Japan•Asia経営・管理 — Business Manager Visa
At a Glance
2–6 months
JPY ¥45,000
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Japan
Overview
Starting or managing a business in Japan with sufficient capital (typically ¥5M+) and a physical office.
The Business Manager visa (経営・管理) lets foreign nationals start, invest in, or manage a business in Japan. Revised requirements effective October 2025 set the capital threshold at ¥30 million and require a certified business plan, a physical office, and at least one full-time resident employee.
Visa duration ranges from 3 months to 5 years, renewable with no total cap, and leads to permanent residence via the standard route. Either the applicant or the resident employee must hold JLPT N2 or equivalent Japanese proficiency. Dependents join on a Dependent visa; spouses can apply to work.
This visa is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs and executives with ¥30M+ capital, a Japan-based operation, and business management credentials or experience.

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Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 5 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Japan
JapanRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Investment of ¥30M+ (total assets used for the business)
At least 1 full-time employee residing in Japan (Japanese national, Permanent Resident, etc.)
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have B2-equivalent Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2 or higher)
Applicant must have a master's/doctoral/professional degree in a relevant field OR 3+ years of management experience
Business plan verified by a business management expert (SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant)
Physical office in Japan (residential use combined with office is generally not permitted)
KEY CRITERIA
Experience
3+ years
Investment
30,000,000 JPY
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport
Business plan verified by an expert (SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant)
Proof of capital (¥30M+)
Proof of hiring at least 1 full-time resident employee
Proof of Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N2 or higher, or BJT 400+ for applicant or employee)
Proof of academic background (master's/doctoral/professional degree) or 3+ years of management experience
Office lease (physical office space)
Company registration (登記事項証明書)
Application Process
Prepare business plan
Develop detailed business and management plan
Verify business plan
Have the business plan verified by a business management expert (SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant)
Establish business location
Secure office space in Japan (not a virtual office or combined residential space)
Register company
Register business with local authorities
Make investment and hire staff
Invest 30M+ JPY and hire at least 1 full-time resident employee
Apply for COE
Representative applies for Certificate of qualification
Receive COE
Immigration Services Agency approves COE
Apply for visa
Submit visa application at embassy with COE
Pay visa fee
Pay 3,000 JPY (single-entry) or 6,000 JPY (multiple-entry)
Receive visa
Visa stamped in passport
Related visas
More visas in Japan
Work visas in other countries

Living in Japan
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