Japan Business Manager (entrepreneur) visa

The revised landing standards in force since 16 October 2025 require all of the following: an office separate from your home; at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national, special permanent resident or holder of a residence-based status (permanent resident, spouse, long-term resident); capital of JPY 30 million or more; Japanese ability equivalent to CEFR B2 held by you or a full-time employee, shown for example by JLPT N2 or BJT 400 points; a doctorate, master's or professional degree related to management or the business, or at least three years of business management experience; and a concrete, feasible business plan confirmed by a certified SME consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant.

Running the business only through outsourcing, without real management activity, does not qualify. Any licences needed for the business must be obtained.

For a company the JPY 30 million is the paid-in capital or total contributions; for a sole proprietor it is the total invested to run the business, such as office costs, one year of salaries and equipment. People who already held Business Manager before the reform can still renew until 16 October 2028 even if they do not meet the new standards; after that the ISA looks at business performance, tax and social insurance compliance and the prospect of meeting the standards by the next renewal.

Founders who cannot meet every requirement at once can use the start-up preparation route under Designated Activities: municipalities certified by the national government, and universities under METI's programme, confirm a business plan and allow up to one year (two years in some schemes) to set up the company before changing to Business Manager. Time spent in this preparation activity counts towards the three years of management experience.

Mid- to long-term residents receive a residence card at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai and other major airports (elsewhere it is mailed after address registration). Within 14 days of finding a home you must register your address at the city, ward or town office, which also enrols you in National Health Insurance and the National Pension unless your employer covers you under its schemes.

Changes of employer or school, marriage status and address must be notified to the immigration bureau within 14 days. Leaving Japan for up to one year (or until your status expires, if sooner) is possible without a re-entry permit by ticking the special re-entry box at departure.

At renewal the ISA checks labour and social insurance enrolment and payments, national and local taxes of the business and whether you stayed abroad for long periods without reason. From 1 October 2026 the renewal fee is JPY 33,000 for one year up to JPY 75,000 for five years. Permanent residence from Business Manager is not granted unless the new standards are met.