"Business Manager" is the status of residence for persons who manage a company in Japan or who are engaged in the management of a business. It covers representatives of the Japanese subsidiaries of foreign companies and persons starting a business in Japan.
The criteria for permission were revised on October 16, 2025, and the requirements became considerably stricter.
Main requirements after the revision
Business Manager Visa
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Capital, etc. | JPY 30 million or more |
| Full-time staff | At least one full-time employee, limited to Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, Permanent Residents and similar |
| Japanese language ability | Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have a substantial level of Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher, etc.) |
| Career / education | A doctoral, master's or professional degree, or at least three years of work experience in business management |
| Business plan | Must be reviewed by a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant or Certified Tax Accountant |
| Office | In principle, an office combined with the applicant's residence is not accepted |
For those already residing as "Business Manager"
Persons who held this status before the revision have a grace period of three years from the effective date (until October 16, 2028). You will need to consider how to meet the new criteria before the grace period ends.
Our office assists you from assessing whether an application under the new criteria is feasible, through company incorporation procedures, to filing the application on your behalf. Please also consult us about renewals if you are already residing in Japan.
Persons who held this status before the revision have a grace period of three years from the effective date (until October 16, 2028). You will need to consider how to meet the new criteria before the grace period ends.
Our office assists you from assessing whether an application under the new criteria is feasible, through company incorporation procedures, to filing the application on your behalf. Please also consult us about renewals if you are already residing in Japan.