Other Countries · Business & Investor

Japan business manager route

Residence status for foreign entrepreneurs and corporate executives establishing a company (Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha) in Japan.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Business founders, international company branches, and commercial investors establishing a Japanese enterprise.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Secured dedicated commercial business office premises in Japan (residential co-working spaces restricted)
  • Capital investment of at least JPY 5,000,000 OR employment of at least 2 full-time staff who are Japanese citizens or permanent residents
  • Feasible business plan demonstrating sustainable profitability
Process

How the process works

  1. Incorporate company (Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha) with Legal Affairs Bureau
  2. Deposit JPY 5M capital in Japanese bank account and lease commercial premises
  3. Submit Business Manager COE application to regional immigration bureau
  4. Receive visa and collect 1, 3, or 5-year residence card
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Articles of incorporation, company registry extract, commercial lease contract, business plan, financial statements
Good to know

What to keep in mind

National Strategic Special Zones (Tokyo, Fukuoka) offer a 6-month startup visa allowing founders to enter Japan before completing incorporation.

Official source: JETRO — Setting Up Business in Japan. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

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