Business Manager Visa Japan: Full Guide｜How to Extend from 1 to 3/5 Years and Avoid Renewal Failure

Are you feeling anxious because you obtained a Business Manager Visa to run a company in Japan, but were granted only a one-year period of stay and now face the burden of annual renewals? Or are you preparing to apply and wondering how long the initial period of stay will be and what it takes to obtain a long-term visa of three or five years?

The period of stay for a Business Manager Visa serves as a barometer not only for the stability of the business but also for the credibility of the manager in Japan. There are clear reasons why only a one-year visa is granted in many cases.

This article explains the basics of the Business Manager Visa period of stay, the common stumbling block of the “one-year barrier,” concrete strategies for securing a longer stay of three or five years, and expert insights on how to successfully renew your visa even in challenging situations such as operating at a financial loss.

The main points of this article are as follows.

✓The business administration visa covers foreigners who start a business in Japan, managers of existing companies and operators of Japanese branches of foreign-owned companies. ✓Initial application period usually 4 months or 1 year ✓Possible 6-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods granted when applying for renewal ✓The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager visa were significantly tightened following the legal amendments on October 16, 2025. ✓A three-year transitional measure will be applied to current visa holders at the time of their renewal. ✓During the transitional period, applications are reviewed based on business performance and future potential; in many cases, a one-year period of stay is granted. ✓In order to obtain a long-term visa of 3 or 5 years, meeting the new post-amendment requirements (such as 30 million yen in capital) has become the new goal. ✓Business stability, tax compliance status, and the conduct of the manager themselves also remain important factors in determining the period of stay. ✓Renewal applications can be submitted starting three months before the expiration date, and systematic preparation is essential.

This article focuses on the duration of the business administration visa, detailing the period of stay from application to renewal. It explains useful information for those who are considering applying for a visa or already hold one.

1. What is a business management visa Japan?

The business administration visa is a visa status required for foreigners to manage a business or engage in company administration in Japan. The purpose of this visa is to accept foreign personnel to start or manage a company in Japan.

1-1.Who is eligible for a business management visa

• Foreign entrepreneurs setting up new businesses in Japan
• Foreigners posted to existing Japanese companies as managers or executives
• Foreigners establishing or managing a Japanese branch of a foreign company.

These criteria are designed to demonstrate that the business is likely to continue to operate.

1-2. Differences with other work-based visas

The business administration visa is a type of work visa, but unlike general work visas, it is specific to management and administrative work. Compared with technical, humanities and international service visas, it is granted to people in positions of higher responsibility and authority.

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1-3. [Background Knowledge] New Requirements for the Business Manager Visa Enforced on October 16, 2025

Before understanding the period of stay, it is essential to first recognize as a fundamental premise that the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager visa underwent a historic and significant change (tightening) on October 16, 2025. All current screenings for the period of stay are conducted based on these new standards. The five major changes are as follows:

Requirement 1: Business Scale (Capital of 30 million yen or more + at least 1 full-time employee) It is now mandatory to meet both the requirement of “capital of 30 million yen or more” and “employment of at least one full-time employee.”

Requirement 2: Securing an Independent Office A physical base for conducting business is required. As a general rule, using a residence as a combined office is not permitted.

Requirement 3: Business Plan Verified by Specialists It is now mandatory for the business plan to be reviewed and verified by specialists such as Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Management Consultants, Certified Public Accountants, or Tax Accountants.

Requirement 4: The Manager’s Own Career or Educational Background Either “at least 3 years of experience in management or administration” or “a Master’s degree or higher in a related field” is now required.

Requirement 5: Certain Level of Japanese Language Proficiency It has become mandatory for either the applicant themselves or the full-time employee they hire to possess Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher.

2. Period of stay for business management visas

A business management visa grants a period of stay.The period of stay granted for the initial application is basically one year. Additionally, there is a four-month Business Manager visa available for foreigners who do not yet have a bank account in Japan, allowing them to prepare for the start of their business operations within the country.

2-1.[Strategic Utilization] What is the “4-Month Visa” That Allows Overseas Residents to Start a Business Without Local Partners?

Normally, to apply for a Business Manager Visa, you must have already established your company and secured an office in Japan. However, for those living overseas without local partners, preparing these requirements can be extremely difficult.

This is where the “4-Month Business Manager Visa” becomes valuable. With this visa, even before establishing a company, you can obtain a four-month period of stay by submitting documents such as a business plan and draft articles of incorporation. This allows you to come to Japan and complete the necessary procedures, such as company registration and office leasing, during this period.

Key Action Items After Arrival in Japan:

• Opening a Bank Account: Since banks often refuse account openings for individuals with short periods of stay, consider options that are relatively easier to open, such as Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko).
• Company Registration and Office Leasing: Proceed with these steps as planned.
• Obtaining Licenses and Permits: For businesses that require specific licenses, such as restaurants or real estate agencies, it may not be possible to obtain them within the four-month period. In such cases, there is a professional technique where you can apply for a visa extension by submitting documents that prove the license application is currently in progress.

Points to Note Regarding Renewals After the October 16, 2025 Amendment

The hurdles for establishing a company and securing an office lease within this four-month period have risen significantly due to the legal amendments. Ultimately, within this timeframe, you must meet all the tightened new requirements—including the preparation of 30 million yen in capital and the securing of full-time staff—before applying to renew for a one-year Business Manager visa. Utilizing this system has become increasingly difficult without a much more meticulous financial and business plan than was required in the past.

2-2.Why Is Your Visa Only Renewed for One Year? Signs of “Lack of Trust” from Immigration Authorities

First, as a fundamental concept that has existed since before the October 2025 legal amendments, if only a one-year period of stay is granted at the time of renewal, there is a high possibility it is a sign from the Immigration Bureau that “your business or you personally are not yet fully trusted.” This lack of trust can generally be categorized into “issues regarding the individual applicant” and “issues regarding the company.”

[Applicant’s Personal Issues] Failure to Fulfill Public Obligations and Misconduct

Even if the business is performing well, neglecting public obligations such as those listed below can result in a loss of trust and may lead to being granted only a one-year period of stay.

• Delinquency in Tax and Social Insurance Payments: Are you properly paying resident taxes, health insurance premiums, and other obligations?
• Violation of Notification Obligations under the Immigration Control Act: Have you neglected required notifications, such as reporting a change of address within 14 days after moving?
• Extended Overseas Stays: Spending the majority of the year abroad may cause immigration authorities to question the necessity of managing a business in Japan.」

[Company-Related Issues] Doubts About Business Stability and Continuity

If the company’s management is deemed unstable, the renewal process becomes more difficult.

• Two Consecutive Fiscal Years of Deficit or Excess Liabilities: This is a critical factor that may lead to the judgment that business continuity is difficult.
• Insufficient Executive Compensation: An extremely low executive salary (e.g., less than 180,000 yen per month) that cannot sustain the manager’s livelihood may raise doubts about the profitability and actual operation of the business.
• Lack of Business Activity: Cases where there is minimal sales or no visible business activity are also treated similarly.

These remain essential examination items for measuring the fundamental level of trust in both the business and the manager, and they continue to be as important as ever.

2-3. The 2025 Legal Amendments and the “Three-Year Transitional Measures

In addition to the fundamental concepts mentioned above, the primary reason why many managers are currently granted only a one-year period of stay is the legal amendment enforced on October 16, 2025. Under this amendment, the requirements for new Business Manager visa applications have been significantly tightened, such as requiring 30 million yen in capital.

However, to mitigate the sudden impact on managers who already hold a visa, a three-year “transitional measure” period has been established, lasting until October 16, 2028.

Renewal Screenings During the Transitional Period (Until October 16, 2028)

During this period, applications will not be immediately rejected even if the new standards are not yet met. Instead, the decision on whether to grant a renewal is based on a comprehensive consideration of your current business performance and the likelihood of meeting the new standards in the future.

To carefully assess this “future potential,” the Immigration Bureau tends to grant a “one-year” period of stay for the time being to monitor progress after a year. In other words, if your current visa is for one year, it likely carries a strong meaning that, in addition to a “lack of trust,” you are being given a one-year grace and observation period as a subject of the transitional measures.

Renewal Screenings After the Transition Period Ends (From October 17, 2028)

For renewal applications submitted after three years have passed since the enforcement date, applicants must, as a general rule, comply with the new post-amendment criteria.

However, exceptions are provided even in this case. Even if you cannot fully meet the new standards (such as 30 million yen in capital),

If conditions such as the following are met:

• The business is in good financial health;
• Tax obligations, such as corporate tax, are appropriately fulfilled; and
• There is a prospect of meeting the amended criteria by the time of the next renewal application; renewal may be granted based on a comprehensive consideration of other residency factors. However, this is strictly an exceptional measure, and it remains fundamentally essential to aim for compliance with the new standards.

2-4. New Strategies to Overcome the “One-Year Wall” and Secure 3 or 5-Year Long-Term Visas

So, how can one overcome the “one-year wall” and secure a long-term period of stay, such as 3 or 5 years? The answer is clear: “Clearing the new post-amendment criteria” is the new goal for obtaining a long-term visa and constitutes the best strategy.

Specifically, you must achieve the following items and prove that your business is stable, continuous, and serves Japan’s national interests.

• Business Scale: Increase capital (or net assets) to 30 million yen or more and employ at least one full-time staff member.
• Business Plan: Execute a feasible business plan at a level verified and recognized by specialists (such as SME Management Consultants).
• Manager’s Qualifications: Demonstrate that your three or more years of management experience or Master’s degree (or higher) is being effectively utilized in your current business.
• Fulfillment of Public Obligations: Pay all taxes and social insurance premiums appropriately and without delay.
• Legal Compliance: Faithfully fulfill all notification and reporting obligations required under the Immigration Control Act.

Expert Explanation: What Are the Four Company Categories Used by Immigration?

To overcome the one-year barrier and obtain a long-term visa of three or five years, careful business management and consistently building trust are essential. The key lies in the company’s “rating,” which is internally used by the Immigration Bureau.

• Category 1 & 2 (Large Companies and High-Quality Mid-Sized Companies):
  These are companies that meet certain criteria, such as having annual withholding tax payments of 10 million yen or more. They tend to be more likely to receive long-term stays of three or five years, but this does not guarantee a five-year visa will always be granted.
• Category 3 (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises):
  Companies with annual withholding tax payments of less than 10 million yen. Most small and medium-sized enterprises fall into this category, where the period of stay is typically one or three years.
• Category 4 (Newly Established Companies, etc.):
  Newly established companies without a tax payment record. In principle, they are granted a one-year period of stay.The goal is to move up to Category 2. Continuously maintaining stable, profitable operations and increasing tax contributions will significantly improve the chances of being granted a long-term visa of three or five years.

Employment situation

Job creation is one of the key objectives of the business management visa. The following points are taken into account

• Number of employees and employment status (full-time, part-time, etc.)
• Salary levels
• Employee development and training programmes
• Employment stability and future employment plans

Tax payment status

Adequate tax payments are an important indicator of compliance with the law. The following points are identified.

• Appropriate payment of corporate, income and inhabitants’ taxes
• Amount of tax paid
• No delinquent payments
• Status of response to tax audits

Past residence history

The length of stay in Japan to date and compliance with visa conditions are assessed.

• History of previous visa renewals
• Status of compliance with laws and regulations during residence
• Appropriate implementation of periodic reports to the Immigration Bureau (e.g. notification of place of residence, institution of affiliation, etc.)
• No history of revocation of status of residence or deportation in the past

Scale and growth potential of the business

Not only the current size of the business is assessed, but also its potential for future growth.

• Specificity and feasibility of business expansion plans
• Expansion plans for new businesses and new markets
• Investment plans and capital expenditure

Management qualities and experience

The applicant’s own management skills and experience are also taken into account.

• Past management experience
• Academic and professional qualifications
• Recognition and reputation in the industry

The immigration authorities will determine the appropriate visa period based on a comprehensive assessment of these factors.

While the “category” classification of a company (determining if it is a high-quality enterprise) mentioned above also influences the screening process, its foundation lies, first and foremost, in whether you can meet the new Business Manager visa standards. If you achieve the new standards during the transitional period and are classified within a high-quality company category, the likelihood of being granted a long-term period of stay, such as 3 or 5 years, will increase dramatically at the time of your next renewal.

3.Common Challenging Cases and Solutions

3-1.Is Renewal Possible Even with a Deficit or Excess Liabilities?

A deficit does not automatically mean your renewal will be denied. Especially in the first year after establishment, deficits caused by initial investments can often be reasonably explained. The key is to provide a convincing written explanation that clearly states both the ‘rational reason’ for the deficit and the ‘specific business improvement plan’ for achieving profitability going forward. Renewal becomes significantly more difficult in cases of two consecutive years of deficit or excess liabilities, but if the improvement plan is reasonable and persuasive, renewal may still be possible.”

Points to Note Regarding Renewals After the 2025 Amendment

In a Business Improvement Plan, it is not enough to simply outline a path to profitability. To effectively convince the examiner of your business’s future potential, it is highly valuable to incorporate a perspective on how you intend to meet the new system’s standards in the future—such as reaching 30 million yen in capital and hiring full-time staff.

3-2. How Much Should Executive Compensation Be? (Too Low Increases Risk of Denial)

“Setting executive compensation too low in an attempt to minimize taxes is risky. Immigration assumes that the manager must be able to live stably in Japan. A minimum monthly salary of at least 200,000 yen, ideally 250,000 yen or more, is recommended. Compensation lower than this may cause immigration authorities to question the profitability of the business or even suspect illegal employment practices.

4. Frequently Asked Questions About the Duration of the Business Manager Visa in Japan

This section provides a detailed explanation of the questions many people have about business management visas.

4-1.What is the maximum duration?

The maximum period for a business management visa is five years. However, this maximum period is rarely granted on the first application and is usually gradually lengthened over successive renewals.

4-2. Can you return home during the period?

During the validity period of the business management visa, it is possible to return to Japan temporarily or travel abroad on business. However, if you leave Japan for more than one year, you must obtain a re-entry permit.

4-3.How many months before the expiry of the period of stay can I apply for renewal?

If you wish to continue your business in Japan after your period of stay has expired, you must apply for a renewal of your business management visa before the expiry of your period of stay. If the period of stay expires without renewal, you will be in Japan illegally and may be subject to severe disciplinary measures.

You can apply for the renewal of your visa three months before the expiry date. It is recommended to apply at least two weeks before the expiry date.

4-4.What happens if my period of stay expires while my renewal application is still being processed?

If your application is accepted before your current visa expires, you will be granted a two-month “special period” after the expiration date. During this special period, you can legally remain in Japan and continue working until the result of your application is issued.

4-5.I frequently travel overseas for business. Will this affect my visa renewal?

To get straight to the point, frequent or long-term overseas business trips may negatively impact your visa renewal. The Immigration Services Agency clearly states that “if an individual has been outside of Japan for a long period during their period of stay without a justifiable reason, the renewal of the period of stay will not be permitted, as it is deemed that they have no actual activity in Japan.”

This is because the Business Manager visa is a status of residence intended for conducting the management and administration of a business “within Japan.” If you are away for extended periods, there is an increased risk of the authorities judging that “your primary base of activity is not in Japan” or that “you lack the actual substance of conducting management in Japan.”

While there are no explicit criteria for the number of days, generally, if the total number of days spent outside the country exceeds 180 days (half a year) annually, the screening tends to become significantly stricter. The same applies to a single trip lasting three months or more.

If you have many overseas business trips, it is extremely important to specifically explain “why those trips were necessary” at the time of renewal. You must submit a statement of reasons (Reason Letter) summarizing the purpose, duration, and results of the trips—such as “important negotiations with overseas clients” or “quality control at a local factory”—to objectively prove that these activities are linked to the profits of the business in Japan.

5. Summary

The business administration visa is an important status for foreigners to develop a business in Japan. Understanding its duration and renewal is essential for business success in Japan. The main points of this article are summarised below.

✓The business administration visa covers foreigners who start a business in Japan, managers of existing companies and operators of Japanese branches of foreign-owned companies. ✓Initial application period usually 4 months or 1 year ✓Possible 6-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods granted when applying for renewal ✓The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager visa were significantly tightened following the legal amendments on October 16, 2025. ✓A three-year transitional measure will be applied to current visa holders at the time of their renewal. ✓During the transitional period, applications are reviewed based on business performance and future potential; in many cases, a one-year period of stay is granted. ✓In order to obtain a long-term visa of 3 or 5 years, meeting the new post-amendment requirements (such as 30 million yen in capital) has become the new goal. ✓Business stability, tax compliance status, and the conduct of the manager themselves also remain important factors in determining the period of stay. ✓Renewal applications can be submitted starting three months before the expiration date, and systematic preparation is essential.

Obtaining and renewing a Business Management Visa is an important step in developing your business in Japan. Through proper preparation and planning, as well as compliance with Japanese laws and social contribution, a longer period of stay can be achieved and business stability and growth can be achieved. It is important to make the most of this visa system and take steady steps towards the success of your business in Japan.

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