Overview
The Business Manager Visa in Japan is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who wish to establish or manage a business in Japan. To qualify, applicants must meet three core requirements: People (directors, promoters, and collaborators), Money (such as the minimum 5 million yen capital requirement), and Office (a physical business location in Japan). This guide explains each requirement in detail, provides a practical application flow, highlights common mistakes, and answers FAQs. For a foundation, see our Business Manager Visa overview.
Quick Summary
| Category | What Immigration Expects | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| People | Representative Director, Promoter(s)/Investor(s), and—if overseas—a Collaborator in Japan | A collaborator can temporarily serve as co-representative to open bank accounts, sign a lease, and act as application agent. |
| Money | One of: (a) 2+ full-time employees in Japan, (b) capital ≥ JPY 5,000,000, or (c) equivalent scale | Most cases rely on (b). Taking a role in an existing company with capital ≥ JPY 5M also qualifies. |
| Office | Secured, physical place of business in Japan | Virtual offices are not permitted. Residential use requires landlord’s consent and a clearly separated business space. |
People: Roles You Need
Representative Director (President)
- No nationality or residence-status restriction; a natural person is required.
- May reside either inside or outside Japan.
Promoters / Investors
- Individuals or corporations; no nationality or residence-status restriction.
- The same person may serve as both Representative Director and Promoter.
Collaborator (when the applicant is overseas)
- If you do not yet have a Japanese bank account, a collaborator in Japan (Japanese national or mid/long-term resident) can temporarily receive capital transfers, co-sign the office lease, and act as the visa application agent.
- They may serve as joint representative during set-up and resign once the applicant obtains the visa and enters Japan.
Money: Meeting the Business Scale Requirement
Your business must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Employ two or more full-time employees residing in Japan (excluding managers), or
- Have capital/total investment of JPY 5,000,000 or more, or
- Be recognized as having an equivalent scale to (1) or (2).
Typical approach: establish a company with ≥ JPY 5M capital. Alternatively, becoming the Representative of an existing company with capital ≥ JPY 5M also fulfills this requirement. Learn more on our Business Manager Visa page.
Office: Securing a Physical Business Location
- A physical office is mandatory. Virtual offices are not accepted by immigration authorities.
- The lease must state business use (store/office) and be under the company’s name (or clearly indicate corporate use).
- Residential apartments may be used only if non-residential use is explicitly permitted, with a clearly separated space for business, appropriate fixtures, and compliance with building rules.
See additional notes on our Business Manager Visa overview.
Application Flow
- Design the business: prepare a plan, financial forecast, staffing, and office strategy.
- Secure a collaborator (if overseas) and arrange capital transfer logistics.
- Company incorporation: draft articles, notarize (KK), register the company, and open a corporate bank account.
- Secure the office: sign a lease that clearly allows business use.
- Prepare Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application with supporting documents.
- After COE issuance: apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate, enter Japan, and complete residence registration.
Considering future upgrades? Once your business stabilizes, you may transition to a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) or J-Skip Visa.
Typical Supporting Documents
- Business plan, market rationale, and financial projections
- Company registry, articles of incorporation, shareholder/board details
- Office lease agreement and photos (showing dedicated workspace)
- Proof of capital (bank certificate) and explanation of source of funds
- Employment plans/contracts (if applying under the “2 employees” route)
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Using a virtual office: not acceptable—immigration requires a physical office.
- “Show money” capital: insufficient documentation of source and intended use of funds. Always keep financial records transparent.
- Unauthorized use of residential property: obtain landlord’s consent and clearly indicate business use in the lease.
- Weak business continuity plan: provide concrete sales forecasts, contracts in progress, and staffing plans.
- Choosing the wrong company structure: see our detailed analysis of KK vs GK.
FAQ
Is the JPY 5M capital required to be my own funds?
No. The capital may come from individuals or corporations. Immigration only requires that the company has at least JPY 5M in legitimate, traceable capital.
Can I qualify without JPY 5M if I hire employees?
Yes—employing two or more full-time staff in Japan is an alternative to the capital route.
Can I use a residential apartment as an office?
Only if non-residential use is explicitly permitted by the landlord and building rules, and the business space is clearly separated and equipped for work.
Which is better, KK or GK?
Neither has an advantage for visa purposes. The choice depends on cost, governance, and branding considerations. See our full guide: KK vs GK.
Why Choose IMS Legal Professional Corporation?
At IMS Legal Professional Corporation, we go beyond visa applications. Our team includes highly experienced immigration attorneys and bilingual staff who understand both Japanese regulations and international client needs. Since 2002, IMS has successfully handled over 42,000 visa applications, building a reputation as one of Japan’s most trusted immigration law firms.
We offer:
- Expert strategy and legal advice tailored to your case
- End-to-end support from company incorporation to visa approval
- Clear communication in English and Japanese
- A proven track record with complex Business Manager Visa cases
If you are considering applying for the Business Manager Visa Japan or exploring long-term options such as HSP or J-Skip, contact IMS today. We are here to make your business and residency in Japan a success.
