Japanese Immigration
Business Manager Visa
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In recent years, as Japan's population has aged rapidly, a significant labor shortage has emerged. In 2015, the Japanese government began relaxing restrictions on foreign entrepreneurs to attract overseas investment. By investing a specified amount in Japan, establishing a company, and operating it successfully, investors can obtain the [Japan Management/Business Manager Visa], enabling them to immigrate to Japan and enjoy the same social benefits and welfare services as Japanese nationals for their entire family.
Eligibility Requirements
- ① Applicant must be 20 years of age or older
- ② No criminal record
- 3. Has a clear sustainable business project
- ④ Registered capital of 500 million JPY or more - [Approx. 30 million RMB]
- 5. Maintains a fixed place of business in Japan
Application Process
- 1. Project Consultation & Planning
- 2. Consult with an Administrative Scrivener in Japan for assessment
- ③ Prepare relevant personal data for delivery
- ④ Sign the agency agreement
- ⑤ Payment-related fees
- 6. Company Registration [Approximately 1 months]
- 7. Prepare a business plan and submit your visa application
- 8. Immigration Bureau Review [ 1–3 months ]
- ⑨ Submit visa permit and registration procedures
Immigration Program
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Real Estate Investment and Operations Management Project
Catering Franchise Projects
Success Stories
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Guest A
Guest A, founder of a prominent domestic IT company, decided to launch a new chapter in Japan after selling the business. In 2018, early 4, we first contacted the guest to understand their specific situation. Based on their background and financial strength, we recommended establishing an internet-based hotel operation as the core business for their Japanese company—leveraging their prior internet industry experience while aligning with the Japanese government's support for the hospitality sector. After initial consultations with a Japanese lawyer in 2018, early 5, the guest returned home to prepare materials for company registration and visa applications. Since the guest could not open a bank account or lease office space in Japan, our company provided guarantee services to assist with capital contribution deposits and office leasing. Once all required documents were prepared by 2018, early 6 and submitted to the lawyer, the guest's Japanese company was officially established on 2018/6/21. The Business Manager Visa was approved on 2018/8/1, and the Family Stay Visa for the guest's spouse was granted on 2018/9/15. From the first meeting with the lawyer to the family's relocation to Japan, the entire process took approximately 4 months.
Guest B
Guest B, owner of a domestic travel agency, wanted their child to attend elementary school in Japan. Since at least one parent must hold a long-term Japanese visa for the child to study (excluding preparatory programs), they decided to apply for an Entrepreneurial Manager Visa through our company. Given that the primary goal was education, we selected a restaurant project with a physical storefront and a high approval rate due to its employment of Japanese staff. The daily management of the restaurant is handled entirely by the Japanese company, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the guest. Additionally, investing in real estate increased the company's revenue, while rental income covered living expenses for a 3-person family in Japan. After initial consultations with a Japanese lawyer in 2019 year, 5 month, the guest returned home to prepare documents for company establishment and visa application. By 2019 year, 6 month, all required materials were finalized and submitted to the lawyer. In 2019 year, 7 month, the Japanese company was officially established, along with the purchase of 3 long-term rental apartments and signing of the restaurant project agreement. Formal visa applications were submitted to the Immigration Bureau in 2019 year, 8 month. In 2019 year, 11 month, both the Entrepreneurial Manager Visa and dependent visas were approved, allowing the entire family to relocate to Japan.
FAQ
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Q:If both parties contribute 500 million yen and both obtain visas, is that acceptable?
A：An individual may qualify for an Investor/Manager Visa, but a company with two shareholders each contributing over ¥5 million does not automatically guarantee visas for both. The key requirement is that the company must demonstrate active management by both individuals. There are only two scenarios where two people can simultaneously hold Investor/Manager Visas within the same company: (0) Separate operational regions, with one office in Fukuoka and another in a different city; or (1) Distinct business lines, where one manages trade operations and the other manages separate operations, provided the businesses are related yet have independent growth potential.
Q:Are there educational or language requirements for the Japan Business Manager Visa?
A：No degree or language proficiency is required, but these can be provided as supplementary materials.
Q:Are there employment requirements for the Japanese company established when applying for a Business Manager Visa?
A：Whether to hire employees depends on your business needs and should be reasonable. There are no specific requirements. For example, a restaurant must hire chefs and waitstaff upon opening, allowing the owner to focus solely on management.
Q:Is setting up a new company mandatory to apply for the Business Manager Visa? Can one obtain the visa by acquiring an operating company or investing as a shareholder?
A：You can also obtain a Japan Business Manager Visa by acquiring a local Japanese company and becoming its operator.
Q:Can I renew my visa if the company's financial difficulties lead to an inability to continue operations?
A：In principle, holders of a Management and Business Manager visa will have their status of residence revoked if they do not engage in the activities prescribed by their status for 3 months or more, unless there are justifiable reasons. For example, even if you worked hard to run your business amid economic downturns, earthquakes, nuclear accidents, etc., but were ultimately unable to continue due to yen appreciation, you may still be eligible for renewal by submitting a detailed and comprehensive business reactivation plan demonstrating the difficulties encountered during operations. However, if no management or business activities are conducted while holding this visa, renewal will likely be denied.
Q:Is it difficult to renew a Japan Business Manager Visa?
A：There are no specific requirements for annual revenue, profit, or tax payments set by the government. The core requirement for visa renewal is that the applicant must be capable of genuinely operating and managing the company. Typically, newly established companies have a start-up period of about 2 years. Therefore, as long as the business is operated authentically, renewing the visa in the first two years is generally straightforward. The key challenge arises in the third year; at this stage, it is advisable for the company to generate some revenue, with a recommended minimum of 500 million JPY annually, employ a reasonable number of staff, and maintain appropriate daily operational expenses. Additionally, both the company and its representative director must comply with all tax obligations. We recommend planning your company's development direction from the outset and setting aside dedicated funds to ensure smooth visa renewals and cover basic living expenses in Japan.
Q:What does "co-founder" mean when applying for a Japan Business Manager Visa?
A：Before obtaining a long-term visa in Japan, applicants cannot open a Japanese bank account or transfer capital to establish a company. In this case, a trusted co-promoter—ideally a Japanese national or someone with permanent residency or naturalization status—is required to assist in receiving the capital and setting up the company. During the incorporation process, the co-promoter must provide their personal bank account details along with records of capital deposits and balances. Once the company is established and the applicant secures a Business Manager Visa, the co-promoter steps down, and the capital is transferred into the company's bank account. Therefore, finding a reliable and cooperative co-promoter is crucial.
Q:What benefits can you enjoy in Japan after obtaining a Business Manager Visa?
A：For medical expenses, the Japanese government covers 70%, leaving you to pay only 30%. Any portion of your share exceeding ¥88000 is covered by the state. Health insurance contributions are income-based and must be paid continuously. Regarding pensions: the National Pension requires all members to pay a flat-rate basic pension until age 60. The Employees' Pension Insurance pays benefits based on salary as an addition to the basic pension, payable until age 70. Eligibility for both begins at age 65. Benefit amounts vary depending on contribution history—higher contributions result in higher payouts. For families with children who hold dependent visas, children aged 0–3 receive ¥15000/month, while those aged 3–15 receive ¥10000/month. Children under 3 pay only ¥200/month for health insurance; any excess is covered by the government.
Q:After obtaining the Japan Business Manager Visa, can children attend school locally? Can parents apply for visitor visas to join them?
A：All good.
Q:After obtaining a Japan Management/Business Manager Visa, how long does it take to apply for permanent residency or Japanese citizenship?
A：Permanent residency requires 10 years of continuous residence in Japan, while Japanese citizenship requires 5 years. For highly skilled professionals or managers, this may be reduced to between 1 and 3 years.