How to Obtain a 6-Month Business Manager Visa in Japan
Yoshio YamaguchiShare
To establish and run a company in Japan, foreign nationals need to obtain a Business Manager Visa. The requirements for this visa include (1) establishing a company and (2) setting up an office. However, without a Japanese residency status, it can be very challenging to establish a company and open an office unless you have someone in Japan to assist you.
To address this issue, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced a special program. By using this program, you can obtain a six-month Business Manager Visa even if you have not yet met the requirements for (1) and (2). This allows you to come to Japan, establish your company, and open an office within the six-month period. After this time, you can renew your Business Manager Visa.
Standard vs. 6-Month Business Manager Visa Comparison
For details on the standard Business Manager Visa, please refer to this article.
Standard vs. 6-Month Business Manager Visa Comparison
1. Prepare a Plan for Business Startup Activities
A well-crafted business plan is essential for this program. The submitted business plan and other documents will be assessed to determine whether you are likely to fulfill the conditions for a regular Business Manager visa after the six-month preparation period. The business plan should be feasible and supported by credible evidence.
To learn more, please see the following resources published by Invest Tokyo, a program offered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to support foreign companies in expanding their business here:
- Example Plan for Confirmation of Business Startup Activities
- Points to note for filling out the Plan for Business Startup Activities Form
| Standard Business Management Visa | 6-Month Business Management Visa | |
| Duration | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 4 months, 3 months. In practice, it is common to renew the visa annually. | 6 months. After 6 months, you must obtain a standard Business Management Visa. |
| Requirements: Business Office | You must secure a business location before applying for the visa. | Not required. The business location is secured after obtaining the visa. |
| Requirements: Business Scale | You must establish a company with a capital of at least 5 million yen before applying for the visa. | Not required. The company is established after obtaining the visa. |
| Jurisdiction | Immigration Bureau | Tokyo Metropolitan Government |
| Process | Office setup, company establishment → Apply for a residency status at Immigration → Obtain a Business Management Visa → Enter Japan → Begin business activities | Submit an application to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government → Receive confirmation → Apply for a 6-month Business Management Visa at Immigration → Obtain the visa → Enter Japan → Set up the office and establish the company → Apply for a visa extension at Immigration → Obtain approval → Begin business activities |
2. Submit Your Startup Confirmation Application
The next step is to submit an application for startup activity confirmation to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Please note that, in principle, applications cannot be mailed; they must be submitted in person. The application can be submitted by:
- The applicant themselves
- An employee of the Japan Immigration Association
- A lawyer or administrative scrivener with proxy application qualifications
3. Required Documents
The following documents must be prepared in Japanese:
- Application Form
- Plan for Business Startup Activities
- Applicant's Resume
- Copy of the Applicant's Passport (sections with photo, name, and signature)
- Proof of Residence in Japan: Documents that clarify where you will be residing for six months after arriving in Japan (e.g., copy of lease contract or lease application)
- Proof of Financial Resources: Evidence showing you have sufficient funds to support your living expenses and business startup costs (e.g., bank statements showing available funds of at least 5 million yen)
At this stage, you are not required to have invested the capital or secured office space, but you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to do so.
4. Interview with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Officials
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government website states that interviews will be conducted online or in person with TMG officials, but as of August 2024, no interviews seem to have been conducted.
5. Examination by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will examine your application to determine whether you will fulfill the requirements for a regular Business Manager visa after six months. They will consider the following aspects:
- Business Content: What business will you conduct?
- Business Location: Where will you conduct your business activities?
- Preparation and Activities: What preparations and activities will you undertake to start your business? Provide specific plans leading up to the business launch.
- Startup Funds: How much funding is required to start your business? How will you secure that funding?
- Company Officers: Who will be on the company's board, and what roles will they play?
- Business Scale: What is the expected scale of your business?
- Residence and Living Expenses: Have you secured housing until you start your business? Do you have enough funds for living expenses?
6. Response from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Approximately two weeks after your application, you will receive a Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Activities. This certificate is valid for three months, during which time you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for the Business Manager visa at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau.
7. Apply for Business Manager COE at Tokyo Immigration
With the Certificate of Confirmation of Startup Activities, you must apply to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for the Business Manager visa. Even if you have approval from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, it does not guarantee receiving certification from the Immigration Bureau.
At this point, you are not required to have:
- An Established Company with Capital of at Least 5 Million Yen
- Secured Office Space
However, you must provide evidence of your financial capacity to invest in your business and support yourself during your stay.
8. Approval of Business Manager Visa by Immigration
After reviewing your application, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau may approve your request and issue a six-month Business Manager visa. Upon approval, you can proceed to enter Japan and commence your startup activities as outlined in your business plan. This visa allows you to stay in Japan for six months to prepare your business without establishing a company or securing an office.
9. Undertake Startup Activities Within the 6-Month Period
During the six months, you must carry out the following startup activities:
- Secure Housing: Decide where to live and sign a rental agreement. Register your residence with the local city or town office.
- Open a Personal Bank Account: This account will be used to deposit your capital investment.
- Deposit Capital: Transfer the necessary capital (at least 5 million yen) into your personal bank account.
- Company Registration: Register your company with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
- Secure Office Space: Sign a lease agreement for your office space.
10. Provide Bi-Monthly Progress Reports to the Government
During the six months, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will monitor the progress of your startup activities. You are required to report your progress every two months. This includes updates on:
- Business Preparations: Company registration, capital investment, office acquisition.
- Compliance: Ensuring all activities align with Japanese laws and regulations.
- Challenges and Adjustments: Any difficulties faced and how you are addressing them.
Regular communication helps demonstrate your commitment and progress toward fulfilling the visa requirements.
11. Extension of the Period of Stay
The six-month Business Manager visa will expire after six months. Before it expires, you must apply for an extension of your visa period. To be eligible for an extension, you must meet the traditional requirements for a regular Business Manager visa:
- Established Company: Your company must be registered with a capital of at least 5 million yen.
- Secured Office Space: You must have a physical office for your business operations.
Fulfilling these requirements allows you to apply for a visa extension, which typically grants a longer stay. This lets you continue managing and growing your business in Japan.
Conclusion
Obtaining a six-month Business Manager visa in Japan is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. By diligently following the outlined steps—from crafting a solid business plan and securing the necessary approvals to actively engaging in startup activities—you set the foundation for a successful business venture in Japan.
Remember to maintain open communication with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau throughout the process. Successfully meeting all requirements within six months facilitates extending your visa and positions your business for long-term success in the Japanese market.
To learn more on these topics, please see my other related articles:
