Review Criteria for Business Manager Visa
When a foreigner starts a company or manages a business in Japan, a " Business Manager Visa" is required. However, many do not know exactly how to obtain it. This topic is about the system and examination criteria for a business manager visa.
What is a business manager visa?
It is a visa for foreigners who want to establish a business, conduct trade or other business and manage companies in Japan.
Unlike some other work visas, the business manager visa does not allow you to work as a regular employee. Its purpose is strictly limited to business ownership, administration, and management.
Due to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which took effect on April 1, 2015, the “Investor/Business Manager Visa" was changed to the “Business Manager Visa".
Taking over management/administration or establishing a new business in Japan through own investment and taking over management/administration is considered as investment in a Japanese business.
Specific examples of individuals involved in management/administration include the president, directors, auditors, general managers, and operations managers.
Review criteria for the business manager visa
For business owners
- There must be a branch office in Japan to operate the business.
- If the business has not yet started, a facility in Japan must be used as the place to operate the business.
- The lease agreement states that the property is leased for “business purposes".
- It must be an office that can be used for business purposes (not residential)
- There is a nameplate and mailbox with the business or trade name.
- There are two or more full-time employees. Two or more full-time employees must be Japanese nationals or foreign nationals with the residency status of permanent resident, spouse/child of a Japanese national, spouse/child of a permanent resident, or long-term resident.
- The stated capital or total amount of investment is five million yen or more.
- Five million yen or more is invested in the business and the business can be continued with this investment.
- The company is properly managed, and its stability and continuity are confirmed.
- Necessary procedures and reports to the tax office, etc. have been completed.
- A well-written business plan
For business managers
- At least 3 years of business or management experience
(Including time spent studying business or management in graduate school) - A salary equal to or higher than that of a Japanese citizen
Review period for the business manager visa
Although it depends on a case-by-case basis and timing, it generally takes about 3 months from application to receipt of results. In some cases, if the documents are incomplete or the business plan is unclear, the review may extend beyond six months. Careful preparation of supporting evidence can help shorten the process.
It may take longer if additional documents are requested.
Summary
A business manager is a visa for establishing a company in Japan, managing commercial and other businesses, and performing managerial duties. The assessment criteria varies depending on the manager/business owner.
In most cases, it takes about 3 months from application to receipt of results.
