Residency · Asia
Residency · AsiaJapan Business Manager Status of Residence
Japanese residence for people who run a business in Japan: since 16 October 2025, at least JPY 30 million in capital, one full-time employee, Japanese at B2 level held by the applicant or an employee, and three years of management experience or a relevant degree.
- Investment from
- JPY 30,000,000
- Processing
- To confirm
- Family
- Spouse, Children
- Stay required
- To confirm
Decision summary
- What do you obtain?
- Residence for running a business in Japan, under the stricter criteria now in force: substantial capital, a full-time employee and business Japanese.
Full wordingHide full wording
Japan Business Manager Status of ResidenceRoute to citizenshipNaturalisation follows Japan's ordinary rules, which require residence over several years and, in principle, giving up other nationalities.Full details below - What does your family invest?
- Capital of at least JPY 30 million (for a sole proprietor, the total invested to run the business), at least one full-time employee, and Japanese at B2 level held by the applicant or an employee.
- What is additional?
- Information pending verification
- How long does it take?
- Information pending verification
- Must you travel or live there?
- Information pending verification
- What is the main drawback?
- Three years of management experience or a relevant degree; the business plan must be confirmed by an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant.
- Family inclusion
- Spouse, Children · conditions apply
- Program status
- Operational
Overview
The Business Manager status of residence is for foreign nationals who manage or run a business in Japan. Its approval criteria were revised with effect from 16 October 2025.
The business needs capital of at least JPY 30 million; for a sole proprietor, this is the total amount invested to run the business. It must employ at least one full-time employee, and either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese at level B2 or higher.
The applicant needs at least three years of experience in business management, or a relevant doctorate, master's or professional degree. A qualified expert, such as an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant, must confirm the business plan.
People already holding this status whose renewals do not meet the new criteria are assessed on their overall business situation until 16 October 2028; after that date the new criteria apply in full.
Path to citizenship
Ordinary naturalisation rules only
Naturalisation follows Japan's ordinary rules, which require residence over several years and, in principle, giving up other nationalities.
See every residency route to citizenship →Who this program may not suit
Taken from the facts recorded on this page. It may not suit you if:
- Your budget is below JPY 30,000,000, the minimum recorded investment, before fees and costs.
Investment pathways
- Investment pathway
- Business Manager status of residence, Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
- Minimum investment
- Capital of at least JPY 30 million (for a sole proprietor, the total invested to run the business), at least one full-time employee, and Japanese at B2 level held by the applicant or an employee.
Checked against official programme sources
Family inclusion
Spouse
Named in the rule
Children
Named in the rule
Parents
Not included under this rule
Siblings
Not named in the rule
Ages, dependency and other conditions are in the rule below; confirm them for each family member.
- Eligible dependents
- Spouse and children can be granted Dependent status of residence; parents are not covered by that status.
Checked against official programme sources
Application process
The government has not yet published an application process for this programme.
Investment and fees
Qualifying investment amounts and government fees are always shown separately. We do not publish single "total price" figures, as the total depends on family composition and circumstances.
Estimate for your family
- Investment for your family
- JPY 30,000,000
- Business capital or investment in Japan (minimum)
- Known total so far
- JPY 30,000,000
- 5 cost items not yet included
Children are counted as 10 and parents as 60 unless you enter ages in the calculator. Full breakdown and ages
Qualifying investment
- Business capital or investment in Japan (minimum)
- JPY 30,000,000
- To be confirmed
- Government fees · Due diligence fees · Estimated additional costs · Investment holding period
Checked against official programme sources
Residence requirements
- Renewal requirements
- Periods of stay of five years, three years, one year, six months, four months or three months, set at each grant; renewable while the criteria are met.
- Potential route to citizenship
- Naturalisation follows Japan's ordinary rules, which require residence over several years and, in principle, giving up other nationalities.
- To be confirmed
- Residence requirements
Checked against official programme sources
Due diligence and documentation
Applicants and included dependants undergo background and source-of-funds checks by the relevant authority. Documentation requirements are confirmed during preparation — no documents are needed for an initial consultation.
Considerations, limitations and risks
Important restrictions
Three years of management experience or a relevant degree; the business plan must be confirmed by an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant.
- Published thresholds are not comprehensive costs; taxes, professional fees and dependant charges may apply.
- Immigration law, visa access and naturalisation rules can change without notice.
- Individual eligibility depends on nationality, financial background, due diligence and program-specific criteria.
Status and authority
- Operational status
- Operational
- Official government authority
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- To be confirmed
- Legal basis · Nationality restrictions
Programme rules change; your advisor confirms every figure before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How much capital does the Japan Business Manager visa need?
Since 16 October 2025, at least JPY 30 million, together with one full-time employee and Japanese at B2 level held by the applicant or an employee.
What happens to people who already hold the status?
Until 16 October 2028, renewals that do not meet the new criteria are assessed on the overall business situation; after that, the new criteria apply.
What is the minimum investment for Japan Business Manager Status of Residence?
Capital of at least JPY 30 million (for a sole proprietor, the total invested to run the business), at least one full-time employee, and Japanese at B2 level held by the applicant or an employee.
Can my family be included?
Spouse and children can be granted Dependent status of residence; parents are not covered by that status.
How long does the process take?
Timeframes depend on the authority and the completeness of your application. An advisor can provide current guidance.
Does the Japan Business Manager Status of Residence lead to citizenship?
Naturalisation follows Japan's ordinary rules, which require residence over several years and, in principle, giving up other nationalities.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Every application is decided by the government concerned after due diligence, and requirements can change.
Discuss Japan with an advisor.
Share your objectives in confidence. An advisor will outline the options that may be relevant to your family and circumstances.