Japan Business Manager Visa

AsiaJapan

Rules changed

Since 16 Oct 2025: ~¥30,000,000 capital (from ¥5M), a real office, a full-time Japanese or permanent-resident employee, B2-level Japanese from you or that employee, and three years' management experience or a master's degree. Existing holders renew under the old rules until 15 Oct 2028.

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Short answer

Japan's Business Manager Visa (経営・管理) — for genuinely founding and running a real business in Japan. Sharply tightened in October 2025 (higher capital, an independent office, a qualifying employee and management experience). A genuine multi-year settlement track, not a passive scheme.

Best for

Founders and company owners ready to operate locally
Families planning long-term relocation to Japan
Parents prioritising education and stability

Not ideal for

Applicants without a real business plan
Those wanting low residence or low compliance

Snapshot

Region: Asia
Budget band: Medium–High
Timeline: Medium
Residence burden: High
Passport potential: Long-term possible
Family suitability: High
Tax / banking complexity: High / High
Entry capital: US$200,000 · Invested / contributed
Typical processing: 3–6 months
Estimated budget: Capital requirement was raised to ~¥30,000,000 (~US$200,000) effective 16 Oct 2025 (up from ¥5M), plus a real independent office (home offices no longer accepted), at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national or permanent resident, Japanese at B2 (JLPT N2) level from you or that employee, three years of management experience or a master's degree, and setup/professional fees. Existing holders may renew under the old rules until 15 Oct 2028. Subject to current rules.

Timeline, stay requirement & passport in detail

Timeline: Roughly 3–6+ months to set up the entity, secure an office and obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, then visa issuance; the business must be genuinely operational. Subject to current rules.
Residence burden: Effectively resident — you must actually run the business in Japan, and renewals depend on its ongoing viability.
Passport potential: Long-term — permanent residence generally after ~10 years (with ~5 on a work status); naturalization possible after ~5 years, under strict criteria.

Commonly requested documents

Valid passport and proof of address
Business plan and company documents
Proof of capital and bank statements
Family certificates where relevant

Main risks

Tightened sharply in Oct 2025: ~¥30M capital, an independent office, a qualifying employee, and management experience or a relevant degree
Renewals fail if the business is not genuinely viable
Ongoing corporate tax, accounting and compliance burden

Recommended next steps

Clarify your business model and capital
Plan local operations and compliance
Arrange professional company-setup support

See if this route fits your profile

Start the Route Matcher Review Japan route

Frequently asked questions

Founders and company owners ready to genuinely set up and operate a business in Japan.

It may support a long-term residence and potential citizenship path over time, subject to rules and professional review.

It generally expects genuine local presence and an operating business.

No. This is general route-matching information only.

Information reviewed: 2026-09 · subject to change — not legal advice · Sources: bakermckenzie.com, english.visajapan.jp

Important disclaimer

This tool provides a general route-matching estimate based on the information you entered. It is not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice. It does not guarantee eligibility, approval, visa issuance, residence approval, citizenship, bank account approval, or any government outcome. A professional assessment is recommended.