Japan · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- 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
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).
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
American applicants
American entrepreneurs in Japan concentrate in tech, e-commerce, education, and food/beverage. The US–Japan Treaty of Co…
Chinese applicants
Chinese business managers in Japan are a large cohort, operating in trade, food services, education, and technology. The…
Indian applicants
Indian entrepreneurs in Japan concentrate in IT services, consulting, and trade. The India–Japan bilateral relationship …
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantPrepare Business Manager COE ↗
Founder or manager uses the status page to prepare company, office, capital, and COE evidence.
Immigration Services Agency (ISA) · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for visa with COE ↗
Applicant uses the COE to file the entry visa application at the competent Japanese embassy or consulate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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