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What to Know Before You Apply for a Business Manager Visa
Even with the official guidelines, the process is rarely straightforward. Many founders get tripped up by confusing or unspoken requirements — especially around offices, capital, and business plans. One small mistake can lead to delays, added costs, or outright rejection for your Business Manager Visa Application.
What Are the Business Manager Visa Requirements?
The immigration bureau requires more than just a registered company. To qualify, you’ll need to show a real, operational business with a physical presence, and the documents to prove it.
Japanese Company
with at least ¥5,000,000 in capital
Physical Private Office Space
(co-working space and virtual office not accepted)
Business Plan in Japanese
along with your revenue forecast
Proof of Company Registration
lease contract, etc.
Up to Date Documents
including a copy of your passport and resume
WHAT WE HANDLE
Done-for-You Visa Support
With SmartStart Japan, we can handle the preparation of your Business Manager visa documents, help finding the right office that meets Japanese immigration requirements, and we submit it on your behalf.
We help you create and translate all required documents, including:
- Business plan
- Office lease contract
- Capital verification
- Company registry
- Organizational chart
- Resume and background documents
- We guide you in finding a compliant office, even remotely
- We verify it meets the Immigration Bureau’s standards
- We complete and submit your application
- Handle direct communication with the Immigration Bureau
- Respond to additional questions or requests on your behalf
We help with resident registration, opening a bank account, and more after your visa is approved
How Long Does it Take?
Timelines vary depending on your preparedness, the quality of your documents, and how quickly you can secure an eligible office space.
1
Preparation & document gathering
2–4 weeks
2
Immigration review & approval
2–3 months (short)
4 - 7 months (long)
3
Total time
3 - 9 months
Let's get your Japanese Business Visa approved!
Let our team help you navigate immigration, incorporation, and everything in between—so you can focus on what you came here to do.
About Us
Co-Founder | USA
Tyson Batino
Tyson Batino is a resident mentor for 500 global and is advising 35 companies on scaling their business in Japan by upgrading their marketing, sales, team, and operations. One area he noticed is that many companies lack good back office systems and it slows them down and makes it harder to get loans, investment, or acquired in the future.
Co-Founder | Japan
TJ Yoon
TJ is our expert who will handle all fulfillment. He was born in Japan and moved to Australia while in junior high school and stayed until he graduated from UNSW, a top 5 university in Australia. He has successfully incorporated more than 50 companies and more than 50 loan and subsidy applications. TJ can help guide you through the process of setting up a business in Japan and more
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Contact Us
SmartStart Japan is dedicated to helping international entrepreneurs confidently build and launch businesses in Japan.