Business Manager Visa Application Support

No. Establishing a company is only the starting point. The screening closely examines the substance, continuity, and stability of the business. In addition to the amount of capital, factors such as your concrete sales plan, whether you have business partners, and the relevance of the manager’s experience are assessed comprehensively. A company that exists only on paper will not result in approval.

Following the system reform of October 2025, the screening standards for the business manager visa have been significantly tightened compared to before. Previously, an application was considered feasible with capital of 5 million yen or more, but under the current standards this alone is rarely sufficient for approval.

Since the reform, the requirements for a physical business premises have also been tightened. Using your home as a combined home-and-office is generally not permitted; a dedicated, independent space in continuous use is now a prerequisite, so if you use your home as your office, it must be completely independent from your living space.

As a general rule, this is not permitted. The business manager visa places importance on the independence and substance of the business. A contract that provides only an address, or a shared space alone, is likely to raise serious doubts about the continuity of the business. A dedicated space where work actually takes place is required.

The business plan is at the core of the screening process. You need to present concrete figures covering sales projections, procurement plans, expenses, personnel costs, and cash flow. Abstract vision statements or wishful thinking are not sufficient. It is also important to logically explain the relevance of the plan to the manager’s own background and experience.

It is not unusual for a business to operate at a loss in its first year. However, you need to be able to reasonably explain the reasons for the loss and your plan for improvement going forward. If you have supporting materials — such as market analysis and concrete projected orders — that demonstrate the viability of continuing the business, approval is entirely possible.

Following the system reform of October 2025, the screening standards for the business manager visa have been significantly tightened compared to before. Previously, Japanese language ability was not a legal requirement, but under the current standards a Japanese proficiency level of CEFR B2 (equivalent to JLPT N2) is now required.

For a Certificate of Eligibility application, it usually takes about three to five months. However, this can take even longer if the business is complex or if additional documents are requested. It is important to build a schedule with plenty of margin.

Once you have obtained a business manager visa, and if a certain level of income and stability is recognized, you can bring your spouse or children over on a family residency (Dependent) visa. However, this may not be approved if the business foundation is unstable or projected income is low.

A minor change is not usually a problem, but a major change in business type may effectively be treated the same as a new application. It is important to check in advance whether a notification of change or a fresh application is required.

As a general rule, you may not engage in activities outside the approved business. If you wish to run a separate business, you may need permission to change your permitted activities or a change of status of residence. Engaging in unauthorized activities carries the risk of having your status of residence revoked.

Yes, this is possible, but you need to prepare supporting documents — such as letters of intent, records of business negotiations, and market research — that substantiate how sales will be generated. A plan with no supporting evidence makes it difficult to have the continuity of the business recognized.

Yes. The source of your capital is scrutinized closely. You will be asked to provide documents proving how the funds were accumulated — for example, through savings, loans from relatives, or proceeds from a sale. Funds of unclear origin can be a cause for denial.

Yes, this is possible. However, you need to clearly define each manager’s role, investment ratio, and compensation structure. If you are judged to be a representative in name only, the application may be denied.

No. The business manager visa is a status of residence dedicated solely to management activities. Unless you obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under your status of residence, part-time work or other employment is not allowed.

Renewal places emphasis on your actual business track record. Your sales, tax payment status, and business continuity are all examined. If there is a large gap between your original plan and actual performance, the renewal may be denied.

It is important to analyze the reasons for denial, reinforce the problem areas, and then reapply. Rather than resubmitting impulsively, a strategic revision is needed.

This becomes a serious negative factor at renewal. Fulfilling your tax obligations is fundamental to your credibility. If you have unpaid taxes, prompt action is needed.

The company will be judged to have no business substance, making renewal extremely difficult. The business manager visa is premised on actually operating a business.

Yes, this is possible, but depending on how it relates to the status of residence, a notification or new application may be required. It is important to check in advance.

For a first-time application, one year is common, and as the business track record stabilizes, three years tends to follow. This varies depending on individual circumstances.

Yes, this is possible if you meet requirements such as a certain period of residence, stable income, and a good tax payment record. The stability of the business is an important factor in the assessment.

Yes, this is possible. However, you cannot expect approval by submitting the same content as before. You need to accurately understand the reasons for the denial and fundamentally review your business plan and supporting documents.