American applicants · Japan
Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) for American citizens
Visa for foreign nationals starting or managing a business in Japan — requires a physical office and at least ¥5 million in capital or 2+ full-time employees.
This page covers the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) specifically for American applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to United States. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 4–8 weeks for COE.
- Government fees
- COE: free; visa fee varies by nationality; company registration ¥200,000+ (kabushiki kaisha) or ¥60,000+ (gōdō kaisha).
- Typical duration
- 1 year initially; renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
American nationals require a visa for any entry into Japan. The Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Business Manager visa allows foreign nationals to establish or manage a business in Japan. Requirements include a physical office (not a virtual address), and either ¥5,000,000 in invested capital or 2+ full-time employees (who must be Japanese nationals or permanent residents). The visa is initially issued for 1 year and renewable. PR is available after 10 years of continuous residence (or faster via HSP if you score 70+ points as a business manager).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Physical office in Japan (not a virtual office or coworking space).
- ✓Either ¥5,000,000+ in invested capital OR 2+ full-time employees who are Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
- ✓A viable business plan.
Common blockers
- !No physical office — virtual offices and residential addresses are generally rejected.
- !Capital below ¥5,000,000 and fewer than 2 full-time qualifying employees.
- !Business plan not viable or business purpose unclear.
Typical evidence
- ·Company registration certificate (tōki-bo tōhon).
- ·Office lease agreement.
- ·Business plan.
- ·Capital investment evidence (bank statements, proof of transfer).
Application pathway
Establish the company
Register a kabushiki kaisha (KK) or gōdō kaisha (GK) with the Legal Affairs Bureau. Invest at least ¥5,000,000 in capital. Secure a physical office.
Apply for COE
Submit the COE application with business plan, office lease, and capital evidence.
Apply for visa and enter Japan
With the COE, apply for a Business Manager visa at the consulate.
Operate and renew
At each renewal, immigration assesses business viability. Sustained profitability and tax compliance are critical for renewal.
Other Japan routes covered for American applicants
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals — the fastest route to Japanese permanent residence (1–3 years).
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Japan's most common work visa for knowledge workers — engineers, IT professionals, translators, designers, and business staff.
Not sure Japan is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that American nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are American citizens eligible for the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)?+
Eligibility for the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) is set by ISA and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do American applicants typically file the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)?+
a Japan consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by ISA — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do American applicants need a tourist visa for Japan as well?+
American nationals require a visa for any entry into Japan. The Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Can I manage a company remotely on this visa?+
No. The Business Manager visa requires you to be physically present in Japan managing the business. Remote management from abroad will jeopardise your visa renewal.
What type of company should I register?+
Most foreign entrepreneurs choose a gōdō kaisha (GK — similar to an LLC, registration ¥60,000+) or a kabushiki kaisha (KK — similar to a corporation, registration ¥200,000+). GK is cheaper and simpler; KK carries more prestige. Both qualify for the Business Manager visa.
Can I use a shared office or coworking space?+
Generally no. Immigration requires a dedicated physical office space — not a shared desk or virtual address. The office must be clearly identifiable as your business premises. Some immigration bureaus have accepted dedicated private offices within coworking spaces (e.g. a lockable room with your company name), but this varies — consult with a judicial scrivener (gyōsei-shoshi) before committing.
What happens if my business is not profitable at renewal time?+
Immigration assesses business viability at each renewal. A business that is not yet profitable is not automatically refused — immigration considers the business plan, invested capital, and trajectory. However, a business with no revenue, no employees, and declining capital may lead to a shorter renewal period (1 year instead of 3 or 5) or refusal. Maintaining proper tax filings and a clear business-development trajectory is critical.