How to Start a Business in Japan from Abroad: Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs
“A Foreigner’s Guide to Launching a Business in Japan (Updated for 2025)”
What is the Japan Business Manager Visa?
If you are a foreign national looking to start a business in Japan, you must first obtain a visa that allows you to legally conduct business in the country. In this article, you’ll learn about the Japan Business Manager Visa—a visa that allows foreign nationals to establish and operate a business in Japan, provided certain criteria are met.
If you’re still in the early stages and don’t yet meet the full requirements, you may want to check out my article on the Japan Startup Visa.
Requirements
- You must have a physical office in Japan.
This can be either a traditional office space or a virtual office. A virtual office is typically used for business functions such as receiving mail and handling official business matters. Essentially, it means renting an address—often from a shared office building—that can serve as your official business location. - The business must employ two full-time staff or have capital of at least 5 million yen (approximately \$34,000 USD).
- The business must demonstrate stability and continuity.
- The applicant must be actively involved in managing the business.
How to Get Approved
To get approved for the Business Manager Visa, you must first meet the general requirements listed above. In addition, each municipality (or zone) has its own specific requirements and evaluation criteria. A solid business plan is essential, and your business should ideally contribute to the local economy in priority areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation, or Health and Medical services.
Startup Visa vs. Business Manager Visa
Both the Startup Visa and the Business Manager Visa are connected and often applied for within the same municipality, but they serve different purposes:
- The Startup Visa is a temporary visa (typically 6 months to 1 year) that allows you to come to Japan and prepare to launch your business.
- The Business Manager Visa is the long-term visa you apply for after your business has been officially set up and meets all the legal requirements.
🔁 Example Flow
- Apply for the Startup Visa through your target municipality (e.g., Shibuya, Fukuoka, or Hiroshima).
- The municipality reviews your business plan and issues a certificate or letter of support.
- You take that documentation to Immigration and receive the Startup Visa.
- During the Startup Visa period, you set up your office, secure funding or hire staff, and launch operations.
- Once your business meets the full requirements, you apply for the Business Manager Visa—usually with continued support from the same municipality.
This two-step approach gives entrepreneurs more flexibility and time to build a viable business in Japan.
Length of Visa
The initial period of stay for the Business Manager Visa is one year. However, certain municipalities may grant a visa for up to two years, depending on your business plan and qualifications.
Where to Apply
For detailed, area-specific requirements, visit the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Startup Visa page and select the municipality where you wish to do business. You’ll find exact guidelines and instructions on how to apply.
