Japan Business Manager Visa
Start or manage a company in Japan and live there on the Business Manager status of residence.
- Visa / permit
- Status of residence “Business Manager”
- How to apply
- Company set-up → Certificate of Eligibility → visa at the embassy
- Stay / validity
- 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 1, 3 or 5 years (as granted)
- Processing time
- Depends on company set-up — LeadX gives you a timeline
- Fees
- Ask LeadX for a quote
Overview
Japan’s Business Manager status of residence is for foreign nationals who start, run or manage a business in Japan. The usual route is to establish a company and office, prepare a detailed business plan, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Immigration Services Agency and then collect the visa at a Japanese embassy. Japan tightened the requirements in October 2025 (capital, staffing and experience criteria), so LeadX confirms the current rules for your case before you invest.
Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs starting a company in Japan
- Investors taking over or managing a Japanese business
- Managers appointed to run a business in Japan
Requirements
- A company established in Japan with a dedicated business office
- Capital / investment and staffing that meet the current Business Manager criteria
- A credible, detailed business plan
- Relevant management experience or qualifications
- Sufficient funds and a clean immigration record
Documents checklist
- Passport and photographs
- Company registration certificate and articles of incorporation
- Office lease agreement and photos
- Business plan and financial projections
- Proof of capital / investment and its source
- CV, degree and experience certificates
Typical documents — LeadX gives you the exact checklist for your passport and purpose of travel.
How LeadX handles it
- 01
Eligibility and business-plan consultation
- 02
Company incorporation and office set-up with Japanese partners
- 03
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to Immigration
- 04
Visa issuance at the Japanese embassy
- 05
Residence card on arrival and renewal support
Visa rules, fees and processing times are set by each government and can change. LeadX confirms the current requirements for your passport before you apply. The final decision always rests with the embassy or immigration authority.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in the country to start?
Some steps can be done remotely with local partners; others need you to travel. LeadX plans the sequence with you.
Can my family join me?
Dependants can usually apply for family visas or permits once your status is granted — we advise on the options.
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Ready to apply?
Send your details and a LeadX counsellor will confirm the right visa for your passport and prepare your file.