Business Manager Visa Japan: Docs & Requirements

Properly preparing the required documents for a Business Manager Visa is essential for starting a business in Japan. This visa is intended for foreign entrepreneurs and investors aiming to operate a business in Japan, and its application involves specific documents and requirements.

Key points of this article are as follows.

✓There are four application categories (Category 1 to 4) for the Business Manager Visa, each requiring different documents. ✓There are three types of applications: Certificate of Eligibility, Change of Status of Residence, and Extension of Period of Stay.✓You must secure an independent office space in Japan—virtual offices are not accepted. ✓ You must either invest at least 5 million yen in capital or employ at least two full-time staff. ✓Your business plan must demonstrate the appropriateness, stability, and continuity of the business.

This article provides a detailed explanation of the required documents, procedures, and eligibility criteria for obtaining a Business Manager Visa. Understand the key points to ensure a smooth visa application process and successfully launch your business in Japan.

1.Categories for Applying for a Business Manager Visa

When applying for a Business Manager Visa, applicants are classified into different categories based on their individual circumstances and the nature of their business.

There are four categories (Category 1 to 4), each with its own specific conditions and requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to determine which category you fall under before applying.

Categories 1 and 2 are for those engaged in management operations at large companies or similar organizations. Category 3 applies to small and medium-sized enterprises, while Category 4 is for those starting a new business in Japan.

Specifically, the categories are as follows.

1-1. Category 1: Listed Companies, Government Agencies, etc.

This applies to individuals who intend to engage in business management or administration at organizations such as companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange, mutual insurance companies, national or local government bodies, independent administrative agencies, special or authorized corporations, or public interest corporations approved by national or local governments.

1-2. Category 2: Medium-Sized Companies, etc.

This category applies to individuals intending to engage in business management or administration at organizations or individuals whose total withholding tax amount, as stated in the statutory report (such as the total of withholding tax on salary income for the previous year), is 10 million yen or more, or at other officially approved institutions.

1-3. Category 3: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), etc.

This category applies to individuals who intend to engage in business management or administration at organizations or individuals (excluding those under Category 2) that have submitted a statutory report such as the total of withholding tax on employee salaries for the previous year.

1-4. Category 4: Newly Established Companies, etc.

This category applies to organizations or individuals that do not fall under any of the above categories.

2.Required Documents for Applying for a Business Manager Visa Japan

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, the required documents vary depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. Specifically, there are three types of applications:

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Application for Change of Status of Residence
• Application for Extension of Period of Stay

Each application type requires documents that are common to all categories, as well as additional documents for specific categories. If you fall under Category 1 or 2, only the common documents are generally required.

2-1. In the Case of an Application for Certificate of Eligibility

This application is for individuals who wish to enter Japan by newly obtaining the Business Manager status of residence. Below, we explain the documents required for all categories, as well as the additional documents needed specifically for Categories 3 and 4.

Common Required Documents for All Categories (Certificate of Eligibility Application)

For the Certificate of Eligibility application under the Business Manager Visa, the following documents are commonly required across all categories:

• One completed Application for Certificate of Eligibility (available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website)
• One photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
• One self-addressed return envelope with the appropriate postage affixed for registered mail
• Additional documents as required depending on the applicable category-1. In the Case of an Application for Certificate of Eligibility

Required Documents for Categories 3 and 4 (Certificate of Eligibility Application)

Applicants falling under Category 3 or 4 who are applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Business Manager Visa must submit the following documents.

The documents required for both Category 3 and Category 4 applicants are as follows:

【One of the following documents that clarifies the nature of the applicant’s activities:】

Item	Details	Number of Copies
（1） When assuming a position as an executive of a Japanese corporation	A copy of the company’s Articles of Incorporation specifying executive compensation, or a copy of the shareholders’ meeting minutes where executive compensation was resolved (or minutes of the compensation committee, if such a committee exists)	1 copy
（2） When being transferred to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation or assuming an executive role in a non-corporate organization	A document issued by the affiliated organization clarifying the position (duties), duration, and amount of compensation (e.g., assignment letter, transfer notice)	1 copy
（3） When being employed in Japan as a manager	A document clearly stating the working conditions provided to the employee, as required under Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of its Enforcement Regulations (e.g., employment contract)	1 copy

【In the case of being employed in Japan as a manager, a document certifying at least three years of experience in business management or administration.】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） A resume clearly indicating the organizations where the applicant engaged in relevant duties, along with the nature and duration of those activities		1 copy
（2） Documents certifying the period of engagement in relevant duties (including a certificate from a graduate school indicating the period during which the applicant majored in subjects related to business or management)		1 copy

【One of the following documents that clarifies the nature of the business】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） If the business is to be conducted through a corporation, a copy of the corporate registration certificate (if registration is not yet complete, a copy of the Articles of Incorporation or other documents showing the corporation’s intent to commence the business)		1 copy
（2） A company brochure or document detailing the company’s history, executives, organizational structure, and business activities (including major clients and transaction records)		1 copy
（3） Other documents prepared by the employer equivalent to those described in (2)		1 copy

【One of the following documents that clarifies the scale of the business:】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） Documents related to wage payments and resident records or other materials proving that the business employs at least two full-time staff		1 copy
（2） Certificate of registered corporate information		1 copy
（3） Other documents that clarify the scale of the business		1 copy

【One of the following documents that proves the existence of office facilities:】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） Certified copy of the real estate registry		1通
（2）Lease agreement		1通
（3） Other relevant documents		1通

【Other Documents】

Item		Number of Copies
Copy of the business plan		1通
Copy of the most recent fiscal year’s financial statements		1通

The documents required for Category 4 are as follows:

【One of the following documents that explains the reason for not being able to submit the statutory report, such as the total of withholding tax on employee salaries for the previous year:】

Item	Details	Number of Copies
（1） In the case of an organization that is exempt from withholding tax	Certificate of exemption from withholding tax for a foreign corporation or other documents proving that withholding is not required	1 copy
（2）In the case of an organization not covered under (1)	Copy of the Notification of Establishment of a Salary Payment Office	1 copy
	One of the following documents: (a) Copies of the most recent three months of Payment Slips for Income Tax Withheld on Employment Income or Retirement Income (with receipt date stamps) (b) If the organization is approved for special payment periods, documents proving such approval	1 copy

Reference: Immigration Services Agency – Status of Residence “Business Manager”

2-2. In the Case of an Application for Change of Status of Residence

This application is for individuals who are already residing in Japan under a different status of residence and wish to change their activity to one that falls under the Business Manager category. Below, we explain the documents required for all categories, as well as the additional documents needed specifically for Categories 3 and 4.

Common Required Documents for All Categories (Change of Status of Residence Application)

For the Business Manager Visa application to change the status of residence, the following documents are required across all categories:

• One completed Application for Certificate of Eligibility (available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website)
• One photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
• One self-addressed return envelope with the appropriate postage affixed for registered mail
• Presentation of passport and residence card
• Additional documents as required depending on the applicable category

Required Documents for Categories 3 and 4 (Change of Status of Residence Application)

Applicants falling under Category 3 or 4 who are applying for a Change of Status of Residence to a Business Manager Visa must submit the following documents.

The documents required for both Category 3 and Category 4 applicants are as follows:

【One of the following documents that clarifies the nature of the applicant’s activities:】

Item	Details	Number of Copies
（1） When assuming a position as an executive of a Japanese corporation	A copy of the company’s Articles of Incorporation specifying executive compensation, or a copy of the shareholders’ meeting minutes where executive compensation was resolved (or minutes of the compensation committee, if such a committee exists)	1 copy
（2） When being transferred to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation or assuming an executive role in a non-corporate organization	A document issued by the affiliated organization that clarifies the position (duties), duration, and amount of compensation (e.g., assignment letter, transfer notice)	1 copy
（3） When being employed in Japan as a manager	A document that clearly outlines the working conditions provided to the employee, as required under Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of its Enforcement Regulations (e.g., employment contract)	1 copy

【In the case of being employed in Japan as a manager, a document certifying at least three years of experience in business management or administration】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） A resume specifying the organizations where the applicant engaged in relevant duties, along with details of the activities and periods of engagement		1 copy
（2） Documents certifying the duration of engagement in relevant duties (including a certificate from a graduate school indicating the period during which the applicant majored in subjects related to business or management)		1 copy

【One of the following documents that clarifies the nature of the business】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） If the business is to be conducted by a corporation, a copy of the corporate registration certificate (or, if registration is not yet complete, a copy of the Articles of Incorporation or other documents showing that the corporation intends to start the business)		1 copy
（2） A company brochure or document detailing the company’s history, executives, organizational structure, and business activities (including major clients and transaction records)		1 copy
（3） Other documents prepared by the employer equivalent to those described in (2)		1 copy

【One of the following documents that clarifies the scale of the business:】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） Documents related to wage payments and resident records or other materials proving that the business employs at least two full-time staff		1 copy
（2） Certificate of registered corporate information		1 copy
（3） Other documents that clarify the scale of the business		1 copy

【One of the following documents that proves the existence of office facilities:】

Item		Number of Copies
（1） Certified copy of the real estate registry		1 copy
（2） Lease agreement		1 copy
（3） Other relevant documents		1 copy

【Other Documents】

Item		Number of Copies
Copy of the business plan		1 copy
Copy of the most recent fiscal year’s financial statements		1 copy

The documents required for Category 4 are as follows:

【One of the following documents that explain the reason for not being able to submit the statutory report, such as the total of withholding tax on employee salaries for the previous year:】

Item	Details	Number of Copies
(1) In the case of an organization that is exempt from withholding tax	Certificate of exemption from withholding tax for a foreign corporation or other documents proving that withholding is not required	1 copy
(2) In the case of an organization not covered under (1)	Copy of the Notification of Establishment of a Salary Payment Office	1 copy
	One of the following documents: (a) Copies of the Income Tax Withholding Payment Slips for employment or retirement income for the most recent three months (with receipt date stamps) (b) Documents proving approval for the special tax payment schedule, if applicable	1 copy

Reference: Immigration Services Agency – Status of Residence “Business Manager”

2-3. In the Case of an Application for Extension of Period of Stay

This application is for individuals who already hold a Business Manager status of residence and are applying for an extension. Below, we explain the documents required for all categories, as well as the additional documents needed specifically for Categories 3 and 4 related to business management.

Common Required Documents for All Categories (Application for Extension of Period of Stay)

For the Business Manager Visa extension application, the following documents are required across all categories:

• One completed Application for Extension of Period of Stay (available for download from the Immigration Services Agency website)
• One photograph (4 cm × 3 cm)
• Presentation of passport and residence card
• Additional documents as required depending on the applicable category

Required Documents for Categories 3 and 4 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay)

Applicants falling under Category 3 or 4 who are applying to extend their Business Manager Visa must submit the following documents.

The documents required for both Category 3 and Category 4 applicants are as follows:

Item		Number of Copies
Copy of the most recent fiscal year’s financial statements		1 copy
Certificate of residence tax assessment (or non-assessment)		1 copy
Tax payment certificate showing total income and tax payment status for the year		1 copy

The documents required for Category 4 are as follows:

Item		Number of Copies
Certificate of exemption from withholding tax for a foreign corporation or other documents proving that withholding is not required		1 copy

Reference: Immigration Services Agency – Status of Residence “Business Manager”

Contact

3.Requirements for Obtaining a Business Manager Visa Japan

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, the following three requirements must be met:

• Securing a business office within Japan
• Investment of at least 5 million yen or employment of full-time staff
• Proof of the appropriateness, stability, and continuity of the business

Each of these requirements is explained below.

3-1. Securing a Business Office in Japan

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, it is necessary to secure an independent business office within Japan. The office must function as a physical entity where continuous economic activities are conducted at a specific location in Japan.

Therefore, the use of virtual offices or shared spaces alone is not acceptable. Even when using a rental office, a separate, enclosed space is required—mere partitions are not sufficient.

Additionally, the lease agreement must be made under the company’s name and clearly indicate the space is for business use. The office must also be equipped with essential items such as a telephone, fax machine, and computer, and the presence of these items must be documented, for example, through photographs.

3-2. Investment of at Least 5 Million Yen or Employment of Full-Time Staff

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, you must either prepare a capital investment of at least 5 million yen or employ at least two full-time staff. In the early stages of starting a business, covering personnel costs can be burdensome, so securing capital of 5 million yen or more is the more common approach.

The source of the 5 million yen is strictly examined, and superficial “window dressing” funds are not accepted. If a foreign applicant uses their own savings as capital, they must submit documents proving the source of the income, such as pay slips or bank transaction records.

If funds are borrowed from relatives or acquaintances, a loan agreement must be submitted. Additionally, for remittances from overseas, documents proving the legality of the transfer and a record of the transaction are required.

3-3. Proof of the Business’s Legitimacy, Stability, and Continuity

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, it is necessary to prove the legitimacy, stability, and continuity of the business. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan that outlines the nature of the business and projected income and expenses. The business must demonstrate substance and profitability; applications for businesses expected to continuously operate at a loss will not be approved.

In retail or service-based businesses, the visa holder is expected to focus on management duties rather than frontline labor. Therefore, it is necessary to hire staff for roles such as cooking or customer service and to establish a clear division between management and operational roles.

However, for internet-based or trading businesses, it is possible for a single manager to operate the business if an investment of at least 5 million yen is secured.

4.Conclusion

This article has explained the required documents and eligibility criteria for obtaining a Business Manager Visa. In summary, the key points are as follows:

✓There are four application categories (Category 1 to 4) for the Business Manager Visa, each requiring different documents. ✓There are three types of applications: Certificate of Eligibility, Change of Status of Residence, and Extension of Period of Stay.✓You must secure an independent office space in Japan—virtual offices are not accepted. ✓ You must either invest at least 5 million yen in capital or employ at least two full-time staff. ✓Your business plan must demonstrate the appropriateness, stability, and continuity of the business.

To obtain a Business Manager Visa, it is essential to prepare accurate documentation and fully understand the eligibility requirements. Applicants must gather the necessary documents according to their application category and meet conditions related to securing a business office, funding, and personnel. To ensure a smooth start to your business in Japan, it is important to carefully review these procedures and prepare in a well-planned manner.

Contact