Japan · Work visa

Business Manager Visa

Processing: COE 2-4 months
Cost: From ¥3,000
Validity: 1 year initially

Status for founders and executives operating a business in Japan. Substantially tightened from October 2025: JPY 30 million capital, a full-time employee, Japanese-language capability in the business, and a vetted business plan are now required.

Requirements

Registered capital of at least JPY 30 million (raised from JPY 5 million in October 2025)
At least one full-time employee resident in Japan
Applicant or a full-time employee has Japanese at roughly JLPT N2 / CEFR B2
3+ years of business management experience or a master’s/doctoral/professional degree
Physical office premises in Japan
Business plan reviewed for feasibility by a certified expert (e.g. SME consultant)

Time and cost

Processing time: COE 2-4 months, then visa about 5 working days
Validity: 1 year initially; 3 or 5 years on renewal with good performance
Cost: From ¥3,000
Required
¥0 certificate of eligibility (COE)
¥3,000 visa fee (single-entry; multiple-entry ¥6,000)
Path to residency: Permanent residence typically after 10 years; faster via HSP points for business managers

Documents

Valid passport
Valid for the intended stay
Company registration (tokibo tohon)
Certified registry extract showing capital
Reviewed business plan
With certified consultant’s feasibility assessment
Proof of capital
Bank records evidencing the JPY 30 million
Office lease contract
Dedicated business premises (not purely residential)
Evidence of management experience or degree
Employment records or diploma

Tips

Holders granted under the old JPY 5 million rules have a grace period to October 2028 to meet the new standards at renewal
The Startup Visa defers some requirements and may suit applicants who cannot yet meet the new threshold
Sole proprietors can count office deposit, six months’ wages and equipment toward the capital-equivalent