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  • Japan Business Manager Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    Business Manager Visa for Japan. Open Japanese company; initial capital 30M JPY; local employees/revenue

    Best For

    High-net-worth individuals seeking residence through capital investment

    Not Ideal For

    Applicants without the required minimum investment capital

    Known Issues

    MAJOR CHANGE Oct 2025: Capital requirement raised 6x to JPY 30M (~EUR 180K). Must hire 1+ FT Japanese/PR employee. JLPT N2 required. Business plan must be verified by certified professional.

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    12 months
    Processing Time
    120–210 days
    Min Income
    Path to PR
    Difficulty
    9/10 — Very Difficult
    Application Fee
    €24

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Education Requiredmasters
    Profession RequiredNo
    Job Offer RequiredNo
    Sponsorship RequiredNo
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredYes
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Salary€17,647/year
    Minimum Savings€176,471
    Application Fee€24

    Application Timeline

    1
    Business Planning & Capital Preparation
    90–180 days
    Prepare business plan, secure JPY 30M capital, identify office location, develop hiring plan for local employee
    Blocker: Must have JPY 30M available and business plan certified by qualified professional
    1
    Business Plan & Capital Preparation
    90–180 days
    Prepare detailed business plan, secure JPY 30M capital, obtain professional certification
    Blocker: Must have required capital and JLPT N2 certification
    2
    Company Incorporation & COE Application
    60–120 days
    Incorporate Japanese company, deposit capital, secure office lease, submit COE application with all supporting documents
    Blocker: Office lease and full capital deposit required before COE application
    2
    Company Establishment & Employee Hiring
    30–60 days
    Incorporate Japanese company, hire full-time local employee, secure office space
    Blocker: Must employ 1+ full-time Japanese/PR holder
    3
    Immigration Review & Visa Application
    120–210 days
    Immigration services review business plan and compliance, followed by visa application at embassy
    Blocker: Enhanced scrutiny since Oct 2025 - must demonstrate genuine business operations
    3
    COE & Visa Processing
    120–210 days
    Submit COE application and process visa at embassy
    Blocker: Complete business setup and documentation required
    4
    Arrival and Business Launch
    30–60 days
    Enter Japan, complete address registration, hire required local employee, begin business operations
    Blocker: Must hire at least 1 full-time local employee within initial months of arrival
    4
    Arrival & Business Operations
    30–60 days
    Enter Japan, complete residence registration, begin business operations

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkYes
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightslimited
    Remote Work RightsNo
    RenewableYes

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Tokyo
    Single (monthly)€1,930
    Family (monthly)€3,800
    Rent 1BR (center)€1,123
    Groceries€482
    Transport pass€116
    Osaka
    Single (monthly)€1,500
    Family (monthly)€3,050
    Rent 1BR (center)€793
    Groceries€375
    Transport pass€90
    Fukuoka
    Single (monthly)€1,250
    Family (monthly)€2,600
    Rent 1BR (center)€610
    Groceries€312
    Transport pass€75

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Business Manager Visa?

    Business Manager Visa for Japan. Open Japanese company; initial capital 30M JPY; local employees/revenue

    Who is the Business Manager Visa best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: High-net-worth individuals seeking residence through capital investment.

    Who should not apply for the Business Manager Visa?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Applicants without the required minimum investment capital.

    What are the financial requirements for the Business Manager Visa?

    Applicants need minimum salary of €17,647/year, minimum savings of €176,471. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the Business Manager Visa?

    Processing typically takes 120 to 210 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Business Manager Visa?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

    What are the known issues with the Business Manager Visa?

    Known issues and warnings: MAJOR CHANGE Oct 2025: Capital requirement raised 6x to JPY 30M (~EUR 180K). Must hire 1+ FT Japanese/PR employee. JLPT N2 required. Business plan must be verified by certified professional.. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Japan?

    Yes. Japan offers 13 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Japan country page.

    What is the cost of living in Japan?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Tokyo: €1,930/month; Osaka: €1,500/month; Fukuoka: €1,250/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/