Japan Business Manager Visa
Japan JPN
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
The Japan Business Manager Visa allows foreign nationals to establish and operate a business in Japan, provided they meet minimum investment or staffing thresholds. Applicants must secure a physical office address and demonstrate a credible, viable business plan. The visa is renewable in one- to five-year increments based on business performance and contributes toward permanent residency eligibility after five years.
Program Details
- Category
- Entrepreneur
- Processing Time
- 2 months
- Application Fee
- $40
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- $33,000
- Family Included
- Spouse and dependent children may obtain a Dependent Visa alongside the primary holder.
- Path to PR
- Yes — 5 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 10 years
- Physical Presence
- Must reside in Japan and actively manage the business; extended absences may jeopardize renewal.
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Tax Impact
- Visa holders are subject to Japanese income and corporate tax; worldwide income is taxable after five years of residency.
- Renewal Cost
- $40
No fixed personal income requirement, but the business must demonstrate financial viability. Capitalization of at least ¥5,000,000 (~$33,000) or employment of two or more full-time staff is required.
Key Requirements
- ✓Establish a Japanese company or invest ¥5,000,000+ in capital, OR employ two or more full-time Japanese resident staff
- ✓Secure a physical office space in Japan (not a virtual office in most cases)
- ✓Submit a detailed business plan demonstrating profitability and social contribution
- ✓No criminal record or past immigration violations
- ✓Business activities must fall within permitted categories under immigration law
businessstartupself-employmentinvestmentmanagementrenewable