Japan Business Manager Visa
In 2006, the Japan Immigration Bureau established the Investment and Business Manager Visa to welcome individuals who wish to start a business and settle in Japan. Applicants are required to establish a company in Japan with a registered capital of at least 5 million JPY, and the company's business scope is unrestricted. After the company is established, an application for the Business Manager Visa can be submitted to the Immigration Bureau. The initial visa is valid for 1 year, and upon meeting conditions, it can be renewed for 1, 3, or 5 years. After 5 years, applicants may apply for Japanese citizenship; after 10 years, they may apply for permanent residency. In 2015, to attract more foreign business management talents to settle in Japan and boost the economy, the Investment and Business Manager Visa was renamed the Business Manager Visa, placing greater emphasis on the applicant's management and business skills within the company.
Program Highlights
Registered capital of 5 million JPY
3 years or more of management experience
Initial visa valid for 1 year, renewable for 1, 3, or 5 years
Eligible for citizenship in 5 years, permanent residency in 10 years
Unrestricted business scope
Application Process
Sign Contract
Evaluate applicant's qualifications and business intentions; sign contract if eligible
Assessment and Positioning
Understand client's background, such as business management experience and business plan in Japan, source of funds explanation, and provide preliminary business planning
Company Registration
Client transfers 5 million JPY to Japan; Japan office assists in leasing office and registering company
Business Plan
Write business plan and application letter of intent to go to Japan
Submit Application
Compile client's company and background materials and submit to Japan Immigration Bureau
Immigration Review
Review period is generally about 3 months, but depends on client's situation and case volume; can be approved in as fast as 1 month
Approval
Application successful; issuance of Business Manager Permit, i.e., approval letter. With this letter, applicant can go to the Japanese embassy in China for visa sticker
Visa Sticker
Japanese embassy in China issues a 1-year Business Manager Visa (a type of work visa)
Application Requirements
- Main Applicant
- At least 3 years of management experience (department manager or above)
- Family Net Assets
- 2 million RMB
- Company Registered Capital
- 5 million JPY (approximately 330,000 RMB)
- Office Space
- Fixed office space in Japan
- Company Operations
- Company must be genuinely operational (franchise or托管 later possible)
Application Fees
| Fee Item | Receiving Agency | Amount | Payment Timeline | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting Service Fee | Contracting Company | 50,000 RMB per household | At signing | Fully refundable, subject to contract terms |
| Foreign Service Fee | Contracting Company | 100,000 RMB | At signing | Fully refundable, subject to contract terms |
| Registered Capital | Company Registration Agent | 5 million JPY (approximately 330,000 RMB) | Before submission | Partially refundable |
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Sources
- 1.Japan Immigration Bureau Official Website
- 2.Ministry of Justice of Japan
- 3.Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
Author
AiEAC Immigration Consultant
Immigration Consultant