To engage in business activities in Japan as a foreign national, obtaining a Business Manager Visa is essential. The application process involves meeting criteria such as investment funds, securing office space, and planning for employees. For those without a registered address or bank account in Japan, additional preparations may be necessary.
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.
Steps to Apply for the Business Manager Visa
Create a Business Plan
Carefully decide on the type of business you wish to establish in Japan, conduct market research, and create a detailed business plan that includes:
- Reasons for starting the business
- Target clients
- Employment plans
- Financial forecasts, including income, expenses, and profit/loss statements
The business plan will be reviewed by the Immigration Office to evaluate the business's potential stability, continuity, and the applicant's role as the actual business manager.
Prepare and Transfer Investment Funds
The required 5 million yen can come from personal funds, loans, or joint investments.
Important considerations include:
- Providing documentation that explains the source and formation of the capital.
- Using a Japanese counterpart’s bank account to receive the transfer if the applicant does not have one.
International money transfers may require proof of the transfer's purpose and comply with restrictions in the sender’s home country.
Secure an Office
The next step involves securing independent office space.
Key requirements:
- Shared office spaces without independent sections are not accepted.
- If using a home office, the space must be clearly separated from the living area.
For certain businesses, such as restaurants or retail stores, securing specific types of premises may also be required.
Company Establishment and Permits
Once the office is secured, the company incorporation process begins. Businesses that require operational permits (e.g., restaurants, antique dealerships, cryptocurrency exchanges) must proceed with obtaining the necessary approvals.
Apply for the Business Manager Residence Status
If the applicant is outside Japan, they must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Business Manager status from the Immigration Office in the company’s registered location.
If the applicant is already in Japan, they can apply to change their current residency status to Business Manager.
Visa Application at Overseas Diplomatic Missions
After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, the applicant must apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country by submitting the certificate along with their passport and other required documents.
Enter Japan and Begin Business
Once the visa is issued, the applicant can enter Japan, start business operations, and complete residency registration at the local municipal office within 14 days of arrival.
Important Points to Consider
- Evaluation Factors:
Approval is not guaranteed, even if all funds and documents are in order. Immigration officers evaluate factors such as:- Stability and continuity of the business plan
- Validity of investment funds
- Independence of the office space
- Past residency or deportation history
- Adherence to Business Manager activity guidelines
- Extension of Stay:
The Business Manager visa is granted for 1, 3, or 5 years. During the extension process, the company’s financial health and management status are reviewed. Poor management or financial instability may lead to denial of the visa extension. - Bringing Family Members to Japan:
If you plan to bring your spouse or children, it’s important to prepare and coordinate these arrangements early. Our office can assist in expediting the process for family reunification.
Our Firm Support
We provide comprehensive support tailored to your background and business plan, including:
- Document preparation and application submission
- Strategic planning to increase approval chances
- Assistance with family visa applications and social insurance registration
For further inquiries or detailed consultations, please contact our office. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.
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
