one of the following conditions:
- JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 or higher
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test 400 points or higher
- 20+ years of residence in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident
- Graduation from a Japanese university or other higher education institution
- Completion of Japanese compulsory education and graduation from high school
4. Business or Professional Qualifications / Experience Requirement (any of the following)
- Possession of a doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in business management or a relevant field
- Three or more years of practical experience in business management or a related area
5. Business Plan Review Requirement
The submitted business plan must be reviewed and verified by a person with professional expertise in business management.
6. Compliance with Tax and Social Insurance Obligations (for renewals)
At the time of visa renewal, immigration authorities will review compliance with obligations such as:
For sole proprietors: income tax, consumption tax, inheritance/gift tax, inhabitant tax, business tax
Labor insurance: employment insurance enrollment and premium payments, work accident insurance procedures
Social insurance: enrollment in health insurance and employee pension plans, proof of payment
Tax payments, including:
For corporations: withholding tax, corporate tax, consumption tax, inhabitant tax, business tax
🔁 Visa Renewal After October 16, 2025
From this date, renewal applications will require significantly more documentation, including detailed explanations of business activities and proof of compliance as listed above.
In addition to the conventional documents (such as financial statements, statements of total statutory reports, individual tax payment and taxation certificates, and detailed descriptions of business activities), the following materials will also be required:
Full-time Employee
- Documents related to the payment of wages and a certificate of residence (or other relevant materials) to verify that at least one full-time employee is employed.
Japanese Language Ability
- Documents demonstrating the Japanese language ability of the applicant or of the full-time employee.
Business Licenses and Permits
- Documents proving that the necessary licenses and permits to operate the business have been obtained (such as a business license).
Labor Insurance
- Enrollment in employment insurance and payment of insurance premiums
- Implementation status of procedures for workers’ accident compensation insurance (industrial accident insurance)
Social Insurance
- Acquisition of insured status under health insurance and employees’ pension insurance
- Payment status of the above insurance premiums
Tax Payment Status
- Corporations: Withholding income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax, corporate inhabitant tax, and corporate enterprise tax
- Sole Proprietors: Income tax, consumption tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, inhabitant tax, and business tax
📌 Transitional Measures for Current Visa Holders
Until October 16, 2028:
Even if the applicant does not fully meet the new requirements, renewal may still be approved after a comprehensive evaluation of:
- Current business performance
- Likelihood of meeting revised standards in the future
- Submission of an evaluation report by a qualified business professional (if requested)
After October 16, 2028:
In principle, renewal will only be granted if the business fully complies with the new criteria.
However, exceptions may be made if all of the following are met:
- Sound business performance
- Proper fulfillment of tax obligations
- Clear prospects for meeting all requirements by the next renewal
🏠 Permanent Residency Considerations
After October 16, 2025, applicants who do not meet the new Business Manager Visa criteria will not be eligible for permanent residency.
Those intending to apply for permanent residence should begin preparing early to ensure compliance.
✅ Professional Support is Essential
The revised rules are significantly more stringent than before.
Determining eligibility, preparing a compliant business plan, and assembling supporting documents all require specialized knowledge and experience.
For a smooth and successful application, collaboration with experienced professionals is strongly recommended.
Typical Application Process and Key Points
Develop a Business Plan
Define the nature of your business in Japan and prepare a detailed one-year plan including:
- Business background and motivation
- Products or services
- Expected clients or partners
- Hiring plan
- Financial forecast and income statement
If you have never been to Japan, it is recommended to visit under a short-term visa for market research and preparation.
Note: The business plan must be comprehensive, sustainable, and realistic.
It should be reviewed and confirmed by a certified professional (e.g., tax accountant).
事業計画書は簡易なものではなく、継続性・実現可能性の高い内容であることが求められます。最終的には、税理士などの専門家による確認を受けることが必要です。
Prepare and Transfer Investment Funds
The required 30 million yen may come from:
- Personal funds
- Loans
- Joint investment with partners
You must be able to prove the source and formation process of these funds.
Applicants without a Japanese bank account typically send funds via an account held by a Japanese associate, but banks may request documentation to verify the transfer’s legitimacy.
Some countries restrict outbound transfers, so plan carefully in advance.
Secure an Office or Business Premises
Once funds are transferred, secure a business location (office or store).
If direct leasing is difficult, a Japanese associate may act as an authorized representative.
Office requirements:
- Must be an independent, private space (shared desks or virtual offices are not allowed)
- Home offices are generally not accepted unless the layout clearly ensures business separation
For businesses like restaurants or retail shops, the physical premises must be secured at this stage.。
Company Registration and Business Licenses
After securing an office, proceed with:
- Company registration (incorporation)
- Obtaining necessary permits or licenses, such as:
- Restaurant business license
- Secondhand goods dealer license
- Construction/demolition business registration
- Travel agency registration
- Industrial waste handling permit
- Animal handling license
You must also complete labor and social insurance registration when hiring employees.
(Although sole proprietorships are possible, the following assumes a corporate structure.)
Apply for the Business Manager Visa
If you are abroad, you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) via either:
- Applying in person at a Regional Immigration Bureau during a short-term stay in Japan, or
- Having a Japanese representative (such as an employee) submit the application on your behalf.
Once issued, the CoE will be mailed to you internationally.
If you are already in Japan, you may instead file for a Change of Status of Residence. Upon approval, you may immediately begin managing your company.
Apply for a Visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, prepare the following for your local Japanese embassy or consulate:
- Passport
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Supporting documents proving travel purpose
Once the visa is issued, you can proceed with travel arrangements and entry into Japan.
Enter Japan and Begin Business Operations
At the port of entry, a Residence Card will be issued, officially authorizing your stay and business management activities.
Important:
You must establish your residence and register your address at the local municipal office within 90 days of entry.
✅ Important Points When Applying
Even with sufficient investment and documentation, approval is not guaranteed.
The Immigration Bureau evaluates multiple factors, including:
- Continuity and stability of the business plan
- Legitimacy of fund sources
- Independence of office space
- Whether the applicant is the actual business manager
- Past residence and visa history
Typically, only one Business Manager Visa is granted per company, though multiple may be approved depending on the company’s size and structure.
If you plan to bring family (spouse or children) later, it’s wise to plan for this from the start.
If you intend to hire foreign employees, you must ensure their respective visa eligibility in advance.
Every company must file annual tax returns with the tax office.
Initial visa validity is usually one year, extendable to three or five years depending on business performance.
During renewal, authorities will review financial statements and operations closely.
Renewals may be denied if there is inactivity, debt, or business stagnation.
Long absences from Japan without valid reason may also result in visa non-renewal.
Approval Criteria for Business Manager Visa
- Capital or Employee Requirements
- A minimum capital of 5 million yen or employing at least two full-time employees who are Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or long-term residents of Japan.
- Securing an Office
- Establishing an independent office or business premises.
Note:
While most applicants typically prepare 5 million yen in capital, if the business plan includes hiring two or more eligible full-time employees, the required capital may be less than 5 million yen.
Our Immigration Lawyer has been interviewed regarding the digital nomad visa.
-Travel Voice
Reference Site
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
