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Before you buy an existing business, we help review its accounts, lease and operations, so you do not buy an unhealthy business just to immigrate.
Japan business visas
Japan Business Manager Visa
Start or run a business in Japan, obtain Business Manager status and move to Japan with your family.
Programme overview
The Business Manager visa is for people who start, run or manage a business in Japan. From October 2025 Japan tightened the requirements, raising the capital threshold to JPY 30 million, requiring full-time staff, and reviewing management experience, Japanese ability and business plans more strictly.
Dedicated professional team · Mandarin, Cantonese and English · Reply within one working day
CapitalJPY 30,000,000
StaffAt least one full-time employee
OfficeA physical office in Japan
FamilySpouse and children
Summary
The Japan Business Manager visa now requires capital of at least JPY 30 million and at least one full-time employee. Applicants usually need relevant management experience or qualifications, a business plan confirmed by a qualified professional, and a physical office in Japan.
Key benefits of Business Manager Visa
- Live in Japan as a business owner
- Your spouse and children can come with you
- Children can attend school in Japan
- Build a long-term base by running a business in Japan
Why Global Immigrate for Business Manager Visa
- families approved
- 20+
- approval rate
- 95%
- offering this programme since
- 2018
Local team support
Our Toronto office helps with site visits, opening the business and compliance while you operate it, with regular performance check-ins.
Business plan and performance agreement
We prepare your business plan against the official scoring criteria and make sure your performance targets are realistic.
Planning beyond immigration
GI Group’s teams can handle pre-immigration tax, asset allocation, your children’s education and overseas property at the same time, so the arrangements never conflict.
Our three guarantees
Full service-fee refund if refused
Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
No extra charge for further documents or resubmission
If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.
Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing
Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.
Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.
Requirements
None
- Capital of at least JPY 30 million
- At least one full-time employee (a Japanese national, permanent resident or holder of certain statuses of residence)
- At least three years of management experience, or a master’s degree or higher
- Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N2 (B2) held by you or your full-time employee
- A physical office in Japan and a business plan confirmed by a qualified professional
Free Business Manager Visa brochure
Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.
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If you can’t see it, please check your spam folder. A consultant may also contact you to answer any questions about the programme.
Application process
- Assessment and business plan1–2 monthsWe assess your eligibility and develop the business plan.
- Company and office set-up1–3 monthsRegister the company, pay in the capital and lease an office.
- Status of residence application1–3 monthsApply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
- Entry and renewalPer your period of stayEnter Japan, run the business and renew based on its performance.
Business Manager Visa client stories
“Many people worried when the new rules came out. They quickly adjusted my capital and hiring plans to the new requirements.”
Business Manager visa granted under the new rules.
Mr Wu, Taipei“They coordinated the company registration, office and business plan, which saved a great deal of time.”
Company set up and visa granted.
Ms Lee, Hong Kong“They helped me hire a Japanese-speaking employee to meet the new language requirement.”
Visa granted and the business opened.
Mr Chou, TainanBusiness Manager VisaFAQ
What changed in 2025?
From 16 October 2025 the capital requirement rose from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million, with new requirements for staff, experience, Japanese ability and business plan confirmation. Existing visa holders have a three-year transition period and must meet the new rules by October 2028.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
Either you or one of your full-time employees must have Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N2 (B2) or above.
Can I apply for permanent residence?
Generally after living in Japan continuously for a set number of years and meeting other conditions; it is also worth checking whether you qualify under the HSP business management category.
Sources
GI GroupAfter your new status: tax, succession, education and overseas property
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Your tax residency, asset structure and succession arrangements matter most before you move. GI Group can handle tax planning, asset management and wealth succession, your children’s education overseas, and buying a home or investment property in your new country.
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