Are you planning to start a business in Japan and obtain a Japan Business Manager Visa?
Foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a company in Kyoto or Shiga have three possible routes to consider:
- Regular Business Manager Visa
- 4-Month Business Manager Visa
- Japan Startup Visa
Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages, particularly in terms of costs, preparation time and whether you need a trusted person in Japan to assist you.
The new Business Manager Visa requirements introduced in October 2025 have significantly changed how entrepreneurs should choose between these three routes.
Choosing the right route before establishing your company can help you avoid unnecessary costs, delays and risks.
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Route 1: Regular Business Manager Visa
Advantages: Prepare Your Business from Overseas
The biggest advantage of the regular Business Manager Visa is that you can establish your Japanese company and complete the necessary preparations whilst remaining overseas.
You generally do not need to relocate to Japan until your Business Manager Visa has been approved.
Another significant advantage is cost efficiency. As you can proceed directly with the Business Manager Visa application without first obtaining a Startup Visa, this route often involves fewer immigration applications, lower professional fees and less administrative work.
Disadvantages: You Need a Highly Trusted Partner in Japan
The greatest challenge is finding a reliable person in Japan who can assist with establishing your company.
In some company formation arrangements, you may need to transfer a substantial sum of money to a bank account controlled by a trusted person in Japan before completing the company’s registration.
With the current capital requirement generally set at JPY 30 million, this presents a significant financial risk.
You should be extremely cautious about transferring such a large sum to someone you do not know and trust exceptionally well.
In addition, your local partner may need to take on considerable responsibilities, including arranging an office lease, assisting with company incorporation and co-ordinating other business establishment procedures.
The new requirements introduced in October 2025 have made these responsibilities even more demanding. In particular, the Japanese language proficiency requirement and the obligation to employ at least one qualifying full-time employee may require your local partner to make additional arrangements, such as recruiting employees and co-ordinating matters relating to language requirements.
As a result, finding someone who is not only trustworthy but also willing and able to provide extensive practical assistance has become more important than ever.
If you do not have a trustworthy person in Japan, this route may be difficult to pursue safely. Alternative incorporation and money transfer arrangements should also be considered.
Best suited to: Entrepreneurs who have sufficient capital and a highly reliable person in Japan to assist with establishing their company.
[Read More: How to Apply for a Regular Business Manager Visa in Japan]
Route 2: 4-Month Business Manager Visa
Advantages: Prepare Your Business After Arriving in Japan
The main attraction of the 4-month Business Manager Visa is the possibility of entering Japan and handling certain business establishment procedures yourself, without having to rely on a local partner at every stage.
Where this route is available, you can personally manage practical arrangements such as banking, office preparation and company administration after arriving in Japan.
However, the four-month period does not automatically exempt applicants from the Business Manager Visa requirements introduced in October 2025. Eligibility must be confirmed before choosing this route.
Disadvantages: Only Four Months to Complete Your Preparations
The biggest disadvantage is the extremely limited preparation period.
Four months can pass quickly when you need to co-ordinate company registration, bank accounts, office arrangements, employee recruitment and other business procedures.
If you fail to complete the necessary arrangements before your initial period of residence expires, you may experience difficulties extending your Business Manager status.
To reduce this risk, you should complete as much preparatory work as possible before coming to Japan and draw up a detailed schedule for your first four months.
In practice, completing all the necessary preparations on your own within just four months can be extremely difficult. Professional support from qualified specialists is therefore often essential to help ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Best suited to: Eligible entrepreneurs who do not have a suitable and trustworthy local partner in Japan, prefer to handle business arrangements personally after arrival and can work within a tight schedule.
Route 3: Japan Startup Visa
Advantages: More Time and Local Startup Support
The Japan Startup Visa allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to enter Japan and prepare to establish a business under an approved startup support programme.
Depending on the programme and immigration approvals, entrepreneurs can undertake startup preparation activities for an initial period and potentially continue for up to two years in total.
This gives you considerably more time to develop your business, arrange funding, secure office premises and prepare to meet the Business Manager Visa requirements.
Another major advantage is the assistance available through participating startup support organisations.
For example, Kyoto’s Startup Visa support framework offers access to business consultations, professional advice and certain financial support programmes, subject to eligibility and availability.
Disadvantages: Limited Locations, Business Restrictions and Additional Procedures
Firstly, the Japan Startup Visa is not available throughout Japan. It is offered through designated local authorities and approved organisations, so its availability depends on where you intend to establish your business.
For example, Kyoto Prefecture offers a Startup Visa programme, whilst Shiga Prefecture does not currently operate its own Startup Visa programme. Entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Shiga therefore cannot simply apply through a Shiga prefectural Startup Visa programme.
Before choosing this route, it is essential to check whether an approved Startup Visa programme is available in your intended business location.
Secondly, the Startup Visa is not available for every type of business.
Participating organisations may restrict the types of business they support. For example, Kyoto Prefecture has designated eligible business sectors, and certain ordinary restaurant and souvenir retail businesses are excluded from its tourism category.
The Startup Visa also involves additional applications, progress reporting and a subsequent application to change to Business Manager status.
This can increase the time and administrative costs involved before you are able to operate your business fully.
Importantly, Startup Visa holders are authorised to undertake approved startup preparation activities, not unrestricted business management activities.
If you intend to transition to Business Manager status, you must eventually satisfy the applicable Business Manager Visa requirements.
Best suited to: Entrepreneurs who plan to establish a business in an eligible location, qualify for a local Startup Visa programme and would benefit from more preparation time and structured business support.
Comparing the 3 Business Manager Visa Routes
| Regular Business Manager | 4-Month Business Manager | Startup Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main advantage | Prepare overseas with a single immigration application | Handle preparations after arrival in Japan | Up to 2 years for startup preparation |
| Main disadvantage | Trusted assistance in Japan may be essential | Very limited time | Limited locations, business restrictions and additional procedures |
| Local partner | Often imperative | Support from an legal expert is often necessary | Support from approved organisations |
| Administrative costs | One-time application | Extension procedures required | Additional approvals and change of status |
| Preparation time in Japan | Business largely prepared before arrival | 4 months initially | Up to 2 years |
Note: The four-month option is a period of stay under Business Manager status, not a separate exemption from the revised eligibility requirements. Startup Visa conditions vary by participating organisation.
Which Business Manager Visa Route Should You Choose?
The most suitable route depends on your available capital, business plan, support network in Japan and preferred timetable.
If you have a trusted person in Japan and can prepare the company before arrival, the regular Business Manager Visa may offer the simplest and most cost-effective approach.
If you wish to handle the arrangements yourself after arriving in Japan, the 4-month Business Manager Visa may be worth considering, provided you meet the current requirements and can manage the short preparation period.
Under the stricter Business Manager Visa requirements introduced in October 2025, the Japan Startup Visa has become an increasingly attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs. The higher capital requirement, the obligation to employ at least one qualifying full-time employee and the Japanese language proficiency requirements have made preparing a business before arrival more challenging. The Startup Visa gives eligible entrepreneurs valuable time in Japan to meet these requirements before applying for Business Manager status.
For entrepreneurs who qualify for an approved programme, the Startup Visa may now be a more practical choice than applying directly for a Business Manager Visa.
For entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in Kyoto, the prefecture’s Startup Visa programme is particularly worth exploring. Those considering Shiga Prefecture should carefully examine the regular Business Manager route and the local business support available.
Consult an Administrative/immigration Lawyer
Choosing the wrong immigration route can result in unnecessary expenses, delays and complications when establishing your company.
A qualified Administrative/Immigration Laywer (Gyoseishoshi) experienced in Business Manager Visa applications can help you assess your options and prepare an appropriate application strategy.
If you are considering starting a business in Kyoto or Shiga, seeking professional advice before transferring funds, signing an office lease or incorporating a company can help protect your investment.
Contact us to discuss your Japan Business Manager Visa application and company establishment plans in Kyoto or Shiga.
Last updated: November 2026. Immigration eligibility and local programme requirements should be confirmed before applying.