Starting a Business in Japan in 2026: Business Manager Visa Requirements and Relocation Guide
nghuen-lawUpdated: November 9, 2026
By Nghuen-law office | Administrative Scrivener Office, Yokohama, Japan
Are you planning to start a business in Japan or relocate to Japan as a foreign entrepreneur?
Foreign nationals who intend to manage a business in Japan generally need an appropriate status of residence, such as Business Manager. Registering a Japanese company or investing money does not automatically grant the right to live and work in Japan.
Since October 16, 2025, Japan has introduced stricter requirements for Business Manager applicants, making early immigration planning particularly important.
This guide explains the current requirements, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application process, and practical relocation support available through Tokyo's International Residents Support Center (IRSC TOKYO).
1. What Are the Business Manager Visa Requirements in Japan in 2026?
The Business Manager status of residence is designed for foreign nationals who intend to manage or administer a business in Japan.
Following the October 2025 regulatory changes, the requirements have become significantly stricter.
Key requirements include:
- Capital or business investment: Generally, at least JPY 30 million.
- Employment: At least one qualifying full-time employee.
- Japanese language ability: The applicant or an eligible full-time employee must meet the required Japanese language proficiency standard, generally equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher.
- Professional qualifications: The applicant must meet the applicable education or management experience requirements.
- Business plan: The business must have a credible and viable business plan, subject to the applicable professional evaluation requirements.
- Business premises: An appropriate business office in Japan must be secured.
The specific requirements and supporting documents depend on the applicant's circumstances and the applicable rules.
Important: Having JPY 30 million or registering a company does not, by itself, guarantee immigration approval.
Official information:
Immigration Services Agency — Revised Business Manager Requirements
2. Can Foreigners Start a Company in Japan Without a Business Manager Visa?
Yes. Company establishment and immigration permission are separate legal matters.
A foreign national may be able to establish or invest in a Japanese company without holding Business Manager status.
However, owning shares or registering a company does not automatically authorize the individual to reside in Japan and actively manage that business.
If the foreign entrepreneur intends to relocate to Japan and conduct management activities, the appropriate immigration status must be considered.
Some individuals may qualify under other residence categories, depending on their existing status, qualifications, and proposed activities.
Before investing substantial funds, it is advisable to assess immigration eligibility and the proposed business structure together.
3. How Do You Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
For foreign entrepreneurs applying from overseas, the immigration process generally includes the following steps.
Step 1: Confirm immigration eligibility
Review the proposed business activities, investment arrangements, employment structure, professional background, and other relevant requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the supporting documents
These may include a business plan, company registration documents, financial information, evidence of business premises, employment-related documents, and proof of relevant qualifications or experience.
Step 3: Submit the COE application
The application is submitted to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan through the appropriate procedure.
Step 4: Apply for a Japanese visa
After the COE is issued, the applicant generally applies for a visa at the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate.
Step 5: Enter Japan and complete the necessary procedures
Following entry, the entrepreneur may need to complete residence registration and other administrative arrangements.
A COE is not a visa, and its issuance does not guarantee visa issuance or entry permission.
Processing times vary. Applicants should avoid making business launch commitments based on an assumed approval date.
4. What Should Foreign Entrepreneurs Prepare Before Relocating to Japan?
Immigration approval is only one part of establishing a new life and business in Japan.
Entrepreneurs should also consider:
- Housing and residential arrangements
- Personal and corporate banking requirements
- Municipal registration and administrative procedures
- Healthcare and insurance arrangements
- Utilities, mobile phones, and internet access
- Education and schooling for accompanying children
Some arrangements may depend on residence status, identification documents, banking policies, or other eligibility conditions.
Planning these matters in advance can reduce unnecessary delays after arrival.
5. What Is IRSC TOKYO, and Who Can Use It?
The International Residents Support Center TOKYO (IRSC TOKYO) is a support service provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
It assists eligible foreign nationals and their families with practical matters related to living in Tokyo.
Its services include:
- Information and assistance concerning administrative procedures
- Guidance relating to opening bank accounts
- Consultation on daily-life concerns
- Assistance with relevant procedures and, where appropriate, accompaniment to service locations
The service is available to eligible foreign entrepreneurs, employees, researchers, and their accompanying families who reside or plan to reside in Tokyo.
Eligibility restrictions apply. For example, students other than researchers and certain trainees are not covered by the service.
IRSC TOKYO provides general information and procedural assistance. It does not provide legal advice or replace professional immigration application services.
For current eligibility and service details, visit:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government — IRSC TOKYO
6. Common Immigration Planning Mistakes Foreign Entrepreneurs Should Avoid
Based on the immigration requirements, foreign entrepreneurs should pay particular attention to the following issues.
Mistake 1: Assuming company registration guarantees residence
Establishing a company and obtaining permission to reside in Japan are different procedures.
Mistake 2: Focusing only on investment capital
The Business Manager requirements extend beyond capital. Employment, Japanese language ability, professional qualifications, business premises, and business viability may all be relevant.
Mistake 3: Preparing the business plan without considering immigration requirements
A business plan should explain not only the commercial concept but also how the proposed business will operate in Japan and satisfy the applicable immigration criteria.
Mistake 4: Assuming the COE will be issued by a specific date
Immigration processing times vary. Applicants should allow sufficient time and avoid relying on guaranteed approval dates.
Mistake 5: Confusing relocation support with immigration application services
Public support organizations may assist with daily-life arrangements, but immigration applications require separate preparation and consideration.
Practical recommendation: Review immigration eligibility before committing substantial funds to company establishment, office leases, recruitment, or relocation.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Business in Japan
Q1. Can I obtain a Business Manager visa simply by registering a company in Japan?
No. Company registration alone does not establish eligibility for Business Manager status. Applicants must satisfy the relevant immigration requirements, including applicable business, financial, employment, and qualification criteria.
Q2. How much capital is required for a Business Manager visa in Japan in 2026?
Under the revised requirements effective from October 16, 2025, the general threshold is JPY 30 million in qualifying capital or business investment. The applicable calculation and evidence depend on the business structure.
Meeting this threshold alone does not guarantee approval.
Q3. Do I need to hire an employee to obtain Business Manager status?
Under the revised criteria, at least one qualifying full-time employee is generally required. Not every foreign employee qualifies for this particular requirement, so the employee's residence status and other conditions must be checked.
Q4. Can I apply for a Business Manager visa without speaking Japanese?
The revised rules require the applicant or a qualifyi
