Business Management Visa

About the Business Manager Visa, the application process, required documents, and key points.

For customers who

☑ Want to change to a Business Manager Visa (formerly known as Investment Manager Visa) after graduating from university to start my own business.

☑ Is uncertain if I can renew my Business Manager Visa (formerly known as Investment Manager Visa) because my business isn’t going as expected.

☑ Is unsure how to write a business plan.

☑ Is taking over a friend’s restaurant and need some help with the procedures.

☑ Applied for a Business Manager Visa (formerly known as Investment Manager Visa) on my own and it was rejected…

☑ Want to run a massage parlor, but is it difficult to obtain a visa for this business?

☑ Want to start a business in Japan, but I’m unsure about the necessary procedures besides the visa.

table of contents

What is a Business Manager Visa?
Application for Business Manager Visa
Key Points for Business Manage Visa
- Capital Investment for “Certification”
- Handling Negative Financial Results during “Extension” Application
Business Manager Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Supports and Fees for Business Manager Visa

What is a Business Manager Visa?

A Business Manager Visa is a residence status granted for activities involving substantial participation in the operation or management of a business that a foreign individual or foreign corporation has established or invested in Japan. (includes activities such as “managing trade or other business operations in Japan or engaging in the management of said business.”)

In other words, a Business Manager Visa is for those who want to run a company in Japan or work as managers in significant departments such as factory directors or branch managers.

Those eligible to obtain a Business Manager Visa are individuals who substantially participate in the management or operation of a business, holding positions such as president, director, auditor, department head, factory director, or branch manager, and are responsible for the Business Manager.

Point 1: Almost all industries are eligible, an d there is no distinction between for-profit and non-profit.

The Business Manager Visa is applicable to all types of businesses and industries including manufacturing, retail, and services. It also covers individuals who are planning to establish a company and become a manager. However, businesses that fall under the category of “Legal/Accounting Services Visa,” such as lawyers and accountants, are not eligible.

Point 2: When applying as a “manager,” educational background and work experience are generally not required.

When applying as a “manager,” there are no specific requirements regarding educational background or work experience. However, it is important to note that the Business Manager Visa does have certain criteria in place, such as a minimum capital requirement and specific standards related to the “location” of the office or business premises.

Point 3: If applying based on starting a business, the business must be in a state where operations can commence immediately.

If applying based on starting a business, it is necessary to establish the company, hire employees, and ensure that the business is in a state where operations can commence immediately before making the application. Additionally, it is important to note that the application will require documentation that demonstrates the stability and continuity of the business.

Overview of Business Manager Visa
Activity	Working as a manager in the operation of a company or business division.
Duration of Stay	Options include 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months, or 3 months.
Criteria and Regulations	There are requirements concerning factors such as the establishment of a business location and capital investment, as specified by relevant government ordinances.

Application for Business Manager Visa

We will provide a clear explanation of the process for applying for a Business Manager Visa, including the application procedure, required documents, and average processing times.

Application Procedure

Let’s now go through the specific steps for applying for the “Certification,” “Change,” or “Extension” of a Business Manager Visa.

For detailed information regarding the Immigration Bureau and Immigration Control Agency, please refer to our guide here(Under Construction).

The process flow of obtaining a Business Manager Visa from starting a business to applying for the visa

Required Documents for “Certification” Procedure

We will guide you through the basic necessary documents for applying for the certification of the Business Manager Visa (Application for Certificate of Eligibility). The listed documents below are fundamental, and depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional attachments may be required.

Obtaining the appropriate documents tailored to the applicant’s situation usually requires specialized knowledge and experience. It is more reassuring to seek advice from professionals rather than invest significant effort and time only to receive undesired results. (Please feel free to make use of our office’s “Free Consultation” service.)

	Category 1（※1）	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4
①Application for Certificate of Eligibility	○	○	○	○
②Photo 1 leaf(4cm x 3cm)	○	○	○	○
③1 reply envelope with 404 yen postage affixed	○	○	○	○
④Documents proving that you fall under any of the categories, as appropriate (※1)	○	○	○
⑤Materials that clarify the details of the applicant’s activities (※2)			○	○
⑥Document proving that you have 3 years or more of experience in business management or management (※3)			○	○
⑦Material that clarify the business details (※4)			○	○
⑧Document that clarify the business scale (※5)			○	○
⑧Document that clarify the business scale (※5)			○	○
⑩Copy of business plan			○	○
⑪Copy of the most recent year’s financial statements			○	○
⑫Material that clarify the reason why the statutory record total table, such as withholding tax slips for employee salary income for the previous year, cannot be submitted (※7)				○

※1 We provide detailed explanations about the “Category” of Affiliated Institutions (Designated Public and Private Institutions by the Minister of Justice) and ” Documents proving that you fall under any of the categories “. Please go here for further information.

※2 Materials that clarify the details of the applicant’s activities :
　(1)When taking office as an officer of a company that is a Japanese corporation:
　　　 One copy of the articles of incorporation that stipulate remuneration for directors or the minutes of the general meeting of shareholders that resolved remuneration for directors (for companies with a remuneration committee, the minutes of the committee)
　(2)When transferring to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation or assuming office as an officer of an organization other than a company:
　　　 One document from your organization (letter of dispatch, notice of transfer, etc.) clarifying your position (work in charge), period, and amount of remuneration to be paid.
　(3) In case of being employed as a manager in Japan:
　　　 One document (such as an employment contract) specifying the working conditions issued to the worker based on Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of the Enforcement Regulations of the same Act.

※3 “Document proving that you have 3 years or more of experience in business management or management” (If you are employed as a manager in Japan).
　・One copy of a resume specifying the organization in which you have engaged in related work, as well as the content and period of your activities.
　・Document certifying the period of engagement in related work (including a certificate from the relevant school stating the period in which you majored in business or administration-related subjects at graduate school).

※4 ” Materials that clarify the business details”:
　・(If the business is to be carried out by a corporation) a copy of the registration certificate of the corporation (if the registration of the corporation has not been completed, the articles of incorporation or other documents clarifying that the corporation is about to start the business document) 1 copy
　　 *It does not matter whether a corporation is established in Japan or a branch of a foreign corporation is established in Japan.
　・1 copy of a guidebook containing details of the company’s history, officers, organization, business details (including major business partners and business results), etc.
　・One document similar to the above prepared by other workplaces, etc.

※5 “One of the following documents that clarify the business scale “:
Any one of the following:
　・Documents related to wage payments, resident records, and other materials related to the staff that clarify that there are two or more full-time staff members　1 copy for each
　・1 copy of registration certificate
　　 *No need to submit if submitted under ⑦.
　・Other documents clarifying the scale of the business: 1 copy (typically, an explanation of the process of forming capital).

※6 ” Documents clarifying the existence of office facilities”:
　・(For owned real estate) One certified copy of real estate register.
　・(For rented real estate) 1 copy of the rental agreement.
　・Other documents 1 copy.

※7 “Any of the following materials that clarify the reason why the statutory record total table, such as withholding tax slips for employee salary income for the previous year, cannot be submitted”:
　(a) In the case of an institution exempted from withholding tax:
　　-1 copy of exemption certificate for foreign corporation’s withholding tax or other documents that clarify that withholding tax is not required
　(b) For institutions other than those in (1) above:
　　(b) For institutions other than those in (1) above:
　　- One of the following documents:
　　　・1 copy of income tax collection statement for employment income, retirement income, etc. for the most recent three months (copy of receipt date stamped)
　　　・If you have received special exceptions for delivery dates, one document certifying that such approval has been received.

You can also download documents such as the “Application for Certificate of Eligibility ” (in PDF or Excel format) from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s website. Please check for further details.

Required Documents for “Extension” Procedure

We will provide you with a list of the basic necessary documents for applying for the Extension of the Business Manager Visa (Application for Extension of Period of Stay). The listed documents below are fundamental, and depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional attachments may be required.

Obtaining the appropriate documents tailored to the applicant’s situation often requires specialized knowledge and experience. It is more reassuring to seek advice from professionals rather than invest significant effort and time only to receive undesired results. (Please feel free to make use of our office’s “Free Consultation” service.)

	Category 1（※1）	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4
①Application for Extension of Period of Stay	○	○	○	○
②Photo 1 leaf(4cm x 3cm)	○	○	○	○
③Passport and Residence Card (Presentation)	○	○	○	○
④Document proving that you fall under any of the categories, as appropriate（※1）	○	○	○
⑤Copy of the most recent year’s financial statements			○	○
⑥”One copy each of resident tax taxation (or tax exemption) certificate and tax payment certificate (one year’s total income and tax payment status)			○	○
⑦1 copy of exemption certificate for corporation’s withholding tax or other documents that clarify that withholding tax is not required				○

You can also download documents such as the ‘Application for Change of Status of Residence’ (PDF・Excel) and ‘Application for Extension of Period of Stay'(PDF・Excel) from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s website. Please feel free to check it out.

Required Documents for “Change” Procedure

We will provide you with a list of the basic necessary documents for applying for a change to the Business Manager Visa (Application for Change of Status of Residence). The listed documents below are fundamental, and depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional attachments may be required.

	Category 1（※1）	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4
①Application for Change of Status of Residence	○	○	○	○
②Photo 1 leaf(4cm x 3cm)	○	○	○	○
③Passport and Residence Card (Presentation)	○	○	○	○
④Documents proving that you fall under any of the categories, as appropriate（※1）	○	○	○	○
⑤Materials that clarify the details of the applicant’s activities, etc.(※2)	○	○	○	○
⑥A document proving that you have 3 years or more of experience in business management or management (※3)	○	○	○
⑦Material that clarify the business details(※4)	○	○	○	○
⑧Document that clarify the business scale(※5)			○	○
⑨ Documents clarifying the existence of office facilities(※6)			△	△
⑩ 1 copy of business plan			△	△
⑪1 copy of the most recent year’s financial statements			△	△
⑫Material that clarify the reason why the statutory record total table, such as withholding tax slips for employee salary income for the previous year, cannot be submitted (※7)			△	△

※2 Please refer to the part marked as ※2 in the list of required documents for the “Certification” procedure.

※3 Please refer to the part marked as ※3 in the list of required documents for the “Certification” procedure.

※4 Please refer to the part marked as ※4 in the list of required documents for the “Certification” procedure.

※5 Please refer to the part marked as ※5 in the list of required documents for the “Certification” procedure.

※6 Please refer to the part marked as ※6 in the list of required documents for the “Certification” procedure.

You can also download documents such as the ” Application for Certificate of Eligibility” (PDF・Excel) from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s website, so please check it out.

Explanation of Required Documents

We will provide a detailed explanation of the documents required for both the “Certification” and “Change” procedures, specifically the “Materials that clarify the business details ” ” Documents that clarify the business scale ” and “Documents clarifying the existence of office facilities” in each application.

“Materials that clarify the business details ” ” Documents that clarify the business scale “

In the application process for the Business Manager Visa (Certification/Change), it is necessary to provide evidence of the nature of the business activities being conducted, such as what kind of activities and at what scale are being carried out in terms of management and operation.
Therefore, the documents required for this purpose are the “Materials that clarify the business details ” and ” Documents that clarify the business scale “

The following documents are typically submitted during the application process. However, depending on the applicant’s situation, additional documents or detailed supplementary materials may be required. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us for free consultation service.

❶ Certificate of Registered Matters

❷ Company Profile and Overview

❸ Document Proving Business Activities

❹ Copy of the most recent year’s financial statements

❺ Business Plan, etc.

❻ Explanation of Annual Investment Amount

❼ Copy of statutory documents such as withholding tax statements for employee salary income (previous year) with an official receipt stamp

❽ Copy of Business License (if conducting a business that requires authorization or approval)

❾ Documents attesting to the formation process of capital of 5 million yen or more

❿ Document and resident registration proving payment of wages for two or more full-time employees.”

Documents clarifying the existence of office facilities:

One of the requirements for applying for a business management visa is that the “business premises must be located in Japan. A “business premises” is an office or store where business is conducted, and an office or store is considered to have a business premises in Japan only if it is equipped with the necessary office equipment, fixtures, furniture, fittings, and other equipment required for management or administration.

For this purpose, the following documents need to be submitted during the application process. However, depending on the applicant’s situation and other factors, further necessary documents and detailed accompanying materials may be required in addition to the documents listed below (if you have any concerns, please feel free to use our free consulting service).

❶ (For owned real estate) One certified copy of real estate register.

❷ (For rented real estate) 1 copy of the rental agreement.

❸ Photos and diagrams of the business premises, contracts, and detailed documents related to facilities
　 (*Exterior and interior of the building, floor plans, directional signs, signage, etc.)

❹ Statement of Reason for Application

The average processing period

The average processing time for a Business Manage Visa is approximately ○ days to ○ days. However, please note that this is just a standard estimate and the actual processing time may vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s circumstances, and the workload at the Immigration Bureau.

Key Points for Business Manage Visa

In this section, we will provide clear explanations of important considerations and frequently asked questions regarding the Business Manage Visa application.

Capital Investment for “Certification”

One of the conditions for applying for a Business Manage Visa is to demonstrate a capital investment or contribution of “5 million yen or more.” This will be the evidence of the scale of the business.

Additionally, in order to prevent activities such as “show money” or money laundering, it is necessary to explain the process of how the capital or funding was obtained. This may require documents and records such as remittance certificates, income statements, and bank statements from your home country.
If the capital is provided through a loan, documentation like a loan agreement may also be required. It’s especially important to thoroughly consider the methods of payment and funding sources, as there are strict regulations, particularly in China, regarding the outflow of funds.

Handling Negative Financial Results during “Extension” Application

When applying for an Extension of a Business Manager Visa, one of the conditions is that the company’s financial statements should generally be in the black. However, this is stated as “generally,” which means that having negative financial results does not necessarily disqualify you from renewing the visa.

The Business Manager Visa is granted to foreign individuals for the stable and continuous operation and management of a business in Japan. Therefore, if the stability and continuity of the business are in doubt, the visa may not be approved. It is generally more desirable to have positive financial results

However, especially in the second year or beyond, there are cases where a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as sales volume and the prospects of the business is considered during the Extension process rather than the financial statements being in the black or not, due to that it is not rare to not being able to recoup the initial investment because of the few trading partners and customers for a new business.

Even if the company experiences losses in the second year or later after establishment, there may still be cases where the Extension is approved. Though the financial situation is indeed more likely to be emphasized in the second year than in the first year, if you can explain any special losses, such as temporary investment in facilities, and provide an objective explanation, there still is the possibility of being granted.

In conclusion, it’s important not to give up on renewing the Business Manager Visa solely based on financial losses. Instead, provide a clear explanation of the reasons for the losses and propose strategies for improving the business, making efforts to demonstrate eligibility for Extension with objective evidence is more crucial.

Business Manager Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a business owner to obtain a Business Manager Visa?

The “Business Manager Visa” is for business owners. This includes individuals who invest and manage their own business, corporate officers, branch managers, and others who are substantially involved in the management or administration of the business. However, even with the title “Executive”, if the position is held by a worker who is not involved in the management of the company, he/she may be eligible for another type of work visa such as an “Intra-company Transfer Visa” or an “Engineering/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa”.

I am currently a student and want to start a company after leaving university. Can I obtain a Business Manager Visa?

There are no specific educational requirements for obtaining a “Business Manager Visa.” If you have proper preparations for your business and meet the requirements, it is possible to obtain the visa.

Can I use my residence as an office when obtaining a Business Manager Visa?

It is generally not desirable for your residence and office to be the same. It is mandatory to clearly separate the business space from the living space. Additionally, arrangements regarding expenses such as utilities will be necessary.

Can I use a virtual office or short-term rental space on a monthly basis when obtaining a Business Manager Visa?

Virtual offices, short-term rental spaces on a monthly basis, and easily disposable stalls do not qualify as a continuous ” business premises ” for the purpose of obtaining a Business Manager Visa, as they do not provide services continuously at a specific location.

In order for a business or office to be recognized for management and administration purposes, it is important that:
・Economic activities are carried out in a specific location (under a single management entity).
・The production or provision of goods and services is conducted continuously with the presence of personnel and facilities.
When applying for a Management and Administration Visa, above requirements need to be met, it is advisable to avoid places mentioned.

I want to enter into a joint venture. Can I obtain a Business Manager Visa?

Depending on the size of the company, those involved in management and administration are often one person per business location or company. This makes obtaining a management visa more challenging. However, if certain specific requirements are met, it is possible for two or more individuals to obtain management visas for a single company.

①There must be a rational reason, such as a large volume of business, number of employees, or high revenue, that necessitates the need for two or more managers for the effective operation of the business.
②The nature of the tasks that each of the two or more managers will be engaged in must be clearly defined.
③Each of the two or more managers must receive compensation for their involvement in management or administrative tasks.

For those wishing to obtain a management visa, it is imperative that they take on responsibilities within their designated role as “entrepreneurs/managers,” making decisions on critical aspects related to the operation of the business, carrying out the execution or audit of business operations, and other tasks that managers are required to perform.
Therefore, if you are an entrepreneur, it is essential to pay close attention to factors such as capital investment and voting rights percentages.
Additionally, the situation may change depending on whether both joint operators are required to obtain Business Management visas or if only one is sufficient, based on factors such as the amount of initial investment in the case of a newly established business.

Is it necessary to hire employees when obtaining a Business Manager Visa?

You do not necessarily need to hire employees in order to obtain a management visa.

Under the current law, companies applying for a management visa are required to be of a scale that employs “two or more employees.”

However, instead of hiring employees, if you can provide a capital investment of at least 5 million yen per entrepreneur at the time of establishment, it is not necessary to employ two or more employees.

Is Japanese language proficiency required for a Business Manager Visa?

Japanese language proficiency is not necessarily required to obtain a Business manager visa. However, it is considered beneficial for foreign individuals conducting business in Japan to have a certain level of Japanese proficiency to facilitate communication with clients and business partners.

It is important to demonstrate in the visa application that there will be no hindrance in conducting business in Japan as an entrepreneur. For example, this could involve hiring interpreters within the company or outsourcing translation tasks to a translation agency. Providing a clear explanation of future plans, including strategies such as utilizing business plans and statements of intent, is crucial during the management visa application process.

How can I obtain a 3 or 5-year Business Manager Visa?

For newly established corporations, it is generally not common to acquire such a visa on the first application. To obtain a 3 or 5-year visa on subsequent renewal applications, key points include the company’s compliance with laws and regulations, its financial condition, and the applicant’s own compliance with laws and regulations.
The specific considerations are as follows, and other factors will also be comprehensively evaluated. To obtain a 3 or 5-year visa:

☑Fulfilling reporting obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
　　　Examples
　　　　・Reporting changes in residence after initial landing
　　　　・Reporting changes in residence associated with changes in residency status
　　　　・Reporting changes in residence
　　　　・Reporting changes in registered details other than residence
　　　　・Reporting changes in affiliated institutions
　　　　・Reporting changes of office relocations.
　☑Ensuring that children of compulsory education age are attending elementary or middle schools.
　※The Japanese Constitution Article 26 establishes the obligation (duty to attend school) of parents to provide their children with 9 years of compulsory education.
　※In Japan’s compulsory education system, schooling begins in the first year after a child reaches 6 years of age, and children are enrolled in elementary school (6-12 years old) and then middle school (12-15 years old).
　☑Having a planned stay in Japan of at least one year.
　☑Fulfilling the obligations as a business operator.
　　Examples
　　　　・The business owner’s enrollment in social insurance
　　　　・Compliance with tax-related laws and regulations
　　　　・Appropriate payment of national taxes (income tax, corporate tax, etc.) and local taxes (residential tax, etc.)
　　　　・Compliance with labor-related laws and social insurance-related laws
　　　　・Ensuring that the working conditions of employees (regardless of employment status such as part-time or temporary) comply with labor-related laws.
　☑Ensuring and maintaining a business premises that meets the requirements (having an office space is desirable rather than combining with a residence).
　☑Demonstrating that the management situation of the operating company is stable.
　☑Having employees on the payroll is preferable.

Please note that obtaining a visa with a 3- or 5-year validity period is a prerequisite for getting approval for naturalization.

Supports and Fees for Business Manager Visa

The support and costs for obtaining a Business Manager Visa are as follows:

Support Details	Plan Fee (Including Tax)
Free Consultation (First Time Only)	0 yen
Business Manager Visa “Certification” Application Support	99,000 yen〜
Business Manager Visa “Extension” Application Support	44,000 yen〜
Business Manager Visa “Change” Application Support	44,000 yen〜
Business Manager Visa “Certification” Application + Company Establishment Support	330,000 yen〜 ※ Separate registration license tax, etc.Actual cost
Comprehensive Support for Business Manager Visa “Certification” (Application/Company Establishment/Taxation and Labor Procedures)	450,000yen〜 ※ Separate registration license tax, etc.Actual cost
Comprehensive Full Support for Business Manager Visa (Application/Company Establishment/Visa Duration Management/Tax Advisory/Legal Advisory Support)	“Individual estimate, consultation available ※ In addition to our office, we also have advisory contracts with affiliated tax accountant firms and judicial scrivener firms within the same group.”

In visa applications, it can often be challenging to determine what documents are required, what documents are not needed, and to manage the schedule for preparing these documents. Without specialized knowledge and experience, it can be difficult.

We provide support for visa applications in a kind, thorough, and efficient manner, taking into account the applicant’s situation. We offer customers a sense of security and satisfaction that only experts can provide.

For the better resolution of the applicant’s issues, we collaborate with various specialists, including administrative scriveners, lawyers, and judicial scriveners, to provide one-stop legal services as a legal group. We also have foreign staff members who can assist in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Nepali.

Please feel free to contact our office for inquiries and consultations. We offer a free consultation (limited to the first session) where you can consult with experts at no charge. You can make a reservation for a free consultation here.

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Editor of this article

Ryota Yanagimoto: Administrative Scrivener/Judicial Scrivener

Administrative scrivener corporation Yanagi group representative employee.
At the age of 24, he passed the national examinations for judicial scrivener, administrative scrivener, and wage service manager at the same time.
While working as a full-time lecturer at a major prep school, he independently opened a legal office related to judicial scriveners and administrative scriveners,
and he has experience as a judicial scrivener and an administrative scrivener for more than 15 years so far.

He has been actively contributing to various industries such as publicly listed companies, real estate companies, financial institutions, elderly care services, and professional organizations by conducting seminars, lectures, and talks.
And now he has a record of over 60 presentations so far.

Furthermore, as the president of a Japanese language school announced by the Ministry of Justice and Acts, and an advisor to a real estate company (capable of handling foreign clients),
he has been involved in various aspects of industries related to foreigners.