What Is the Business Manager Visa in Japan?

The Business Manager visa is a Japanese status of residence that lets foreign nationals start, invest in, or manage a company in Japan. It is the main route for entrepreneurs who want to set up a business and live in Japan long term. Since the reform effective October 16, 2025, the bar is much higher: you generally need 30 million yen in capital (stated capital), at least one full-time employee, Japanese-language ability around JLPT N2 / CEFR B2, three years of management experience or a relevant master's degree, an independent office, and a business plan verified by an expert. See the full Requirements and the 2025 Reform for details.

Who is it for?

• Entrepreneurs starting and running their own company in Japan
• Investors participating in the management of a Japanese company
• Executives sent to manage a Japanese branch of an overseas company
• Those acquiring and managing an existing Japanese company

What you can do

Establish a kabushiki-kaisha or godo-kaisha and serve as its representative or director, manage operations, and build a long-term base in Japan. Meeting the requirements can open the path to permanent residence and to bringing family on a Dependent visa. For the practical steps, see our application process and documents.

Key points after the 2025 reform

Since October 16, 2025 the requirements have been tightened significantly. The main new standards are:

• Capital (stated capital) of 30 million yen or more — raised from the former 5 million yen threshold.
• At least one full-time employee in addition to the manager.
• Japanese-language ability around JLPT N2 / CEFR B2 (the manager or a key staff member).
• Three years of management experience or a relevant master's degree (or equivalent).
• An independent business office and a business plan verified by an expert (e.g., an SME consultant, certified public accountant, or tax accountant).

Those who already held the status before the reform have a three-year transitional period until October 16, 2028 to meet the new standards. See 2025 Reform for the full picture and our fees for support costs.

Path to permanent residence and family

Once you hold the Business Manager visa and keep the business running stably with proper tax and social-insurance compliance, you can work toward permanent residence over time, and bring a spouse and children to Japan on a Dependent visa. The visa is normally granted for 1, 3, or 5 years and is renewable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Business Manager visa in simple terms?

It is a Japanese residence status for foreign nationals who run or manage a business in Japan — for example, founders of a company, investors who take part in management, or branch managers of an overseas company. It is the standard visa for starting a business and living in Japan.

How much capital do I need after the 2025 reform?

From October 16, 2025, the standard is 30 million yen or more in stated capital, up from the previous 5 million yen. The source of the funds must be clearly explained. People who already held the status have until October 16, 2028 to meet the new standards. See Requirements.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

The reform added a Japanese-language requirement of roughly JLPT N2 / CEFR B2. It can be met by the manager or, in some cases, a key full-time employee. We can assess your situation in a free consultation.