Japan has significantly revised the requirements for the Business Manager visa as of October 16. The goal is to ensure that applicants are operating real businesses rather than applying solely to relocate to Japan.
This visa category allows foreign nationals to manage or operate a business in Japan. Under the updated standards, applicants must now demonstrate stronger business substance and professional qualifications.
Key Changes in the Requirements
The Immigration Services Agency has introduced the following new obligations for approval:
- Mandatory employment
At least one full-time employee (other than the applicant) must be hired in Japan. - Higher capital requirement
Total business capital must be 30 million yen or more. - Japanese language capability
The applicant or a full-time employee must show a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency. - Business education or experience
The applicant must either
• hold a relevant master’s, doctoral, or professional degree, or
• have three or more years of business management experience. - Third-party review of the business plan
A qualified professional, such as a certified public accountant, must review and verify that the business plan is feasible and credible.
Why the Policy Was Tightened
The number of Business Manager visa holders has more than doubled in the past decade. Chinese nationals represent about half of all recipients, and cases of companies created primarily for immigration purposes have been highlighted in parliamentary discussions. As a result, Japan has raised the standards to ensure genuine economic contribution.
Important Notes for Applicants Before Submitting a Business Manager Visa Application
Japan’s immigration authority has outlined several important points that applicants must confirm before submitting documents for the Business Manager visa. These rules are set to prevent delays in review and ensure proper compliance with document standards.
Key Points to Confirm Prior to Application
• Inquiries about how to complete application forms or prepare required documents should be directed to the Foreign Residents Information Center
TEL: 0570-013904
(IP phones and calls from overseas: +81-3-5796-7112)
• If required documents are missing, the screening process may be significantly delayed or result in a negative decision.
• The “applicant” refers to the foreign national seeking entry or residence in Japan.
• Application forms can be downloaded online or obtained at regional immigration offices.
• Documents must be printed on A4 paper, one side per sheet. Do not print double-sided.
• All certificates issued in Japan must be dated within three months of submission.
• Documents written in a foreign language must include a Japanese translation.
English documents proving degrees or management experience are generally exempt, but translations may still be required if they contain specialized terminology.
(Examples: proof of 3+ years of management experience, degree certificates)
• Most documents issued in Japan (such as registration certificates, resident records, property registry documents, lease contracts, tax certificates, employment contracts, license documents, and Japanese-language proficiency certificates) usually do not require translation.
• Original documents submitted are generally not returned. If return is necessary due to limited availability, request this at the time of submission.
• Additional documents not listed in official guidelines may be requested during screening.
• Corporate registration certificates may be obtained online through the Ministry of Justice.
• Anyone other than a lawyer or a licensed行政書士 (Gyoseishoshi administrative scrivener) may not prepare application documents for submission to government offices for compensation, as doing so may constitute a violation of Japanese law.
Overview of the Certificate of Eligibility Application
A Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is required when a foreign national intends to enter Japan under the Business Manager status for the first time. Required documents differ depending on the category of the sponsoring organization. Applicants must submit documents according to the applicable category.
Categories of Sponsoring Organizations
• Category 1: Listed companies and other major public or government-related entities
• Category 2: Organizations with a total annual withholding tax amount of 10 million yen or more
• Category 3: Organizations with filed withholding records but not meeting Category 1–2 standards
• Category 4: All other organizations and individuals not falling under the above
(Category classification document must be submitted. If none applies, the sponsor is Category 4.)
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
• Certificate of Eligibility Application Form (A4, single-sided print)
• One photograph meeting required specifications
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
• Document proving category classification
Additional documents vary by category and the applicant’s role (executive, branch transfer, or hired manager).
Key Documents for Business Manager Visa Applicants (Typical in Category 3–4)
• Business plan reviewed by a qualified professional (e.g. CPA)
• Corporate registration certificate or incorporation documents
• Latest financial statements
• Licenses or permits required for the business
• Office proof: lease agreement, property registry
• Proof of business scale: at least one full-time employee with payroll records
• Proof of Japanese language capability (test certificate or academic/professional evidence)
• Proof of degree or 3+ years of management experience
Operational Notes Before Submission
• Missing documents may significantly delay screening or lead to rejection
• All Japanese-issued certificates must be dated within 3 months
• Foreign-language documents must attach Japanese translations
• Originals are generally not returned
• Additional materials may be requested during screening
• If names differ between passport and CoE, processing may take extra time
Legal Notice
Only licensed attorneys or行政書士 may prepare immigration application documents for compensation. Unauthorized paid support may violate Japanese law.