Many foreign nationals believe that starting or joining a company in Japan automatically requires a Business Manager Visa.
This is a common misunderstanding.
In reality, Japanese immigration law focuses not on nationality or investment, but on the role you play in the company.
This article explains when a Business Manager Visa is required—and when it is not—based on real consultation cases.
What Is a Business Manager Visa?
The Business Manager Visa is intended for foreign nationals who manage or operate a business in Japan, such as:
- Company founders
- CEOs or representative directors
- Individuals involved in business decision-making
In recent years, immigration screening has become stricter.
If a foreign national applies for a Business Manager Visa, a substantial business scale is required, and in practice this often means capital of around JPY 30 million.
However, this requirement applies only when the foreign national is the manager.
What If the Foreign National Is an Employee?
If a foreign national does not participate in management and works as an employee,
a work visa, such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, is usually appropriate.
In this case:
- There is no fixed minimum capital requirement
- The legal form of the company (KK or GK) does not matter
Immigration authorities will examine:
- Whether the company can reasonably employ staff
- Whether the job duties match the visa category
Key Questions Answered
Is JPY 30 million capital required if the company is run by a Japanese representative?
No.
If the company is managed by a Japanese national and the foreign national is employed as staff, the Business Manager Visa is not required.
What if the foreign national neither invests nor manages the company?
In that case, no Business Manager Visa is needed at all.
Immigration authorities focus on the actual role, not titles or assumptions.
Does the rule change for a GK (Godo Kaisha)?
No.
The type of corporation does not affect immigration screening.
What matters is who manages the business.
Visa Type Greatly Affects Cost and Procedure
Business Manager Visas and work visas differ significantly in:
- Required documents
- Business planning obligations
- Review period and complexity
Many clients initially assume they need a Business Manager Visa,
but later discover that a work visa is sufficient—saving time and cost.
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Conclusion
- Foreign nationals who manage a business → Business Manager Visa
- Foreign nationals who work as employees → Work Visa
- Nationality and company type matter less than actual role
If you are planning a business involving foreign nationals,
designing the company structure and visa strategy together from the start is essential.
