Business Manager
Foreign nationals investing in and managing or running a business in Japan.
The Business Manager is a Japanese business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Business Manager is for
Foreign nationals investing in and managing or running a business in Japan.
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Business Manager - eligibility criteria
- Invest at least ¥5 million in capital, or employ 2+ full-time staff
- Secure a physical office in Japan
- Present a viable, realistic business plan
- Show the business is genuinely operating or will operate
- Adequate funds to run the company
Business Manager cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Business Manager (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Manage and operate the sponsored business |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside the business |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Startup · Designated Activities (Startup / Business Preparation), HSP (i) · Highly Skilled Professional (i), Intra-company · Intra-company Transferee. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Business Manager pitfalls we fix
Business Manager - frequently asked questions
How much does the Business Manager cost?
The Business Manager government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Business Manager take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Business Manager lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence.
Can I work on the Business Manager?
Work rights: Manage and operate the sponsored business.
Who can apply for the Business Manager?
Foreign nationals investing in and managing or running a business in Japan.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority