Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)

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.

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. Either structure can qualify, but the business still needs to satisfy the post-October 2025 capital, staffing, language, management-capability, office and business-plan requirements.

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.

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.

Yes. The Business Manager visa lets you establish or manage your own business in Japan and does not require employer sponsorship; instead it now generally requires a physical office, at least 30,000,000 yen in capital or business funds, at least one qualifying full-time employee resident in Japan, management-capability evidence, Japanese-language capacity, and an expert-reviewed business plan. Confirm the current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency.

For new applications after the October 2025 reform, plan around at least 30,000,000 yen in paid-in capital or business funds, plus a physical office and at least one qualifying full-time employee resident in Japan. You also need management experience or a relevant graduate/professional degree, Japanese-language capacity in the operation, and an expert-reviewed business plan. Confirm the current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency.

Yes. The Business Manager visa leads to settlement, with permanent residence available after 10 years of continuous residence, or faster via the HSP system if you score 70+ points as a business manager. The visa is initially issued for 1 year and is renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years. Confirm current pathways with the Immigration Services Agency.