[2025 Amendment Ready] Complete Guide to the Business Manager Visa Requirements and How to Obtain It

2. Business Manager Visa Requirements (Screening Points under the 2025 Revision)

1. New requirements from October 16, 2025

　With the ministerial revision effective October 16, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency has formally revised the permission standards for the status of residence “Business Manager.” As a result, the requirements for new applicants who will manage a company in Japan and newly obtain “Business Manager” have been significantly strengthened as follows.

For those who already hold a Business Manager Visa, transitional measures apply: for three years from the effective date (through 2028/10/16), renewal applications may be assessed comprehensively even if not fully compliant with the new standards, taking into account business conditions and prospects for meeting the revised standards.

　However, throughout this period, substantive examination (continuity of business, tax payment, social insurance, and actual activity) and the content of the Activity Description Document (in principle required on renewal) will be strictly checked.

Business Manager Visa Renewal Guide (2025)

Fully aligned with the October 2025 revision. Explains the latest requirements for renewal such as the “Activity Description Document,” Japanese-language ability, and verification of full-time staff.

1. Hiring a full-time employee (new requirement)

　The company managed by the applicant must employ at least one full-time employee.

　Eligible “full-time employees” are limited to those holding one of the following statuses:

　Foreign nationals residing under work-restricted statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services are not counted as full-time employees for this requirement.

2. Capital / investment amount (new standard)

　The threshold has been raised from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million.

　For a corporation, “capital” means paid-in capital for a joint-stock company, or total contributions for a GK/LLC.

　For a sole proprietorship, the “total investment” of at least JPY 30 million refers to the amount injected into the business, including securing an office, one year of personnel expenses, equipment investment, etc.

3. Japanese-language ability (new requirement)

　Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese ability roughly equivalent to CEFR B2 (i.e., JLPT N2 or higher).

　This can be proved by meeting any of the following:

4. Career / academic background (new requirement)

　The applicant must meet one of the following:

　Periods spent preparing for entrepreneurship (e.g., under Designated Activities No. 51) may be counted toward the 3+ years of experience.

5. Business plan verification (new system)

　The business plan must be verified by a management professional (SME Management Consultant, CPA, or licensed tax accountant).

　The plan will be screened for “specificity, rationality, and feasibility.”

　※ Persons other than administrative scriveners or attorneys preparing application documents for a fee may violate the Administrative Scrivener Act.

6. Office requirements (strengthened)

　Using a residence as the business office is, in principle, not allowed.

　A dedicated office that meets the revised standards for scale and continuity must be secured.

7. Impact on permanent residence and renewals

　If the post-revision requirements are not met, permanent residence or change to Highly Skilled Professional will, in principle, not be approved.

　However, as a transitional measure until October 16, 2028, holders already residing under this status may be assessed flexibly considering their business conditions and prospects for meeting the new standards (being profitable, paying taxes, enrollment in social insurance, and submitting expert evaluations may be considered).

8. Other cautions

　If you stay abroad for a long time, renewal may be refused on the grounds that you have no actual activity.

　Compliance with obligations for labor insurance, social insurance, withholding income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax, and local taxes will be checked strictly.

Proof of obtaining necessary business licenses/permits may be required.

9. Transitional measures and changes from Designated Activities (No. 51)

　Applications accepted before the effective date will be screened under the former standards. If you change from Designated Activities (No. 51) to Business Manager after the effective date, the new standards will apply.

　With these revisions, the “Business Manager” visa has shifted toward requiring more practical, substantive management capabilities and a functioning management structure in Japan. In particular, JPY 30 million capital/investment, hiring at least one full-time employee, a Japanese-language operation framework (B2-equivalent), and expert verification of the business plan comprise the substantive passing line.

　Even current holders should prepare to transition to the new standards during the transitional period through October 16, 2028.

At ACROSEED, we can propose alternative pathways to the Business Manager visa tailored to your situation.
Please feel free to contact us.

[Post-2025 Revision] Business Manager Visa Eligibility Self-Check

Compliant with the revision effective October 16, 2025. Perform a Yes/No self-assessment of initial eligibility for the Business Manager Visa.

2. Conventional Business Manager Visa Requirements

When the applicant starts trade or another business in Japan, or engages in the management of an existing business, the case must be proved with the following structure (quantitative thresholds should be read in light of the new standards and the detailed page above).

1. Office requirements for obtaining the Business Manager Visa

The office must be a place where a single management entity continuously operates the business in a defined space, with actual use involving personnel and equipment. For lease contracts, the business use (office/store) and future corporate name on the contract must be consistent.

If a startup uses the same building as the residence, you must secure the lessor’s consent for business use, corporate consent to use, clear demarcation of space exclusively for business purposes, agreements on common-area costs, and posting of signage, among others.

2.Permission/Refusal Cases for Using a “Residence” as the Office (per Immigration announcements)

Permission Case 1

Even with a residential lease, there was a special clause allowing office use and sufficient evidence of actual use; therefore the office was recognized.

Permission Case 2

Although the HQ was an officer’s home, the company leased a chamber-of-commerce property as a branch, and the office was recognized.

Permission Case 3

There was a separate office entrance from the residence, with signage and office equipment installed; thus the office was recognized.

Refusal Cases 1–3

Due to lack of signage/equipment/books, or mismatch in contract name, or no lessor consent for business use, etc., the office was not recognized and the case was refused.

3. Manager’s Experience and Eligibility (reflecting the new standards)

For those engaging in management, the post-revision rule requires a relevant academic degree (master’s/doctoral/professional) or 3+ years of management/managerial experience (with remuneration at least equivalent to that of a Japanese national). Concepts such as “counting graduate-school periods toward experience” are now organized under the latest guideline. See the revision details page for more.

3. Common Reasons for Refusal and Countermeasures

In screenings, in addition to “business substance,” “feasibility of the plan,” “financial stability,” and “manager’s suitability,” the October 16, 2025 revision emphasizes proof of hiring (1 full-time employee), finance plan (total investment JPY 30 million), Japanese B2-equivalent, academic/3+ years’ experience, and expert verification of the business plan. A weakness in any one area can lead to refusal. Please address the typical causes below and prove your case with objective evidence (see our revision commentary for quantitative requirements).

1. Insufficient business plan

Cause

If the plan is abstract with no revenue structure or KPIs, unclear differentiation or channel strategy, or inconsistent numbers for hiring/equipment/financing, your feasibility and continuity are in doubt. If expert verification is superficial, points are further deducted.

Countermeasures

Quantification and evidencing are key. Show TAM/SAM/SOM, conversion by channel, unit price/gross margin/payback period, hiring plan and utilization rates, and concrete licensing schedules. Attach an opinioned verification by a SME Consultant/CPA/tax accountant plus a traceability table that maps the plan to evidence (see our commentary).

2. Unstable capital or financial condition

Cause

Typical deductions include weak proof for the JPY 30 million total investment (for corporations, paid-in capital/total contributions), opaque source of funds, inadequate working capital, and inconsistent bank records. A balance certificate alone will not be credited.

Countermeasures

Create a chronological bundle of evidence for quotations, contracts, invoices, receipts, and remittances. Break down the total investment in a schedule, and prove continuity in bank statements. If loans/equity are involved, attach contracts, proof of payment, and details of collateral/personal guarantees (see our commentary).

3. No real office

Cause

If only registered, a virtual office, or a home-office (in principle, not allowed), the exclusivity/continuity/personnel & equipment will be seen as weak, raising refusal risk. On-site checks often reveal missing signage, equipment, flow, or mail records.

Countermeasures

Prove actual use with a business-use lease in the corporate name, signage, photos of equipment in operation, visitor flow, records of received mail/couriers, and copies of relevant permits. Home-office is exceptional; evidence should be extensive.

4. Inadequate managerial suitability

Cause

Post-revision, you must prove a related degree (master’s/doctoral/professional) or 3+ years’ experience, justify remuneration at or above Japanese peers, and satisfy Japanese B2-equivalent (applicant or full-time employee).

Countermeasures

Prove suitability with a CV, work certificates, letters, degree/transcripts. Support remuneration with objective data on wage levels (job/region). For Japanese, submit JLPT/NAT/JPT score sheets or explain the internal Japanese-language operation framework.

5. Problems in your status-of-residence history

Cause

False statements, unauthorized activities, and notification failures are assessed strictly for credibility. Delinquencies in tax, pension, or social insurance are negative factors.

Countermeasures

Organize your status-of-residence history chronologically and explain doubts candidly in a supplemental statement. Prepare proof of full payment for taxes, pension, and social insurance. Since this also affects future PR/naturalization, prioritize transparency.

4. Treatment When Two or More Foreign Nationals Jointly Manage a Business

1. Requirements when two or more people obtain the Business Manager Visa

Even if multiple foreign nationals jointly launch a business and each becomes a company officer, each person’s specific duties and decision-making authority will be evaluated for “eligibility as Business Manager activities” and compliance with the landing standards.

Therefore, merely being listed as an officer does not constitute “Business Manager.”

For multiple foreign nationals to engage in management, the business scale/volume of work/sales plan must justify having multiple people manage or administer. Clarify each person’s duties, authority, KPIs, and remuneration, and show that their roles are complementary, not duplicative.

Based on the new standards effective October 16, 2025, determine whether each co-manager qualifies as “Business Manager” (e.g., hiring at least one full-time employee, total investment JPY 30 million, Japanese B2-equivalent satisfied by the applicant or the full-time employee, academic degree (master’s/doctoral/professional) or 3+ years’ experience, and expert verification of the business plan). See our commentary for details.

The criteria (for each person) can be organized as follows:

2. Permission examples (aligned with new standards as per Immigration announcements)

Permission Example 1

Foreign nationals A and B invest JPY 15 million each to set up Company X with JPY 30 million capital for an import/variety-goods business. A is responsible for customs, import/export, and overseas business development; B handles quality/inventory management and accounting/internal controls.

A supervises overseas deals, price negotiations, and logistics; B oversees cost control, monthly closing, and cash flow. Policies are decided jointly. They hire at least one full-time employee (with social insurance and attendance control), meet Japanese B2-equivalent (B has N2), and obtain SME Consultant verification of the business plan. They prepare the breakdown and evidence of the total investment and pay each manager remuneration appropriate to their duties.

Permission Example 2

　Foreign nationals C and D inject JPY 18 million and JPY 12 million respectively to establish Company Y (transport services) with JPY 30 million capital. The sales territory is divided: C handles sales/dispatch/large accounts; D handles safety management/vehicle maintenance/driver training.

　Corporate policy is jointly decided by C and D. They satisfy the requirement to hire at least one full-time employee (attach social-insurance enrollment and employment contracts). The Japanese B2-equivalent requirement is met by the full-time employee. The plan is verified by a CPA. They submit the breakdown of total investment, payment evidence, and chronological sources of funds. Remuneration for each manager is set based on duties and market levels.

5. The 4-Month Visa: The Most Practical Route for Starting a Business in Japan While Living Overseas

Until recently, starting a business alone without a local collaborator was difficult. In April 2015, the “4-Month Business Manager” was established, allowing those living overseas to come to Japan alone and proceed with start-up preparations such as company incorporation and bank account opening. ACROSEED has extensive experience supporting this route.

Previously, without a local collaborator, registering a joint-stock company was challenging because the founder’s bank account was needed to prove deposit of the capital. Some cases resorted to “borrowing an account,” causing issues.

With the 4-month visa, after arrival you can complete resident registration, obtain a residence card, register a seal, open a bank account in your own name, and then transfer capital → complete incorporation yourself. Compared to a 90-day stay, this is far more practical for real-world procedures.

The key is to complete incorporation and necessary preparations within the 4 months and submit a renewal (or change of status) application before expiration. Under the post-October 16, 2025 revision, the new standards (one full-time hire, JPY 30 million total investment, Japanese B2-equivalent, academic or 3+ years’ managerial experience, expert verification of the plan, etc.) will be required at renewal/change. Since the 4-month visa is “for preparation,” you must design to meet the new requirements at the next stage (see the notice at the top and our commentary).

The basic flow is arrival → resident registration & residence card → seal registration → bank account → capital remittance → incorporation → permits & hiring → renewal application. Plan your schedule with buffer and maintain chronological evidence (contracts, invoices/receipts, bank statements, photos, etc.) for a stronger case.

For details on the 4-month Business Manager Visa, see the page below.

How Overseas Residents Can Incorporate in Japan Using the 4-Month Visa

Arrive first under “4-Month Business Manager,” complete resident registration and open your own bank account, then smoothly proceed with capital remittance through incorporation.

Among ACROSEED clients, many completed seal/bank steps under the 4-month scheme, then incorporation → permits → hiring, and obtained renewal/change in line with the new standards. We support the entire process from requirement design to evidencing.

6. Timeline for Applying for a Business Manager Visa (when incorporating a company and operating a business)

When applying for a Business Manager visa newly, the typical timeframe from starting incorporation preparations to approval is as fast as 3 months, generally 4–6 months. This varies depending on the progress of permits/licenses, hiring, and fund transfers.

After the October 16, 2025 reform, at the renewal/change stage you will be required to satisfy employment of at least one full-time staff member, a total capital investment of 30 million JPY (for corporations, think paid-in capital/total contributions), Japanese ability at B2 level (applicant or full-time staff), relevant academic degree (Master’s/Doctor/Professional) or 3+ years of practical experience, and professional verification of the business plan. If you prefer a specific business start date in Japan, please contact us early so we can work backward with a reverse schedule (details in the reform guide). For SEO clarity: this section explains key requirements for the business manager visa Japan applicants must plan for at renewal/change.

1. Steps to obtain the Business Manager visa

Practice note: Even if you follow the flow of entering Japan on the 4-month status → incorporation & bank account → permits → hiring → application, the new criteria at renewal/change (one full-time employee, 30 million JPY total investment, B2 Japanese, academics/experience, professional confirmation) will still apply. Prepare time-series evidence early for fund movement and employment start, and proceed in line with the latest criteria here to meet all requirements for the business manager visa Japan system.

2. Processing time for Business Manager visa applications

Processing times are announced on a monthly update basis. Check the latest average processing days below.

7. Key points for obtaining a Business Manager visa by industry

1. Food & beverage industry

To obtain a Business Manager visa in F&B, securing a restaurant operating permit-compliant premise is essential. It must not be a simple office; equipment, floor area, traffic lines, and sanitation facilities must meet standards. Post-reform, you must satisfy one full-time hire, 30 million JPY total investment (with evidentiary breakdown), B2-level Japanese, relevant academics or 3+ years of practical experience, and professional confirmation of the business plan.

2. IT / startup

IT/startups also require a separate physical office (virtual offices not allowed). If track record is limited, quantify MVP/prototype, expected orders, SaaS pricing design, and customer acquisition strategy. In line with the post-reform requirements (one full-time hire, 30 million JPY total investment, B2 Japanese, 3+ years’ experience/academics, professional confirmation), prepare evidence for the total investment including personnel, cloud/development costs. This helps business manager visa Japan applicants in tech demonstrate substantive operations.

3. Trading / import-export

For trading, securing the reality of inventory/storage (own warehouse or 3PL contract) is key. Provide a client list, quotes/contracts in pipeline, and transaction flows, and show your logistics/customs arrangements. Check industry permits for food/cosmetics and prove your 30 million JPY total investment with a time-series breakdown.

4. Real estate

Real estate requires the 宅建業 (Real Estate Brokerage) license, plus a highly independent office and a robust internal structure. Prepare the security deposit or association membership, explain full-time staffing, and quantify customer acquisition and revenue plans. Prepare a 30 million JPY total investment breakdown with evidence.

5. Consulting

Consulting is an intangible service, so prove expertise via career record, qualifications, achievements, and sample deliverables. Specify domestic clients or pipeline, your services and pricing, and the format/frequency of deliverables. In addition to a physical office, prepare in line with one full-time hire, 30 million JPY investment, B2 Japanese, 3+ years’ experience/academics, and professional confirmation requirements.

8. Required documents for a Business Manager visa application

Required documents change with law and practice updates. After the reform taking effect on October 16, 2025, the authorities place emphasis on proving one full-time employee, 30 million JPY total investment, B2-level Japanese, relevant academics (Master’s/Doctor/Professional) or 3+ years’ practical experience, and professional confirmation of the business plan. Always check the Immigration Services Agency website for the latest information on requirements for the business manager visa Japan pathway.

When you engage ACROSEED, we base our work on ISA’s published forms and assemble a file that maximizes the chance of approval (plan-to-evidence mapping tables, time-series funding evidence, etc.) tailored to each case. Please also refer to details of the reformed criteria.

[For applications filed on/after October 16, 2025]

9. Q&A on Business Manager visa applications

※ For the new post-2025 reform criteria, see:Main requirements (reform-ready)

1. What are the office requirements? Are home-office or virtual office setups acceptable?

A. The office must have independence, exclusivity, and continuity as a business facility (business-use/corporate-name lease, signage, landline/post box, desks/PCs/MFPs, photos showing visitor flow and actual operation). Home-office is in principle not allowed, and exceptions require strict satisfaction of criteria and a case-by-case judgment. Address-lending/phone-forwarding-centered virtual offices are not acceptable. Anticipate possible on-site checks and organize contracts, photos, and records of received mail in time sequence.

2. How is the 30 million JPY total investment calculated? How are sole proprietors and borrowings treated?

A. Post-reform, corporations must show a “total investment of at least 30 million JPY,” including paid-in capital/total contributions. Sole proprietors satisfy the criterion via total investment in the business office, personnel (about one year), equipment, etc. Sole-proprietor expenses can be proven with time-series evidence such as quotes, contracts, invoices, receipts, and bank statements that show business purpose. Borrowed funds are not automatically counted as investment, but if the use of funds, repayment terms, and any personal guarantees are clear—and the funds are actually spent for the business—there is room for evaluation. The key is continuity from fund transfer → expenditure → operation/delivery, not just a balance snapshot.

3. Who can be counted as “one full-time employee”? What employment types and statuses qualify?

A. You need at least one full-time resident employee in Japan other than the applicant. In addition to Japanese nationals, foreign nationals with statuses without work restrictions—Special Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident—count. Prove substance with full-time hours, employment contract, social insurance enrollment, attendance/payroll records, etc. Part-timers, contractors, and casual staff are generally not acceptable. Officers may be evaluated if they have no work restriction and have actual full-time work.

4. How do I prove “academics or 3+ years’ experience”? Can graduate-school study be counted?

5. If multiple foreign nationals apply jointly, how can all satisfy “Business Manager” eligibility?

A. Simply being listed as an officer is not enough; there must be reasonable grounds for multiple people to manage/administrate based on business scale and workload. Document each person’s domain (e.g., A: overseas trade lead / B: quality, inventory, accounting lead), decision-making process, authority, KPIs, remuneration. With investment, remuneration, full-time structure, internal rules/approval flows/org chart, plus proof of one full-time hire and 30 million JPY total investment, you can explain each person’s eligibility and conformity with landing criteria individually. These are core requirements for the business manager visa Japan joint-application scenarios.

* Some related articles below may still show old terms in the titles, but the bodies are being updated for the reform.
I am currently living in Japan on a Humanities Visa but want to start my own business. How can I change to the Business Manager Visa?

I want to move to Japan to start a business. What do I need?

Japan Business Manager Visa (2025 Revision): What Changed, Who’s Affected, and How to Qualify

We also offer free consultations for other Business Manager visa cases. To request a consultation, call TEL 03-6905-6371 or contact us by email.

10. Industries of clients who requested Business Manager visa support in 2024

Below are examples of clients who engaged us and obtained approval for the Business Manager visa in 2024. (Only age range, country of origin, and primary business field are listed to avoid identifying individuals.)

* The above are excerpts. Rules and criteria may change after approval. For the latest examination points, see Main requirements (reform-ready).

11. 2025 Business Manager Visa — Industry Ranking Top 10

We ranked the industries of clients who obtained Business Manager visa approvals with us in 2025 based on our internal aggregation.

* Short clip: industries ranked by approved Business Manager visa cases we handled in 2025.

12.Google Customer Reviews

13. Information on our Business Manager visa application agency service

1. Overview of services for obtaining the Business Manager visa

Generally, foreign nationals who start a business in Japan need to obtain the “Business Manager” visa.

In doing so, you must prepare a company that satisfies the criteria of both Japan’s Companies Act and the Immigration Control Act at the same time.

This involves clearing many hurdles that differ from ordinary incorporation, including funding methods, office selection, incorporation procedures, and business plan content.

With ACROSEED’s services, you can confidently start business in Japan supported by nearly 40 years of experience (since 1986) and a wealth of case studies.

Beyond incorporation and Business Manager visa filing, ACROSEED works with real estate professionals, social insurance labor consultants, and tax accountants to provide one-stop support for your startup. Compared with hiring multiple firms, you can focus on management and reduce time and cost.

We handle the following cases:

If you are currently overseas and have no collaborator in Japan, see:

4-Month Business Manager visa for those living overseas

If you live overseas and have no collaborator in Japan, obtaining the 4-month Business Manager visa before incorporation will streamline the process.

For renewals of the Business Manager visa, see:

Business Manager visa renewal agency service

We outline key points for obtaining a 3-year period at renewal, typical approval/refusal cases, and required documents.

For re-applications after refusal, see:

Re-application service after Business Manager visa refusal

When visiting the Immigration Office to confirm refusal reasons, our administrative scrivener accompanies you, analyzes the cause, and handles the re-application.

2. What’s included

Obtaining the Business Manager visa

Company incorporation

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Fees for Business Manager visa application agency service (tax excluded)

・Our services are available nationwide. Customers living far away can also request services at the following rates.

・You can also pay by Visa card or Mastercard.

1. Discounted Package: Company Incorporation + Business Manager Visa

Incorporation of a Joint-Stock Company (KK) + Business Manager Visa

2. Incorporation of an LLC + Business Manager Visa

4-Month Visa Package (For applicants residing overseas or without local support in Japan)

2. Individual Services