Business Manager Visa Strategy
Company formation, executive appointment, and proving business substance
The Business Manager visa is for foreign nationals managing or operating a business in Japan. Basic requirements include paid-in capital of ¥5 million or more, or employing at least 2 full-time workers. In recent years, combining with 'Designated Activities (Startup Visa)' has also become an effective strategy.
Who this is for: Foreign entrepreneurs establishing and running a company in Japan, or foreign nationals appointed as directors or representatives of existing Japanese corporations.
Latest Law Amendments
Some municipalities (Tokyo, Fukuoka, etc.) offer a 'Startup Visa (Designated Activities)' allowing a 6-month preparatory stay for business development. If you can concretize your business plan and generate initial revenue during this period, it is advantageous when changing to the Business Manager visa.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Establishing a New Corporation (Paid-in Capital ¥5M+)
ModerateSituation
A foreign national establishes a kabushiki-gaisha or godo-gaisha in Japan and applies for the Business Manager visa as representative director
Strategy
① Prepare corporate registry, articles of incorporation, business plan, and capital proof. ② A business office in Japan (lease agreement) is required. ③ Attach a specific revenue plan (projected P&L). ④ Evidence that the business has already started (contracts, results) is advantageous.
Key Point: The 'feasibility' of the business plan is the core of the review. If you cannot show specific customers, contracts, or revenue sources, the risk of denial is high. Recommend working with a specialist to develop the business plan.
Case 2: Appointment as Director of an Existing Japanese Corporation
ModerateSituation
A foreign national is appointed as a director or representative director of an already established Japanese corporation and applies for the visa
Strategy
Prepare general meeting minutes, director acceptance letter, updated corporate registry, latest financial statements, and business overview. Show substantive involvement in management through specific duties.
Key Point: To avoid being suspected of being a 'nominal director,' you must specifically describe actual duties (strategy planning, staff management, client negotiations, etc.).
Case 3: Risk of Being Judged as Having Thin Business Substance
High RiskSituation
The company is established but has no transaction records or revenue, or the office is virtual only
Strategy
① Sign a lease for an actual office space (at least a dedicated desk). ② Create even small invoices, contracts, or quotes to show the business has started. ③ Include specific customer lists and pipeline data in the business plan.
Key Point: In many cases, a virtual office alone leads to denial. Immigration places great importance on whether 'there is actually a place where people work,' so a fixed desk in an office is the minimum requirement.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Temporarily borrowing capital to obtain proof then repaying it (so-called 'window dressing capital') is fraudulent and, if discovered, can result in visa cancellation and criminal prosecution.
The Business Manager visa is reviewed at every renewal for business continuity and profitability. If losses continue, prepare a business improvement plan and explain that the business is sustainable.
If the director's salary is too low (below ¥180,000/month), it may be judged that there is no ability to support oneself and result in denial. ¥200,000/month or more is the practical benchmark for director remuneration.
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Residence status applications involve complex procedures including document preparation and communication with immigration authorities. Our specialized immigration consultants offer free consultations.