Get Your Business Manager Visa in Japan – Fast, Reliable, and Done-for-You

No, you must incorporate your business in Japan before applying for the Business Manager Visa. Immigration requires a legally registered entity—such as a Godo Kaisha (GK) or Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) as part of the visa eligibility criteria. At SmartStart Japan, we specialize in handling the entire incorporation process quickly and efficiently, allowing you to move directly into the visa application phase once your company is registered.

Yes, a dedicated physical office is mandatory for the Business Manager Visa application. Immigration does not accept shared or virtual offices, and home offices are only considered under specific zoning and compliance conditions. The lease must be under the company’s name and typically for a minimum of one year. If you're unsure about the office requirements, our team will help you find a visa-compliant space and guide you through the leasing process.

Yes, after your Business Manager Visa is approved, your spouse and dependent children are eligible to apply for dependent visas. These visas allow them to live in Japan with you throughout your stay. As part of our visa support service, we assist with dependent visa applications to ensure your family can move to Japan without complications.

No, shared offices and virtual offices do not meet the immigration requirements for a Business Manager Visa in Japan. To qualify, you must lease a private, dedicated office space under your company’s name. In certain cases, a home office may be accepted, but it must comply with strict zoning and business-use regulations. At SmartStart Japan, we help you secure visa-compliant office solutions that align with Japanese immigration standards.

The total process from incorporating your company to receiving your Business Manager Visa typically takes between 4 to 8 months. Incorporation generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, while the visa approval stage can take 3 to 6 months depending on your application and immigration office workload. We recommend beginning the process at least seven months before your planned relocation to Japan to allow ample time for document preparation and office setup.

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Business Manager Visa either from outside Japan or while you are temporarily in Japan on a tourist visa. However, you first need to be incorporated before applying for a business manager visa. Additionally, you will typically have to leave the country and we will send you the COE and you will bring that with you to Japan.

Visa rejections are uncommon when applications are prepared properly. At SmartStart Japan, we maintain a 100% success rate for Business Manager Visa approvals. If your visa is denied, we conduct a detailed review of the immigration feedback and recommend whether to reapply or file an appeal. Most rejections stem from fixable issues such as incomplete documentation or office-related concerns, or a variety of issues. When it comes to visas, it is best to work with a professional.

Yes. After your company is established and your Business Manager Visa is approved, you are required to register with the local tax office and enroll in Japan’s social insurance system. If you hire employees, you’ll also need to manage payroll and labor-related filings. Our incorporation support includes all post-visa compliance steps to keep your business fully legal and running smoothly in Japan.