How to have a business manager visa

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📋 Presentation Overview

Speaker: Shu (Administrative Scrivener)

Topic: How to Obtain a Business Manager Visa in Japan

👤 Speaker's Background

• Grew up in Berkeley, San Francisco during 5th and 6th grade
• Graduated from School of Commerce in 1999
• Joined Mitsui Real Estate Group in 2014
• Later recruited by Sheen Tax Accountant Firm as department head
• Worked there until May 2025, became independent administrative scrivener in June 2025

🏢 What is a Business Manager Visa?

A type of residence status that allows foreign nationals to run and manage a business in Japan, applicable to company executives like CEOs, directors, branch managers, etc.

⚠️ New Requirements from October 2025

• Capital Investment: Increased dramatically from 5 million yen to 30 million yen
• Employment: Must hire at least one full-time employee
• Experience: Requires 3+ years of management experience
• Language: Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 level required

Note: The speaker has never met anyone who satisfied all requirements initially.

📝 Three Case Scenarios

Case 1: Already in Japan (holding student or work visa)

1. Decide company basics (name, address, business activities, 30M yen capital)
2. Rent an office
3. Register company (create Articles of Incorporation; Kabushiki Kaisha requires notarization, Godo Kaisha doesn't)
4. Submit notifications to tax office, city hall, and pension office
5. Apply for necessary licenses/permits
6. Create business plan and apply for Business Manager Visa (immigration checks stability and sustainability)
7. Receive new residence card under Business Manager Visa

Case 2: Overseas with a collaborator in Japan

1. Decide basics remotely
2. Collaborator in Japan signs office lease on your behalf
3. Apply for Certificate of Eligibility
4. Use certificate to apply for visa at Japanese embassy/consulate in home country
5. Enter Japan once visa is granted

Case 3: Overseas without a collaborator in Japan

1. Apply for special 4-month Business Manager Visa (preparation period)
2. Enter Japan with this temporary visa
3. Complete office rental, notarization, capital deposit, and company registration
4. Apply to renew from 4-month visa to standard 1-year Business Manager Visa
5. Immigration typically approves if all steps are completed properly

💡 Conclusion

BYBJ can provide support for those interested in establishing a company in Japan and obtaining a Business Manager Visa.

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