How much is the remuneration for an administrative visa? Explanation of the criteria for deciding who to commission.

When obtaining a business management visa, the remuneration rates for administrative scriveners are a matter of concern. Obtaining a visa is of particular interest to business owners who wish to invite a foreign business partner to Japan and have them participate in the management of the company.

The main points of this article are as follows.

✓The Management and Administration visa is available to foreigners who run or manage a company in Japan. ✓With the October 2025 legal amendment making Business Manager visa requirements extremely challenging, the role of experts has become more crucial than ever. ✓The scope of work for Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi) has significantly expanded, now requiring support for a wide range of tasks such as verifying the 30 million yen capital requirement, 3+ years of management experience, and expert review of business plans. ✓The traditional fee range (200,000 to 300,000 yen) is a thing of the past. Under the new system, market rates for fees are rising due to the increased complexity of the work. ✓When choosing an Administrative Scrivener, the most important criteria for judgment are their track record in handling the latest legal amendments and their collaborative structure with other experts.

This article provides a detailed overview of the business management visa, the necessity of requesting a specialist, cost rates, the process of obtaining a visa, and how to choose a reliable administrative lawyer.

1. What is a business management visa Japan?

The business administration visa is a status of residence required for foreigners to engage in the management or administration of a business in Japan. This section explains the specific activities covered by the business administration visa and the possible period of stay.

1-1. Activities and tasks covered by the business management visa

The business administration visa is a visa status required for foreigners to engage in the management or administration of a business in Japan. The activities covered by this visa include management of a company, decision-making on important business matters, execution and auditing of business operations.

For example, this includes work as an officer, such as president, director or auditor, or activities in a managerial position, such as department head, factory manager or branch manager. However, business and administrative work performed by certain professionals, such as lawyers, is not covered by this visa and requires a different status of residence.

1-2. Period of stay obtainable on a business management visa

The period of stay for a business administration visa is determined as five years, three years, one year, four months or three months. This period is determined after a comprehensive examination by the Immigration and Residence Office based on the applicant’s planned and desired period of employment and the size and stability of the company to be managed.

The maximum period of five years is often granted to managers of listed companies or managers who have been running a stable business, while foreign managers of newly established companies are generally granted a one-year permit.

2. Should I rely on a specialist to obtain a business management visa?

Some people considering applying for a business management visa may be concerned about the difficulty of the application and the complexity of the procedure. It is possible to apply by yourself, but if you lack the expertise and experience, you will spend a lot of time and effort on the paperwork and procedures.

In conclusion, due to the October 2025 legal amendment, obtaining a Business Manager visa has become virtually impossible without professional support. This is because the newly established requirements go beyond the scope of mere document preparation.

To avoid missing out on business opportunities, it is important to keep in mind how difficult it is to obtain a visa and what kind of specialist an administrative lawyer is.

2-1. The “New Level of Difficulty” in Obtaining Japan’s Business Manager Visa

The business administration visa is considered the most difficult visa to obtain amongst business and management related statuses. In particular, when a foreigner establishes a new company and applies for this visa, a rigorous examination is carried out.

The difficulty of the new system can be summarized into the following three points:

1. Stricter Application Eligibility: You cannot apply without either “3+ years of management experience” or a “Master’s degree or higher.”
2. Increased Scale of Business Infrastructure: Both “30 million yen in capital” and “employment of at least one full-time staff member” are now mandatory.
3. Objective Proof of the Business Plan: The business plan must receive a “seal of approval” regarding its feasibility from a third-party expert, such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant (SME Consultant).

These requirements represent a hurdle that is simply too high for applicants to interpret the laws and prepare for on their own.

The examination focuses on the stability and continuity of the business, as well as the applicant’s management experience and qualifications. The discretionary decisions of the examiner also have an impact, and a high level of expertise is often required to obtain a visa. As a result, the application process is extremely challenging.

2-2.Collaboration between Administrative Scriveners and Other Experts is now Essential

Obtaining a business management visa requires specialist knowledge and experience. For this reason, many applicants request the assistance of an administrative lawyer. Specialist assistance is particularly essential due to the complex procedures involved, such as drafting a business plan, establishing a company and obtaining business licences and permits.

It is simply not realistic for applicants to coordinate these complex procedures themselves and collaborate with various experts at the appropriate timing. To succeed in obtaining a visa, it is essential to have an Administrative Scrivener, who is well-versed in the latest legal amendments, act as a central hub to manage the entire project.

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3. The costs of obtaining a business management visa

The cost of obtaining a business management visa varies greatly depending on whether you carry out the procedures yourself or ask a specialist. If you carry out the procedures yourself, the main cost is about the fee for issuing a residence card, but if you ask a specialist, you will need to pay around JPY 200,000-300,000 as remuneration. If you are setting up a company, you will also need to pay a separate company registration fee, so plan your costs in advance.

3-1. Cost of doing the procedure yourself: around 4,000 yen.

If you apply for a business administration visa on your own, the main costs include transportation and other expenses to the immigration office and a fee for a new residence card (JPY 4,000). Although the application procedure itself is relatively low-cost, obtaining a business administration visa requires a high level of expertise and time.While the actual application fee when applying on your own remains unchanged (4,000 yen), as mentioned above, it is simply not realistic to handle the procedures yourself under the new system.

For this reason, many people generally request the assistance of a specialist such as an administrative scrivener. It is worth considering this, as specialist assistance increases the success rate of the application procedure.

3-2. Remuneration for commissioning an expert: around JPY 250,000-350,000.

Under the old system, the standard fee was around 200,000 to 300,000 yen. However, under the new system, fees vary accordingly because Administrative Scriveners are now required to possess a higher level of professional expertise, as outlined below.

・Consulting on Application Eligibility: Conducting in-depth interviews to determine if the applicant’s background qualifies as “3+ years of management experience” and providing guidance on methods of proof.

・Support for Creating Professional-Level Business Plans: Assisting in the creation of business plans that meet the high standards required to pass rigorous evaluations by SME Management Consultants and other experts.

・Coordination with Other Experts: Managing collaboration and scheduling with experts (such as Tax Accountants) who evaluate the business plan.

・Support for Extensive Documentation: Assisting in the preparation of a significantly increased volume of documents, such as proving the formation process of the 30 million yen capital and the employment of full-time staff.

Considering the increased workload, fees for Administrative Scriveners for Business Manager visa applications under the new system are expected to start at a minimum of 250,000 yen, and may be higher depending on the complexity of the case. (Note: This is only a guideline; separate fees for experts conducting the business plan evaluation may be required.)

4. The process of obtaining a business management visa

Obtaining a business management visa involves several stages, from company incorporation to visa application and assessment. Each stage involves necessary procedures, paperwork and timeframes. This section explains the steps involved in obtaining a business management visa.

4-1. Establishing a company

Before applying for a business management visa, company formation must first be completed. Establishing a company takes approximately one month and involves the following costs.

Item	Payee	Corporation	Limited company
Certification fee for articles of association	Notary public’s office	32,000-52,000 yen (including a fee for a certified copy of the articles of association)	0 yen
Stamp duty（Notary public’s office）	Notary public’s office	40,000 yen Free for electronic articles of association
Registration tax	Regional legal affairs bureau	150,000 yen	60,000 yen
Total		210,000〜242,000 yen	60,000～100,000 yen

For a joint stock company, the cost of incorporation is approximately JPY 210,000-242,000. On the other hand, a limited liability company costs approximately JPY 60,000-100,000, which reduces the initial costs. Although joint-stock companies cost more, they also have advantages, so it is important to carefully consider which one to establish.

If you are hiring a specialist, you should expect to pay the above amount plus approximately JPY 100,000.

4-2. Notification of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act

When a foreign investor (non-resident) establishes a company in Japan, a notification under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law (Foreign Exchange Law) is required. There are two types of notification under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act: prior notification and subsequent notification.

Prior notification

This is required if the company operates in a specific type of business (designated industry) related to national safety, industry, etc. As a rule, this is done before applying for company registration. The submission period is within six months prior to the planned investment execution date.

Industries requiring prior notification

Sectors requiring prior notification include.

• Arms manufacturing
• Aircraft manufacturing industry
• Nuclear power related industries
• Space exploration-related industries
• Critical infrastructure businesses (electricity, gas, telecommunications, water, etc.)
• Cyber security-related industries
• Advanced technology-related industries
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing
• Mining, quarrying and gravel extraction
• Parts of the manufacturing industry

X-post-facto report

Applies to companies operating in industries other than those requiring prior notification. The notification must be submitted after the application for company registration. The notification must be submitted within 45 days after the investment is made.

When a foreign investor establishes a company in Japan, it is important to carefully consider the nature of the business and follow the appropriate notification procedures. If there are any uncertainties, it is advisable to consult specialists and relevant institutions such as the Bank of Japan and the Ministry of Finance.

4-3. Various notifications to tax authorities

Various notifications to the tax office are an important part of the post-incorporation procedure. This includes submitting the Notification of Incorporation, Notification of Establishment of Payroll Office, etc., and Application for Approval of Special Provisions for Payment of Withholding Tax at Source.

These notifications usually take about two weeks to complete. It is important to keep a copy of the notification to the tax office as it will be required when applying for a business management visa.

4-4. Application for business licences and other permits

Before obtaining a business management visa, a business licence or other permit is required depending on the nature of the business. For example, if you run a restaurant, you need to obtain a restaurant business permit.

These permits and approvals require an application to the police station, public health centre, prefecture and other administrative bodies, and often take about one month to process.

The types of businesses that require permits and licences are diverse, including the catering, real estate, manufacturing, hotel and inn, construction and transport industries. When planning a business, it is important to check in advance whether any necessary permits or licences are required and to proceed with the application procedure well in advance.

4-5.Applying for a business management visa

Applying for a business management visa requires approximately one month of advance preparation. Preparation includes preparing a business plan and profit and loss statement, preparing a statement of reasons for the application and collecting the necessary documents. Preparation of the application documents can take longer than expected, so it is important to plan ahead.

The examination by the immigration authorities then takes between one and three months. Overall, you should expect to spend approximately four to six months from the establishment of your company to obtaining a visa.

5. Key determinants of the cost of obtaining a business management visa

The cost of obtaining a business management visa depends on a number of factors. The cost will vary greatly depending on whether you need a specialist, whether you need to set up a company, and which administrative law firm you choose to work with. It is important to understand each of these points and plan for the costs.

5-1. Whether to commission an expert

In obtaining a business management visa, the decision to engage an expert is an important point that largely determines the cost. Fees for specialists are not cheap, at around JPY 200,000-300,000, but considering the complexity of the application process, it is well worth it.

Applying for a business management visa is very complex and requires familiarity with the latest laws and regulations. Trying to complete the process on your own is not only time-consuming and labour-intensive, but also a major risk with a high potential for error. By hiring a specialist, you will be properly supported in every detail, including the preparation of the application documents and the business plan.

In addition, as specialists such as administrative assistants are accustomed to dealing with immigration authorities, a smooth application process can be expected. A major advantage is that requests for additional documents and responses to questions can be made quickly.

Furthermore, expert advice is useful not only for obtaining a visa, but also for future business development and renewal of status of residence. In the long term, the investment in an expert is well worth it.

5-2. Whether company formation is required

One of the key determinants of the cost of a business management visa is the need to establish a company. The cost varies greatly depending on whether the company needs to be registered as incorporated before applying for a business management visa.

There is also a difference in the cost depending on whether you set up the company yourself or request assistance from a specialist. The advantage of hiring an expert is that the procedure is more accurate and efficient, although there are additional costs involved.

Furthermore, in order to ensure that the process of obtaining a business management visa goes smoothly, it is effective to ask the same specialist to establish the company and apply for a business management visa. In particular, it is recommended to use a firm that is qualified as an administrative scrivener, who is an expert in business management visas, and a judicial scrivener, who is an expert in company establishment and registration. This ensures consistent support and consistency throughout the procedure.

By integrating the establishment of the company and the application for a business management visa, it is possible to optimise the preparation of the necessary documents and the timing of the application. This results in time and cost savings.

It should be noted, however, that it is difficult to guarantee that a business management visa will be granted, even if a specialist is commissioned to do so, as the final decision is made by the Immigration Office.

5-3.Which administrative law firm to contact

One of the key factors determining the cost of obtaining a business management visa is the choice of the administrative law firm to be commissioned. As each firm offers different services and expertise, there will be differences in costs.

Many administrative law firms clearly state their fees on their websites. This makes it possible to compare costs in advance. However, it is not just about the low price, but also the depth of experience and expertise in obtaining business management visas that must be taken into account.

Experienced firms have a higher success rate in visa applications, which may reduce the risk of additional procedures and re-applications. As a result, it may be more cost-effective in the long run.

6. How to pay remuneration to the Administrative Secretary

The timing and method of paying remuneration to an administrative lawyer differs from office to office. By checking in advance, you can proceed with your request not only smoothly, but also with peace of mind. This section explains the different methods of payment of remuneration at different administrative law firms.

6-1.Timing of payment of remuneration

The timing of payment of remuneration to an administrative lawyer varies from office to office, but there are three main patterns. First, a lump sum payment is made at the start of the work. Secondly, there is the method of paying after the work is completed.A further method is to pay part of the remuneration at the start of the work and the remainder at the completion of the work. The process will go more smoothly if you confirm which method of payment is used before commissioning the work.

6-2. Methods of payment of remuneration

It is important to check the method of payment of fees in advance, as this varies from one administrative office to another. Common payment methods include cash, bank transfer and credit card payment. In order to choose a method that is convenient for you, it is advisable to check in advance the payment methods offered by the office you are requesting and to make sure that the payment is made in a way that is satisfactory to you.

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7. How to choose and judge a reliable administrative lawyer[2025 New System Edition]

Now that the legal amendments are in effect, the criteria for choosing an Administrative Scrivener are completely different than before. Please make your decision based on the following three criteria.

7-1. Choose based on their track record with the “October 2025 Legal Amendment”

The most important factor is whether they have extensive experience with applications under the new system. Simply being “experienced in Business Manager visas” is no longer enough. You should confirm their specific capabilities regarding the new system, such as: “Have they handled cases with 30 million yen in capital?” and “Are they deeply familiar with the process of expert-led business plan verification?”

7-2. Choose based on their collaborative network

Choose an office that can handle visa applications (Administrative Scriveners), company registration (Judicial Scriveners), and business plan verification (Tax Accountants, etc.) through a “one-stop” service or a seamlessly coordinated structure. This ensures that omissions and delays are avoided, making the entire application process more efficient.

7-3. Choose based on the transparency of their new fee structure

Offices that still quote low fees typical of the old system may not fully understand the complexity of the new system, so caution is required. Check whether they clearly present a highly transparent fee structure that reflects the new scope of work. A trustworthy office is one that provides thorough upfront explanations regarding what costs how much and the possibility of any additional fees.

8. Summary

This article explains the remuneration rates and the process of obtaining a visa when requesting an administrative visa for foreigners considering obtaining a business management visa. The contents are summarised as follows.

✓The Management and Administration visa is available to foreigners who run or manage a company in Japan. ✓With the October 2025 legal amendment making Business Manager visa requirements extremely challenging, the role of experts has become more crucial than ever. ✓The scope of work for Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi) has significantly expanded, now requiring support for a wide range of tasks such as verifying the 30 million yen capital requirement, 3+ years of management experience, and expert review of business plans. ✓The traditional fee range (200,000 to 300,000 yen) is a thing of the past. Under the new system, market rates for fees are rising due to the increased complexity of the work. ✓When choosing an Administrative Scrivener, the most important criteria for judgment are their track record in handling the latest legal amendments and their collaborative structure with other experts.

As obtaining a business management visa involves complex procedures, it is common to request a specialist administrative scrivener, with a standard remuneration rate of 200,000-300,000 yen.

There are many procedural steps that need to be prepared in advance, such as setting up a company, notifying the tax office and applying for permits and licences. In order to obtain a visa smoothly, consult an administrative scrivener with a proven track record and reliability, and make preparations as early as possible.

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