Originally Written by Ryan | Revised May 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Business Manager Visa (経営・管理ビザ / Keiei-Kanri Visa) allows foreign entrepreneurs to live in Japan while starting or managing a business. As of October 16, 2025, Japan significantly tightened the requirements for this visa. New applicants must now meet all of the following:
- Capital requirement: ¥30 million minimum (increased from ¥5 million)
- Employee requirement: At least one full-time employee (Japanese national, special permanent resident, or holder of a Table 2 residence status such as permanent resident, spouse of a Japanese national, or long-term resident)
- Japanese language requirement: Either the applicant or an employee must demonstrate JLPT N2 level (B2) proficiency or equivalent
- Experience or education requirement: Three or more years of management experience, or a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field
- Business plan verification: A certified professional (公認会計士 / CPA, 税理士 / tax accountant, or 中小企業診断士 / SME management consultant) must verify your business plan
- Physical office: A dedicated commercial office space is required; home offices are no longer permitted in most cases
The Business Manager Visa is the main visa route for foreign founders who want to live in Japan and manage a company here.
The rules changed on October 16, 2025. For most new applicants, the old ¥5 million capital route is no longer enough.
A new applicant now generally needs ¥30 million in paid-in capital, at least one qualifying full-time employee, Japanese language ability from the applicant or employee, management experience or a relevant graduate degree, a verified business plan, and a dedicated office.
That does not mean every founder should give up on Japan. It means the company setup, visa plan, office, employee plan, and funding plan need to be prepared together.
Who Is The Business Manager Visa for? (経営・管理 Keiei-Kanri Visa)
The Business Manager Visa is Japan’s primary residence status for foreign nationals who intend to start, acquire, or manage a business in Japan. This visa allows entrepreneurs to reside in Japan while overseeing their business operations. It applies to company founders, executive managers, and branch office representatives of foreign companies.
Following the October 2025 reforms, Japan now expects Business Manager Visa applicants to bring substantial capital (¥30 million minimum), create local employment (at least one full-time employee), and demonstrate either management experience or relevant advanced education. The policy shift reflects Japan’s goal of attracting entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to the economy rather than those seeking residence through minimal investment.
The visa is typically granted for one to five years and is renewable based on business performance and compliance with local regulations. After maintaining this status for several years with a stable business, holders may become eligible for permanent residency.
Why Do I Need a Business Manager Visa in Japan?
You do not always need a Business Manager Visa to register a company in Japan.
A foreign founder can often set up a Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha from overseas. Japan does not always require the owner to live in Japan, and a Japanese director is not always required for incorporation.
The Business Manager Visa matters when you want to live in Japan and manage the business yourself.
This affects daily operations. A founder outside Japan may have trouble with corporate banking, licenses, larger office contracts, hiring, tax registrations, insurance procedures, and local communication.
You also need the company structure to support the visa application. In most cases, the applicant should be connected to the company as an owner or director, and the ¥30 million capital should be connected to the applicant’s business setup.
Some founders are not ready for the Business Manager Visa immediately. They may start with incorporation, test the market, use a third-party payment or operational support provider where appropriate, and apply for the Business Manager Visa after the business has more traction.
Company registration and immigration are connected, but they are not the same process. In most cases, the company setup comes before the Business Manager Visa application.
Understanding The Business Manager Visa
The Business Manager Visa is part of Japan’s framework for attracting foreign investment while ensuring that visa holders genuinely operate businesses in Japan. The October 2025 reforms represent a major policy shift. Previously, an applicant could qualify with either ¥5 million in capital or by employing two full-time workers. Under the new rules, applicants must meet multiple requirements simultaneously, including a sixfold increase in the capital threshold.
The visa is available to individuals who establish a new company in Japan, acquire or invest in an existing Japanese company, or manage a branch office of a foreign enterprise. The residence period granted ranges from three months to five years, depending on the stability and scale of the business. Initial grants are typically 4 months, with longer periods (three to five years) available after demonstrating sustained business performance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Business Manager Visa under the October 2025 requirements, applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:
1. Capital Requirement (¥30 Million)
The business must have paid-in capital (資本金 / shihonkin) of at least ¥30 million. For a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK), this means the registered capital or total contributions must meet or exceed this threshold.
For most foreign founders applying through a KK or GK, Immigration will look at the company’s registered paid-in capital. Under the current rules, this should generally be at least ¥30 million.
If your structure is unusual, such as a branch, acquisition, or non-standard investment arrangement, confirm the approach before moving money or signing contracts.
If the capital comes from overseas, loans, investors, or multiple founders, prepare a clear source-of-funds explanation before applying. Weak documentation can create avoidable risk.
*Immigration verifies capital through company registration documents (登記事項証明書) and, for new companies, a balance sheet, even if the first fiscal year has not closed.
2. Full-Time Employee Requirement
You must employ at least one full-time employee (常勤職員 / jokin shokuin). Eligible employees are limited to Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, or foreign nationals holding a Table 2 residence status (permanent resident, spouse of Japanese national, spouse of permanent resident, or long-term resident). Employees on work visas (Table 1, residence statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities or Skilled Worker) do not count toward this requirement.
Full-time means the employee works at least 30 hours per week, 217 days or more per year, is enrolled in employment insurance (雇用保険), and receives a salary commensurate with their duties. Part-time workers, contractors, dispatched workers, and seconded employees do not qualify.
3. Japanese Language Requirement
Either the applicant or at least one qualifying full-time employee must meet the Japanese language requirement.
This means the requirement can be satisfied by the company representative applying for the Business Manager Visa, or by the full-time employee hired for the visa application.
Acceptable proof includes:
- JLPT N2 or higher
- BJT Business Japanese Test score of 400 or higher
- 20 or more years of residence in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident
- Graduation from a Japanese university or similar institution
- Completion of Japanese compulsory education and graduation from a Japanese high school
If the language requirement is being met through the employee, the employee must also qualify as the required full-time employee for the Business Manager Visa.
The qualifying employee must be one of the following:
- A Japanese national
- A special permanent resident
- A foreign national with one of the following residence statuses: permanent resident, spouse of a Japanese national, spouse of a permanent resident, or long-term resident
The employee must be genuinely employed full-time by your company. They should not already be enrolled in Shakai Hoken through another company while being counted as your required full-time employee. Your company will also need to handle the proper employment setup, including social insurance, welfare pension, and labor insurance, where required.
4. Experience or Education Requirement
The applicant must have either:
- Three or more years of experience in business management or operations (including time spent on a Startup Visa conducting business preparation activities), or
- A master’s degree (修士) or doctoral degree (博士) in business administration, management, or a field directly related to the proposed business
- You also need to be at least 21 years old to have a good chance of applying successfully. This is not an official requirement, but something we have seen based on personal experience.
*Submit employment certificates, tax payment records, or degree certificates (with official translations if not in Japanese or English) to document this requirement.
You must secure a dedicated commercial office in Japan. Since the October 2025 reforms, using your residence as your business address is no longer permitted except in exceptional circumstances. The office must be appropriate for the scale of your business operations, with sufficient space for employees and business activities.
Verification note (January 2026 update) : Immigration has conducted site visits and does not give advance notice based on our experience. Virtual and shared offices and mail-forwarding addresses do not qualify.
If you are planning to use your home to meet these requirements, we recommend you reach out to us and book a free consultation.
6. Business Plan Verification
Your business plan must be written in Japanese and reviewed and verified by a certified professional. As of the October 2025 implementation, eligible verifiers include:
- 中小企業診断士 (Registered SME Management Consultant)
- 公認会計士 (Certified Public Accountant)
- 税理士 (Certified Tax Accountant)
The professional must confirm that your plan is specific, rational, and achievable. Immigration will request this verification document as part of your application. The market rate for this service is around 165,000 – 220,000 yen.*The verifier cannot be a company officer or employee of your business. External advisors (such as your company’s contracted tax accountant) are permitted.
| Requirement | Pre-October 2025 | Current (October 2025 onward) |
| Capital | ¥5 million OR 2+ employees | ¥30 million AND 1+ employee |
| Employees | Optional (alternative to capital) | Mandatory (1+ full-time) |
| Japanese language | Not required | Required (applicant or employee) |
| Management experience/education | Not required | Required (3+ years experience or relevant master’s) |
| Business plan verification | Not required | Mandatory (by certified professional) |
| Home office | Permitted in some cases | Likely not permitted |
Document Checklist
The following documents are required for a Business Manager Visa application under the current requirements. Immigration updated its application forms and document requirements effective October 16, 2025.
Application Documents
- Application form (在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 for COE, or 在留資格変更許可申請書 for change of status) using the October 2025 version
- Passport copy (identification page)
- Recent photograph (4cm × 3cm, taken within the past three months)
- Certificate of residence (住民票) if already residing in Japan
Company Documents
- Company registration certificate (登記事項証明書 / tohki jiko shomeisho) showing capital of ¥30 million or more
- Articles of incorporation (定款 / teikan)
- Balance sheet (貸借対照表), even if your first fiscal year has not closed
- List of shareholders or investors
- Office lease agreement or proof of ownership for commercial premises (you have to be extremely careful to ensure you have the right type of agreement; never sign any agreement without consulting with a professional.
- Photographs of the office
Business Plan and Verification
- Comprehensive business plan including business model, market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategy
- Verification document from a certified professional (中小企業診断士, 公認会計士, or 税理士) confirming the plan’s specificity, rationality, and feasibility
Applicant Qualifications
- Resume (職務経歴書 / shokumu keirekisho) documenting management experience or relevant work history
- Proof of three or more years of management experience (employment certificates, tax records) OR
- Degree certificate for a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field (with certified translation if necessary)
Employee Documentation
- Employment contract for at least one full-time employee
- Employee’s residence card copy (if foreign national with Table 2 status) or proof of Japanese nationality
- Proof of Japanese language ability for the employee or applicant (JLPT certificate, BJT score report, graduation certificate from a Japanese institution, or other qualifying documentation)
Financial Documentation
- Bank statements (typically past six months) showing sufficient funds for capital and operations
- Source of funds explanation if the capital originates from overseas
- Business bank account passbook (if account already opened)
After incorporation, your company will need tax, payroll, and insurance setup. This is separate from the visa application, but it should be planned early if you will hire an employee or pay yourself a director’s salary.
For detailed tax planning, speak with a qualified accountant or tax advisor in Japan. For this guide, the main point is that company setup, payroll, insurance, and immigration planning should not be treated as separate decisions.
*Document requirements may vary by Immigration Bureau. Category 3 and 4 companies (smaller businesses) face additional documentation requirements compared to larger enterprises.
How to Apply for Your Business Manager Visa in Japan
Securing a Business Manager Visa requires careful preparation, given the stricter requirements that took effect in October 2025. The following steps outline the application process.
Step 1: Establish Your Business Foundation
Before applying, you must have the following in place:
- A registered company in Japan with ¥30 million or more in capital (or documented investment of equivalent value for sole proprietors)
- A signed lease for dedicated commercial office spaces
- At least one full-time employee hired (or a signed employment contract ready for submission)
If you are not yet able to meet these requirements, consider applying for the Startup Visa first, which provides up to two years to prepare your business before transitioning to the Business Manager Visa.
Step 2: Prepare Your Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes:
- Executive summary and business objectives
- Market analysis demonstrating demand in Japan
- Marketing and sales strategy
- Organizational structure and staffing plan
- Financial projections (revenue, expenses, profitability timeline)
Step 3: Obtain Professional Verification
Engage a certified professional (中小企業診断士, 公認会計士, or 税理士) to review your business plan. The professional will issue a verification document confirming that your plan is specific, rational, and achievable. This document is mandatory for new applications.
Verification note: Allow two to four weeks for this process. The professional may request revisions before issuing verification.
Step 4: Compile Your Documentation
Gather all required documents as outlined in the Document Checklist. Ensure translations are prepared for documents not in Japanese. Have your employee’s language certification and residence documentation ready.
Step 5: Submit the Application
For applicants outside Japan: Submit your application for a Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) to the regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. A proxy in Japan (such as your company’s representative, attorney, or administrative scrivener) can file on your behalf. This is something we can help you with, and you can book a free consultation.
For applicants already in Japan on another visa status: Submit a change of status application (在留資格変更許可申請) directly to the Immigration Bureau.
Step 6: Attend Interview (if required)
Immigration may request an interview to verify your business knowledge and intentions. Be prepared to discuss your business plan, market strategy, financial situation, and your role in day-to-day operations.
Step 7: Receive COE and Apply for a Visa
Upon approval, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. Take this certificate to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for the actual visa stamp in your passport.
Step 8: Enter Japan and Complete Registration
After entering Japan, register your residence at your local municipal office (市区町村役場) within 14 days. You will receive your residence card (在留カード) at the airport upon arrival (for most nationalities) or at the Immigration Bureau.
How Long does The Application Process Take?
Processing Times
- In our experience, incorporation takes the client 2 – 4 weeks to prepare incorporation documents, 2 weeks to finalize incorporation after submitting articles of incorporation, and around 1 – 2 months for the client to provide documents to apply for the business manager visa.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Based on our experience getting visas for clients in over 10 different prefectures, the amount of time can vary greatly depending on which region of the immigration department is processing the visa.
- Visa issuance at embassy/consulate: One to two weeks after receiving the COE
- Total timeline from submission to entry: four to twelve months
Verification note: Processing times vary by Immigration Bureau workload and application complexity. Applications requiring additional documentation or clarification may take longer.
Government Fees
Government fees are only a small part of the total cost, but the numbers should be current.
As of the April 2025 fee revision, common Immigration fees include:
| Procedure | Fee |
| Change of Status of Residence, in person | ¥6,000 |
| Change of Status of Residence, online | ¥5,500 |
| Extension of Period of Stay, in person | ¥6,000 |
| Extension of Period of Stay, online | ¥5,500 |
| Single re-entry permit, in person | ¥4,000 |
| Multiple re-entry permit, in person | ¥7,000 |
If you apply from overseas, the Certificate of Eligibility process and visa issuance process may involve different steps and costs depending on the Japanese embassy or consulate and your nationality.
How much does the Business Manager Visa process cost?
Government filing fees are small compared with the full setup cost.
Most founders need to budget for several cost areas:
Beyond government fees, budget for the following:
| Cost Area | Estimated Cost |
| Business plan verification by a certified professional | ¥165,000 – ¥250,000 edited this > mark as done |
| Legal consultation (if needed) | Variable |
| Office lease deposits and initial rent | Variable by location |
| Company registration fees (KK) | ¥200,000 – ¥250,000 |
| Business Manager Visa application support | ~¥350,000 |
The October 2025 rule change increased the amount of preparation needed. Professional support often costs more than it did under the old ¥5 million route, especially if the case involves capital planning, employee eligibility, office review, and business plan verification.
For a detailed guide on each step of setting up your business in Japan, including important considerations and practical tips, please refer to this comprehensive article: How to Set Up a Company in Japan.
The Startup Visa: an alternative route for some founders
If you cannot meet the Business Manager Visa requirements immediately, the Startup Visa may be an option.
It is not a backup plan for every founder who does not have ¥30 million. The Startup Visa is for founders preparing to launch a startup business in Japan under an approved local government or support organization. METI explains that approved organizations support foreign entrepreneurs while they conduct startup preparation activities, and the residence period can last up to two years.
This matters because many founders misunderstand the word “startup.” A new restaurant, travel agency, consulting company, trading company, or local service business does not automatically qualify just because it is new. In many cases, the business needs to look more like a startup, with innovation, scalability, growth potential, and a clear reason it fits the local program.
Shibuya Startup Visa and the “Shibuya 5”
Shibuya is one of the more important Startup Visa routes for foreign founders in Tokyo. One advantage is that Shibuya may still consider applicants who do not already have ¥30 million in the bank before applying. Shibuya’s own FAQ says Startup Visa applicants need enough money to make the business plan feasible, while switching later to the Business Manager Visa requires ¥30 million in capital.
That does not mean Shibuya accepts normal small businesses easily. Shibuya describes its Startup Visa as being for founders preparing to start a scalable business in Shibuya, and its self-check asks whether the startup meets ALL five points:
- Does the startup introduce a new and innovative product?
- Is the business model scalable?
- Does the startup have exponential growth potential?
- Does the startup have potential to grow in Japan and globally?
- Does the startup have an exit strategy?
These five points are important. A standard restaurant, travel agency, language school, trading business, or consulting company is unlikely to qualify unless it has a clear technology component, scalable model, or other startup-style feature.
Here are examples of companies that have gotten the startup visa. Some do not have exponential growth potential, but you can see that they bring some sort of unique technology that the region needs.
Sapporo: Japanese language app for employees
Sapporo: Developed a new method for farming Wasabi indoors
Yokohama: Develop a unique way to recycle plastics
Shizuoka: Developed drones to analyze structural damage in areas that are dangerous for humans to go.
Fukuoka: Cybersecurity and blockchain security expert
In our experience, Shibuya Startup Visa screening is selective, and applicants should not treat it as an easy alternative to the Business Manager Visa. For many normal businesses, the acceptance rate can be low, so you should confirm fit before building your Japan plan around this route.
Startup Visa vs Business Manager Visa
| Item | Startup Visa | Business Manager Visa |
| Main purpose | Preparing to start a startup business | Managing an active business in Japan |
| Capital requirement | Depends on the program and business plan | Generally ¥30 million for new applicants |
| Employee requirement | Usually not required at the beginning | At least one qualifying full-time employee |
| Business type | Usually needs startup-style features | Can include broader business models if requirements are met |
| Residence status | Designated Activities | Business Manager |
| Long-term path | Usually must later change to a Business Manager Visa | Can be renewed if the business remains compliant |
How the Startup Visa process works
The Startup Visa process depends on the local government or an approved organization. METI states that requirements, business fields, and documents vary depending on the municipality or organization, so you should not assume that one city’s rules apply everywhere.
In general, the process looks like this:
- Choose the local government or approved organization.
- Confirm whether your business fits the target fields and screening standards.
- Prepare a business plan, funding plan, and timeline.
- Submit the application to the support organization.
- Complete document screening and, in many cases, an interview.
- If approved, apply for the residence status through Immigration.
- Use the Startup Visa period to prepare the company, funding, office, hiring plan, and Business Manager Visa transition.
For Shibuya, the process includes document screening and an interview. Shibuya’s FAQ says the document screening usually takes one to two weeks, followed by an online pitch interview if the applicant passes the document stage.
Capital planning for the Startup Visa
The Startup Visa does not always require the same capital position at the application stage as the Business Manager Visa.
Shibuya may consider applicants who do not already have ¥30 million, as long as the business plan is financially realistic. For other areas, you should be prepared for stricter expectations. In some cases, you may need to show ¥30 million or signed investor commitment strong enough to support the plan, even if the full amount is not yet sitting in the company bank account.
This is one of the areas where the route needs to be checked before applying. The Startup Visa can help some founders buy time, but it does not remove the need to eventually satisfy the Business Manager Visa standard.
When the Startup Visa may make sense
The Startup Visa may be worth considering if:
- Your business has a technology, innovation, or scalable growth angle.
- You need time to raise capital before applying for the Business Manager Visa.
- You are applying through a city or organization that fits your industry.
- You can explain how the business will grow beyond a small local operation.
- You have a realistic path to meet the Business Manager Visa requirements later.
It may not be the right route if your business is a standard local service business, restaurant, agency, trading company, or consulting company without a clear startup component.
If you are unsure, check here for a detailed guide on the Startup Visa application process, consult with your chosen municipality’s support organization, or contact SmartStart Japan for assistance.
Common Challenges in Obtaining a Business Manager Visa in Japan
5 Common Challenges in Obtaining a Business Manager Visa in Japan
The October 2025 reforms significantly raised the bar for Business Manager Visa approval. Here are the most common challenges applicants face and how to address them:
Meeting the ¥30 Million Capital Requirement
The sixfold increase in capital requirements is the biggest hurdle for many entrepreneurs. Strategies to consider:
- Investor funding: Seek investment from venture capital, angel investors, or corporate partners
- Savings and assets: Liquidate investments or assets to meet the threshold
- Loans: Some applicants use business loans, though you must clearly explain the source and repayment plan to Immigration
- Startup Visa first: If you need time to raise capital, use the Startup Visa pathway to establish your business while working toward the ¥30 million target
- Partnership: Consider bringing on a co-founder or investor who can contribute capital
Verification note: Immigration scrutinizes capital sources. Temporary loans just for the application (with plans to withdraw funds afterward) can result in rejection or visa revocation.
Finding Qualified Employees
The mandatory employee requirement presents challenges because eligible workers are limited to Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, and Table 2 visa holders (permanent residents, spouses, and long-term residents). Workers on standard work visas do not qualify.
Strategies:
- Hire early: Begin recruiting before your visa application
- Part-time to full-time: If you know Japanese nationals working part-time, discuss full-time employment
- Staffing agencies: Work with recruitment firms that understand the visa requirements
- Japanese language ability: If you hire a non-Japanese employee (Table 2 visa holder), ensure they can demonstrate JLPT N2 or equivalent
Meeting the Japanese Language Requirement
Either you or your employee must demonstrate JLPT N2 level proficiency. Options:
- Take the JLPT: The test is offered twice yearly (July and December)
- BJT Business Japanese Test: Offered more frequently than JLPT
- Hire a Japanese national: This satisfies the requirement automatically
- Hire a long-term resident with language proof: Foreign employees with Table 2 visas who graduated from Japanese universities or have JLPT certification qualify
Documenting Management Experience
The three-year management experience requirement can be difficult to prove, especially for first-time entrepreneurs or those from countries with different documentation practices.
Prepare:
- Employment certificates from previous employers stating your management role and responsibilities
- Tax payment records showing income from managerial positions
- Business registration documents if you own a company abroad
- Reference letters from supervisors or business partners
If you lack management experience, the alternative is a master’s or doctoral degree in business, management, or a field related to your proposed business.
Obtaining Business Plan Verification
Finding a certified professional to verify your plan can be challenging, especially if your business model is unconventional or you do not have existing relationships in Japan.
Recommendations:
- Contact SmartStart Japan for referrals to qualified professionals
- Use accounting firms or consulting firms that specialize in foreign-owned businesses
- Allow sufficient time (two to four weeks) for the verification process
- Be prepared to revise your plan based on the professional’s feedback
Office Space Requirements
Home offices are no longer permitted under the new rules. You must secure a dedicated commercial space appropriate for your business scale.
Considerations:
- Traditional office leases in Japan often require guarantors and significant deposits
- Serviced offices and shared offices may qualify if you have a dedicated, lockable space with your company nameplate
- Virtual offices and mail-forwarding addresses do not qualify
- Immigration may conduct site visits to verify your office
For guidance on finding appropriate office space, see our Guide to Rental Offices in Japan.
3 Tips to Avoid Application Rejection
Common misunderstandings that can hurt your Business Manager Visa plan
We receive inquiries almost every day from people who want to get a Business Manager Visa in Japan. Many of them are not rejected because they have a bad business idea. They run into problems because they misunderstand which visa route fits their situation.
1. Confusing the Business Manager Visa with a work visa
A common request we receive is: “Can I incorporate a company under a Japanese director, have that company sponsor my work visa, and then I run the business?”
That setup can create a serious immigration risk.
The Business Manager Visa is for people who manage or administer a business in Japan. Immigration lists company managers and administrators as examples of people who fall under this status.
A standard work visa is different. If the purpose is for you to own, direct, and manage the company, the Business Manager Visa is usually the visa category that matches the activity.
2. Paying for a “work visa package” that does not match your real activity
Recently, some services have become popular where a foreign entrepreneur pays a company overseas, and that company offers a work visa route in Japan.
Be careful with this kind of arrangement.
Some providers may promote the Highly Skilled Professional visa because it can create a faster path to permanent residence. Under the official Highly Skilled Professional permanent residence route, people with 70 or more points may be eligible after three years, and people with 80 or more points may be eligible after one year.
That does not mean the route is simple or suitable for every founder. You still need to qualify for the status, match the activity, maintain the required points, and later satisfy the permanent residence requirements. Some permanent residence cases may also require stronger Japanese ability, tax records, income records, and proof that the applicant’s situation is stable.
The risk is paying a premium for a “fast track” without understanding what you are actually getting. If your real goal is to own and run a company in Japan, a work visa package may not solve the main issue.
3. Not knowing you can incorporate before getting the Business Manager Visa
Many founders think they must first get residency or find a Japanese director before they can create a company in Japan.
That is not always true.
In many cases, a foreign founder can incorporate a KK or GK in Japan without already holding a Business Manager Visa. A Japanese director is not always required for incorporation.
This is important for founders who are not ready to invest ¥30 million into a Business Manager Visa application yet. In some cases, you can create the company first, test the market, build traction, and decide later whether the Business Manager Visa, Startup Visa, or another route makes sense.
This does not mean remote setup is easy. Banking, licenses, office contracts, payment collection, and operations can still be difficult without a person in Japan. But company setup and immigration are separate steps, and you do not always need to solve both on day one.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to set up a company in Japan.
Changing Visa Status
Some founders enter Japan through the Startup Visa and later apply to change to Business Manager status.
This route can help if you need time to prepare the business before applying for the Business Manager Visa. The Startup Visa is not a shortcut around the Business Manager Visa requirements. When the Startup Visa period ends, you still need to show that the company is ready for the Business Manager Visa standard.
Holding a Startup Visa does not guarantee approval for the Business Manager Visa. Plan the transition before relying on this route. Note that if you have a startup visa, it can be renewed given enough traction.
Exception: If you are transitioning from a Startup Visa that was approved under the old system (confirmation certificate issued before October 16, 2025), you may be eligible to apply for Business Manager status under the previous criteria. Consult with an immigration specialist to confirm your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions about the Business Manager Visa in Japan
Can I still get a Business Manager Visa with ¥5 million in capital?
For all new applications submitted after the October 2025 rule change, NO. The standard capital requirement is now ¥30 million. If you have tangible and non-tangible assets that you can include with capital, we may be able to help you at Smart Start Japan.
Can I set up a company in Japan without a Business Manager Visa?
In most cases, yes. Incorporation and immigration are separate processes. A foreign founder may be able to register a company in Japan without already holding a Business Manager Visa. Running the business from overseas can still create practical problems with banking, licenses, tax setup, office contracts, and daily management.
Also, we are seeing more companies opt into creating a remote company through using Smart Start Japan and then transitioning to a business manager visa after getting more traction.
Can I apply for a Business Manager Visa without speaking Japanese?
Yes, but the Japanese language requirement still needs to be satisfied for your employee. Under the current rules, either the applicant or a qualifying full-time employee must show the required Japanese language ability. Also, consider making a remote company or finding a Japanese director and gaining traction first before coming to Japan.
What counts as proof of Japanese language ability?
The applicant or qualifying full-time employee can usually meet the language requirement through JLPT N2 or higher, a BJT Business Japanese score of 400 or higher, 20 or more years as a mid-to-long-term resident in Japan, graduation from a Japanese university or similar institution, or completion of Japanese compulsory education followed by graduation from a Japanese high school.
Who can count as the required full-time employee?
The required employee generally needs to be a Japanese national, a special permanent resident, or a foreign national with an eligible Table 2 residence status, such as a permanent resident, spouse of a Japanese national, spouse of a permanent resident, or long-term resident. Employees on standard work visas generally do not count for this requirement.
The employee also needs to work full-time for your company. A person who is already enrolled in Shakai Hoken through another company may not fit the requirement if they are not truly employed full-time by your company.
Can I use a virtual office for the Business Manager Visa?
No. A virtual office or mail-forwarding address is generally not enough. The business needs a real, dedicated office appropriate for its activities and staffing plan.
Can I bring my family if I receive a Business Manager Visa?
In many cases, a Business Manager Visa holder can bring a spouse and children under dependent status. The family application is separate, and Immigration may review whether the business and salary can support the family in Japan.
Is the Startup Visa easier than the Business Manager Visa?
The Startup Visa can help if you need time to prepare your business before applying for the Business Manager Visa. It does not fit every business. Some municipalities focus on innovative, scalable, or tech-related businesses, and applicants may need to show a realistic path to funding, growth, and later Business Manager Visa conversion.
How long does the Business Manager Visa process take?
The timeline depends on the company setup, documents, office, employee plan, and the Immigration Bureau handling the case. In practice, founders should think in months, not weeks, especially after the 2025 rule change.
Do I need a lawyer or an immigration specialist?
The Business Manager Visa has become more complex. Many applicants work with an administrative scrivener, immigration specialist, or company setup provider because the company structure, office, employee plan, business plan, and visa application need to match.
Can I bring my family on a Business Manager Visa?
In many cases, a Business Manager Visa holder can bring a spouse and children to Japan under dependent status.
The family application is separate from the main Business Manager Visa application. Immigration may review your income, business stability, housing, and ability to support your family in Japan.
If you plan to move with family, include this in the setup plan from the beginning. Your salary, housing, insurance, tax setup, and renewal plan may need to account for dependents.
Final Thoughts
If you are ready to take the next step in establishing your business in Japan, SmartStart Japan is here to help. Our team specializes in guiding foreign entrepreneurs through the Business Manager Visa process, from business plan development and professional verification to company registration and Immigration applications. We understand the October 2025 requirements and can help you navigate the new landscape successfully.
Whether you need to meet the ¥30 million capital requirement, find qualifying employees, or determine whether the Startup Visa is the right first step for your situation, we provide clear guidance tailored to your circumstances. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your path forward.
