Business Manager Visa Support for Shiga and Kyoto
Start Your Business and a New Life
Are you looking to launch a business in Japan, away from the hustle and high costs of Tokyo or Osaka?
The Business Manager visa (経営管理ビザ) allows you to start and run your own company while enjoying a peaceful, affordable lifestyle in Shiga or a real Japanese history and culture in Kyoto.
I offer complete English-language support, helping you navigate every step-from planning your company to obtaining your visa-with personal care and local expertise.
What Is the Business Manager Visa?
From 16 October 2025, the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa have been significantly revised. The new rules focus more on the stability of the business and the capability of the applicant to manage operations in Japan.
1. Employment of a Full-Time Employee
The company or sole proprietorship must employ at least one full-time employee.
Eligible full-time employees are limited to:
• Japanese nationals
• Special permanent residents
• Permanent residents
• Spouses or children of Japanese nationals
• Spouses or children of permanent residents
• Long-term residents
Note: Foreign nationals with other residence statuses (e.g., “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”) are not eligible to count as full-time employees for this purpose.
2. Capital Requirement
The business must have a paid-in capital or investment amount of at least 30 million yen.
• For corporations: The paid-in capital (for joint-stock companies) or the total amount of investment (for partnerships or LLCs)
• For sole proprietors: The total funds invested in operating the business, including office rent, staff salaries (one year), and equipment costs
3. Japanese Language Ability
Either the applicant or one full-time employee must possess a reasonable level of Japanese proficiency.
This is defined as level B2 or higher under the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education.
You can meet this by:
• JLPT N2 or higher
• BJT score of 400 or higher
• 20+ years of residence in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident
• Graduation from a Japanese university or professional graduate school
• Completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from a Japanese high school
4. Educational Background or Business Experience
The applicant must have one of the following:
• A doctoral, master’s, or professional degree related to business management or the relevant field (including foreign degrees)
• At least three years of experience in business management or administration
Note: Periods under a “Designated Activities (Start-up Preparation)” visa count toward the required experience.
5. Business Plan Review
The submitted business plan will be evaluated for specificity, feasibility, and rationality. Confirmation by a professional with expertise in business management is mandatory.
Currently recognized professionals include:
• Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants
• Certified Public Accountants
• Licensed Tax Accountants
Collaboration with Lisensed Tax Accountant
To ensure full compliance with the new Business Manager Visa standards, my office has formed a partnership with an experienced licensed tax accountant.
Through this partnership:
• We provide joint support in preparing business plans that meet immigration and tax compliance standards.
• The tax accountant offers expert advice on company establishment, capital structure, and ongoing bookkeeping and payroll management.
• The administrative lawyer ensures that all legal documents and immigration procedures fully align with the latest immigration regulations.
This collaborative framework allows us to deliver a complete and reliable service—from visa application to actual business operation in Japan. Our goal is to make your transition to entrepreneurship in Japan smooth, compliant, and sustainable.
My Support Process
01.
Free Initial Consultation
I offer a free consultation-online or in person-to discuss your situation, explain visa requirements, and check your eligibility. I will find the best route for your application.
02.
Contract & Initial Payment
We begin with a service agreement and initial payment to start the process.
03.
Company Registration & Business Plan
I help you register your company and prepare your business plan in Japanese in collaboration with my partner accountant.
04.
Visa Application (Change of Status)
If you hold a valid visa (e.g. Student or Engineer/Specialist in Humanities /International Services), we can apply for a Change of Status from within Japan. I will prepare and submit the application on your behalf.
05.
Final Payment & Result
After approval, we settle the remaining fee, and I assist with updating your Residence Card and final procedures.
06.
Aftercare Support
Getting your Business Manager Visa is just the beginning. To make sure your first-year renewal goes smoothly, I continue to support you even after your visa is granted. My partner accountant will provide practical guidance on how to meet your tax obligations and avoid other common pitfalls that can lead to visa renewal refusals.
For Current Business Manager Visa Holders
If you already hold a Business Manager Visa, you may be concerned about how these new requirements affect your next renewal.
Under the new rules, applicants who submit a renewal application within three years from the enforcement date (until 16 October 2028) will not automatically be refused even if they do not yet meet all the revised standards.
Instead, the immigration authority will carefully review:
• The current financial and operational condition of your business
• Your future prospects for meeting the new standards
• Any professional evaluations or supporting documents provided by experts in business management
In some cases, you may be asked to submit a written evaluation by a professional — for example, a certified tax accountant or a business consultant — to demonstrate the soundness of your business.
After the Three-Year Transition Period
After October 2028, renewal applications must comply fully with the new standards.
However, if your business remains healthy, you have been fulfilling tax obligations properly, and you are expected to meet the revised requirements by the next renewal, your case will still be assessed comprehensively and fairly.
This approach also applies to holders of the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa category, since it is based on the same “Business Manager” activities.
Our Support for Smooth Renewal
We understand that these changes may feel overwhelming — especially for small business owners or sole directors.
My office offers renewal support designed to help you plan ahead and prepare documentation that shows your business is moving toward the new standards.
Through my partnership with an experienced licensed tax accountant, we can help you:
• Review your company’s current financial situation
• Prepare supporting statements or evaluation documents for immigration purposes
• Develop a plan to meet the new 30 million yen capital and employment requirements within the transition period
If you are worried about your next renewal or unsure how the changes apply to your business, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
We will guide you step-by-step to ensure a smooth and confident visa renewal process.