Business Manager visa in Japan: rules since 2025-10-16

Since 2025-10-16, Business Manager needs 30,000,000 yen in capital and a full-time employee. Current holders have a renewal transition to 2028-10-16.

Reviewed on 2026-10-26

What changed on 2025-10-16?

The ministerial ordinance that tightened the landing standard took effect on 2025-10-16. The capital or total contribution required for Business Manager (経営・管理) rose from 5,000,000 yen to 30,000,000 yen.

Under the old standard, employing 2 or more people could stand in for the capital test. The new standard makes at least 1 full-time employee mandatory in addition to the capital rule.

Business Manager applications received on or before 2025-10-15 and still under review keep being assessed under the old criteria.

How is the 30,000,000 yen counted?

For a kabushiki kaisha it is the paid-in capital; for a gomei, goshi or godo kaisha it is the total contributions. For a sole proprietor it is the total actually invested to run the business, so no registered capital is needed.

A corporation cannot add staff salaries or office running costs to reach the figure. Capital reserves, capital surplus and retained earnings are not counted. If the applicant runs several companies, the capitals are not added together: at least 1 company alone needs 30,000,000 yen or more.

The capital requirement applies even when the applicant is engaged as a manager rather than as an owner-operator.

Who counts as the full-time employee?

At least 1 full-time employee is required. Only Japanese nationals, special permanent residents and holders of Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident status count. Holders of Appended Table I statuses do not.

The ISA’s failing example is a company that employs only holders of Appended Table I statuses, even if 1 of them can prove Japanese ability. Its passing example is 1 Appended Table II employee without Japanese proof plus 1 Appended Table I employee who has it.

Full-time status is judged partly by working at least 5 days a week, at least 217 days a year and at least 30 hours a week. Seconded, dispatched or contracted-out workers cannot count as full-time employees of the establishment where they work.

Japanese ability, experience and the business plan

The applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese ability at B2 or higher. For people who are neither Japanese nationals nor special permanent residents, accepted proofs include JLPT N2 or higher, a BJT score of 400 or more, 20 years or more in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident, or graduating from a Japanese university or other higher education institution.

The applicant also needs a doctorate, master’s or professional degree in management or the business’s field, or at least 3 years of business management experience. Time in the Designated Activities start-up preparation status counts toward those 3 years.

A business plan must be confirmed by a person with specialist management knowledge. As of 2025-10-16 these are SME management consultants, certified public accountants and certified tax accountants. Only Japanese qualifications count, and an officer or employee of the applicant’s own company cannot be the evaluator.

Office, renewal checks and processing time

Using the applicant’s own home as the business office is in principle not permitted. No single floor-area figure is set; the office must be necessary and sufficient for the scale of the business. Space rented by the month for short periods does not meet the office requirement.

At renewal the ISA checks labour, minimum wage and insurance rules, required licences, and payment of employment, accident, health and pension insurance and national and local taxes. A long stay abroad without a justified reason leads to refusal of the renewal.

Periods of stay are 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months or 3 months. A certificate of eligibility has no fee. The standard processing period is 1 to 3 months for a certificate of eligibility, 1 to 2 months for a change of status and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension.

Current holders: the transition until 2028-10-16

People already in Business Manager status are not denied renewal solely for failing the new standards until the 3-year transition ends on 2028-10-16. During this period the ISA decides on the management situation and the prospect of meeting the revised standard.

After the transition, a company in good financial standing that pays its taxes and is expected to meet the standard by the next renewal is judged comprehensively rather than rejected outright. The ISA states no numeric test for that judgement, and capital below 30,000,000 yen is not by itself a uniform ground for refusal.

Permanent residence is a separate point: if a person does not meet the revised standard after the effective date, it cannot be granted from Business Manager or from Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) or 2 held on the basis of business management.

Official source

Rulebook entries on this topic

What it is

The Business Manager status covers running a trade or other business in Japan, or being engaged in managing such a business, excluding businesses that by law can only be run by holders of the legal and accounting professional qualifications.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA judges full-time status partly by whether the employee works at least five days a week, at least 217 days a year and at least 30 hours a week.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a corporate business, the 30,000,000 yen is measured by paid-in capital for a kabushiki kaisha or by the total contributions for a gomei, goshi or godo kaisha.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容２（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a sole proprietor, the 30,000,000 yen is the total actually invested to run the business, such as securing the office, one year of staff salaries and equipment spending, so no registered capital is needed.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容２（注）／申請に関する問４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A place counts as an office when business is carried on in a fixed section under a single operator and goods or services are produced or provided there continuously with people and equipment.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Category 3 is an organisation or individual that filed last year's statutory payment summary for employee wages, excluding Category 2; anything that fits none of the categories falls into Category 4.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）在留資格認定証明書交付申請カテゴリー３・４ · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a joint-stock company, the ISA says the property total used in the 30,000,000 yen scale test is the paid-in capital amount (the capital figure).
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問5・問7 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The representative declaration form asks whether the organisation's representative is a Japanese national or special permanent resident, in which case nothing more is filled in, or else the representative's name in Latin letters and residence card number; it must be written by a staff member of the organisation and warns that false content makes the filing false.
所属機関の代表者に関する申告書（参考様式）参考様式（在留資格決定時・更新時共通） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-15

Show 10 more

The ISA says the business plan is checked for whether it is concrete, rational and feasible, and requires confirmation of the plan by a person with expert knowledge of management.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について主な改正内容５ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
In the graduate start-up route, hiring a full-time employee counts as certain where, for example, an employment contract has been concluded, which is the ISA's own pre-start benchmark for the staffing requirement.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）制度の概要事業規模に係る要件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Among the ISA's indicators for a full-time employee, set against part-timers, is working at least 5 days a week, at least 217 days a year and at least 30 hours a week.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問3 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA says a change of status or an extension of the period of stay is granted only where the Minister finds reasonable grounds, and that whether such grounds exist is left solely to the Minister's free discretion.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン本文 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA defines Family Stay as the daily activities of a spouse or child supported by a holder of one of the listed statuses, which include Business Manager.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA says the 30,000,000 yen scale is checked against the paid-in capital amount for a joint-stock company, and against the total contribution for a general partnership, limited partnership or limited liability company (godo kaisha).
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問5 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Under the Ministry of Finance's inward direct investment review, a "foreign investor" includes an individual living outside Japan, even a Japanese national, so a founder abroad who funds a Japanese company is in scope of the foreign exchange rules.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月） ①事前届出の必要な投資家 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The revised permanent-residence guideline (applicable from applications on or after 1 April 2027) defines public dues as taxes (income, resident, corporate, property tax) plus public charges such as public medical insurance and public pension premiums, and treats unpaid or late payment as negative.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２５（３）公租公課の支払 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01
The ISA says that where the management situation is good, corporate tax and similar obligations are properly met, and there is a prospect of meeting the revised standard by the next renewal, it decides by weighing the other circumstances of residence as a whole.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問3 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The landing-standard ordinance accepts a doctorate, master's or professional degree in business management or a field needed for the business, and says the professional degree (as defined in Article 5-2 of the Degree Regulations) includes a corresponding degree awarded abroad.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令経営・管理第四号イ · Checked on 2026-10-23

Who qualifies

Item 1 of the landing standard requires that an office for the business exists in Japan; if the business has not yet started, a facility to be used as the business office must already be secured in Japan.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第一号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Item 3 of the landing standard requires that someone who runs the business or works in it, other than part-time staff, has Japanese ability at the level of understanding and using the language with a high degree of independence, and that this person will live in Japan when the applicant runs or manages the business.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第三号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Under item 4-i of the landing standard, an applicant can qualify by holding a doctorate, master's or professional degree, including an equivalent foreign degree, in business management or in a field needed for the applicant's business.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第四号イ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Under item 4-ro of the landing standard, an applicant without such a degree can qualify with at least three years of experience running or managing a business, and time spent in Japan under the Designated Activities start-up preparation status counts toward those three years.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第四号ロ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Item 5 of the landing standard says that an applicant who will be engaged in managing a business must receive remuneration equal to or higher than a Japanese person doing the same work would receive.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第五号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For the staffing rule, only Japanese nationals, special permanent residents and foreigners holding an Appended Table II status count as full-time employees; holders of Appended Table I statuses do not.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容１（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA gives as a failing example a company that employs only foreigners holding Appended Table I statuses, even if one of them can prove Japanese ability.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A passing combination given by the ISA is one Appended Table II foreign employee without Japanese proof together with one Appended Table I foreign employee who does have Japanese proof, since the Japanese-ability person may be on an Appended Table I status.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16

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Workers on seconded, dispatched or contracted-out arrangements cannot be regarded as full-time employees of the establishment where they work.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A corporation cannot add staff salaries or office running costs to its capital to reach 30 million yen; only the capital or total contribution amount is judged.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 資本金の額等問８ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Capital reserves, capital surplus and retained earnings are not counted toward the assets devoted to the business.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 資本金の額等問７ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The capital requirement applies even when the applicant is engaged as a manager rather than as an owner-operator.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 資本金の額等問１０ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
If the applicant runs several companies, the capitals of the companies are not added together; at least one single company must have capital of 30 million yen or more.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 資本金の額等問１１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Money paid in for share subscription rights can count toward the 30 million yen only if it is non-refundable and the company commits to booking it as capital whether or not the rights are exercised.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）５有償新株予約権の発行により調達した資金について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have considerable Japanese ability, and for this purpose the employee may also hold an Appended Table I status.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Graduating from a Japanese university or other higher education institution is accepted as proof of Japanese ability.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Completing compulsory education in Japan and graduating from a Japanese high school is accepted as proof of Japanese ability.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Someone who entered Japanese junior high school partway and then graduated from high school does not meet the compulsory-education route, because both elementary and junior high school must have been completed in Japan.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 日本語能力問１４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Graduates of a Japanese technical college or vocational school count as higher education graduates for the Japanese requirement, except from programmes taught regularly in a foreign language or by correspondence.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 日本語能力問１５ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA summarises the career rule as holding a doctorate, master's or professional degree in management or the business's field (foreign equivalents included), or having at least three years of business management experience including start-up preparation activity time.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Only Japanese qualifications count for the plan evaluator; a foreign accountant licence such as a US CPA does not qualify.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 事業計画書問１７ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
An officer or employee of the applicant's own company cannot serve as the plan evaluator for objectivity reasons, but an outside advisory accountant or tax accountant may.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 事業計画書問１８ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
If the owner outsources the business so heavily that actual management activity is not recognised, the activity is treated as not falling under the Business Manager status.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Under the revised standard, a business office that doubles as the applicant's home is in principle not accepted.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
No single floor-area figure is set for the office; it must simply be necessary and sufficient for business activity at the scale required by the revised standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Spaces rented by the month for short periods, or easily disposed of stalls, do not satisfy the office requirement because the business must run continuously.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-22
A temporary address or office lent by an incubator such as JETRO's Invest Japan Business Support Center, for start-up support purposes, is treated as meeting the office requirement when the applicant submits a consent-to-use document.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA guideline describes an office as a place where economic activity is carried on continuously, within one section of premises under one business entity, with people and equipment, and says that using short-term space rented by the month does not meet the landing-standard requirements.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a person does not meet the revised standard after the effective date, permanent residence cannot be granted from Business Manager or from Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) or 2 held on the basis of business management, and a change from Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) to 2 is also not permitted.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) holders whose activity is business management are handled in the same way as Business Manager holders under the transition rules, since that status presupposes meeting the Business Manager standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）施行に伴う留意点２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For renewal, the ISA checks whether the company meets labour, minimum wage and insurance rules and holds required licences; problems in these areas count against the applicant even if business and tax status look fine.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A（特にお問合せが多い質問）問２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Spending a long period abroad without a justified reason leads to refusal of renewal, because the ISA treats the person as having no real activity in Japan.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Where several foreigners co-manage a business, the ISA looks at, among other things, whether there is a reasonable reason for each to run or manage it, whether each person's duties are clearly defined, and whether each is paid for the management work, and then decides whether each person's activity amounts to running or managing the business.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Merely being appointed as a director does not make a foreigner a Business Manager; the person must actually take part in important decisions, executing business or auditing.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）２２名以上の外国人が共同で事業を経営する場合の取扱いについて · Checked on 2026-10-22
Business continuity is judged on the latest two fiscal periods rather than a single year, and two consecutive periods without gross profit generally mean continuity is not recognised.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）３事業の継続性について · Checked on 2026-10-22
A company in debt excess at the latest period-end, but not in debt excess the period before, can be treated as continuing only if the excess has lasted less than one year and there is a concrete prospect of clearing it within one year; the applicant is asked for a written evaluation of that prospect by a qualified third party such as a SME management consultant or CPA.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）３事業の継続性について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Start-up companies, defined as unlisted domestic companies within five years of founding, may be judged flexibly on persistent debt excess or no gross profit if they submit a third-party expert evaluation, funding evidence and development evidence.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）３事業の継続性について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Once the local-government support ends, later renewals must meet the full landing standard again without that special treatment.
地方公共団体が起業支援を行う場合における在留資格「経営・管理」の取扱いについて１（３） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The local-government start-up support treatment applies only where the support includes moving into an incubation facility; support that does not include incubation-facility residence falls outside it.
地方公共団体が起業支援を行う場合における在留資格「経営・管理」の取扱いについて２（２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA says that using the applicant's own home as the business office is not permitted in principle, so as to secure an office suited to the scale of business activity under the revised standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について申請に関する取扱い２／Q&A 問20 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
On the application form's capital item, the ISA says the third field is for the part of the first-field amount that the applicant personally contributed.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問9 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a company, the ISA says the scale is judged by the capital amount or the total contribution, and that capital reserves, capital surplus and retained earnings are not counted in the property total.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問8 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
In the graduate start-up route under Designated Activities, the 30,000,000 yen funding counts not only money already held but also a grant, subsidy or loan from the state, a local government, a public finance corporation or a bank that has already been decided.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）制度の概要事業規模に係る要件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
In the graduate start-up route, a founder planning a sole-proprietor business may count money already invested during start-up activity if the amount can be proved objectively.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）制度の概要事業規模に係る要件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Item 4 of the landing standard (a doctorate, master's or professional degree, or three years of business management experience) is not limited to owners and has no carve-out for someone who will only manage, while item 5 adds, for a manager, pay equal to what a Japanese person would receive.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令経営・管理第四号・第五号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA's summary table says the expert confirmation of a new business plan is mandatory except for cases such as a business of a scale equivalent to a listed company.
「経営・管理」許可基準に係る見直しについて（令和７年１０月１６日施行）表 ⑤ 在留資格決定時における専門家の確認 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A certified public accountant or tax accountant who is only an outside adviser to the applicant's company may act as the plan evaluator, unlike an officer or employee of the company.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問18 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA guideline says that for statuses such as Business Manager the landing standard must in principle also be met when changing status or renewing, so the full-time employee, capital and other business-scale conditions are tested again after approval; existing holders have a separate transition covered by another fact in this ledger.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン２法務省令で定める上陸許可基準等に適合していること · Checked on 2026-10-22
From 1 October 2026 the fee may be reduced for a person judged to be in hardship close to that of welfare-eligible people who needs humanitarian consideration; the reduced fee is 10,000 yen for a change of status or an extension and 20,000 yen for permanent residence, and for permanent residence only spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents (and similar) can be reduced.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について１減額措置について（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A Startup Visa founder's plan must show a business expected to meet the full-time employee and 30,000,000 yen scale tests, and to have an office in Japan, within one year of landing or of the change of status, rather than at entry.
外国人起業活動促進事業に関する告示第5 6（1）③④ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
To receive a Startup Visa confirmation certificate the founder needs either one year of experience running or managing a business or a doctorate, master's or professional degree in management or the business's field.
外国人起業活動促進事業に関する告示第5 6（1）⑤ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
J-Find (the Future Creation Talent system) requires graduation from a university ranked in the top 100 of at least two of the named world rankings, with the degree awarded within the past five years.
優秀な海外大学等を卒業した者が起業活動・就職活動を行う場合（J-Find）対象となる方１・２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the Designated Activities route for graduates of Japanese universities, a graduate who is recommended by the university and expected to set up a company within six months of graduating can change to Designated Activities and then apply for Business Manager once the company exists.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）制度の概要対象者に係る要件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
In that route the founder must have raised at least 30,000,000 yen of start-up funds and be certain to hire a full-time employee, and the office must be certain to be secured, for instance through a lease, a deposit paid on a property, or a property provided by a local government.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）制度の概要事業規模に係る要件 · Checked on 2026-10-22
After the transition ends the ISA still judges comprehensively on business condition and tax payment, so that, for example, a capital of less than 30,000,000 yen is not by itself a uniform ground for refusal; no numeric test for the comprehensive judgement is stated.
「経営・管理」許可基準に係る見直しについて（令和７年１０月１６日施行）（注１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The revised ISA permanent-residence guideline, which applies to applications from 1 April 2027, lists as factors whether the applicant has in principle lived in Japan continuously for 10 years or more, and whether 5 years or more of that were in a work or residence status.
永住許可に関するガイドライン第2 5（6） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
For permanent residence the revised guideline (applicable from applications on or after 1 April 2027) weighs whether the applicant holds the longest period of stay available for the current status, which is five years for Business Manager under the Enforcement Regulation; a three-year period is treated as the longest for filings up to 31 March 2027, with a narrower carry-over for people holding three years on that date.
永住許可に関するガイドライン第2 5（6）（注４） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2027-04-01
The ISA renewal guideline says that departures on re-entry permits over a long period (including deemed re-entry permits) are weighed as a negative factor unless there is a justified reason.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン３現に有する在留資格に応じた活動を行っていたこと · Checked on 2026-10-22
The bank account that receives the capital must be held by an incorporator or a director at incorporation; only when every incorporator and director at incorporation lacks a Japanese address may a third person hold the account, with a power of attorney attached.
Procedures of commercial and corporation registration for foreign nationals and expatriates Payment Certificate (account holder) · Checked on 2026-10-23
The previous rule that a representative director of a Japanese company must have a Japanese address has been abolished, so a company can be registered even if every representative director lives abroad and is not Japanese.
Procedures of commercial and corporation registration for foreign nationals and expatriates Residence of the representative director · Checked on 2026-10-23
Under the revised permanent-residence guideline (applicable from applications on or after 1 April 2027), even if nothing is unpaid when the application is filed, a past disposition for arrears or other past improper payment is in principle evaluated negatively, and the dues check is done per household unit.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２５（３）公租公課の支払 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01
A Family Stay holder needs a blanket permission to do paid work or run a business for up to 28 hours a week, and the ISA treats a sole proprietor with objectively checkable hours, such as delivery work paid by results, as covered by that blanket permission.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For work beyond the blanket permission, a Family Stay holder needs an individual permission, which is granted only if the period of work does not exceed half of the period of stay set for the status.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可 (2) · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Family Stay dependant who wants to set up a company, hire employees or run a business from premises must change to Business Manager; the work permission only covers small sole-run activities.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について３その他（注） · Checked on 2026-10-23
For the permanent-residence income test, the earnings of a Family Stay dependant are not added to the household income, because they come only from a limited work permission, but the dependant still counts toward household size.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２４（２）収入 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a person staying as Business Manager who cannot meet the revised standard by the renewal, the ISA says that until 16 October 2028 (three years after the effective date) it still decides on the management situation and the prospect of meeting the revised standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問31 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a person who runs several companies, the ISA says at least one of the companies alone must have capital of 30,000,000 yen or more.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問11 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA Family Stay page lists Business Manager among the statuses whose holders can support a spouse or child in Family Stay.
在留資格「家族滞在」この在留資格に該当する活動 · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO's Japanese guide says a Business Manager office must be an exclusive physical office independent from other companies, and that virtual offices, offices shared with related companies and open spaces such as coworking or shared offices are likely not to be accepted.
2.4 就労資格の種類 (JETRO 対日投資拠点設立ガイド) 2.4.6 事業所の確保の必要性 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For an office lease, the ISA guideline says the contract must show a business purpose such as business, shop or office use and be in the name of the company; where an incubator supports the applicant and a written consent to use is submitted, a temporary address or office lent for start-up support (for example JETRO's IBSC) is treated as meeting the office requirement.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA says that using space rented for short periods by the month, or easily disposed stalls, is not recognised as meeting the landing-standard requirements for an office.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA lists, among the ways to show the required Japanese ability, JLPT N2 or higher certification and a score of 400 or more on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問13 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA online residence application system cannot be used by a foreign national who is not a mid- to long-term resident, such as someone with a short-term stay or a stay of three months or less, nor by a child under 15, which in practice means a person abroad cannot file their own COE online.
在留申請のオンライン手続：外国人本人・法定代理人・親族の方対象 ■オンライン申請を利用できる方１ · Checked on 2026-10-23
Staff of the receiving organisation may use the online system for a client's application only if they hold approval as an application agent or meet the approval conditions and have applied for use, and anyone other than a lawyer or administrative scrivener who is paid to enter the data themselves may breach those professional laws.
在留申請のオンライン手続：所属機関・公益法人・登録支援機関の職員の方対象 ■オンライン申請を利用できる方１ · Checked on 2026-10-23
The MHLW dispatch-business handbook says a foreign national who runs a dispatch business should in principle hold Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional 1(c), Highly Skilled Professional 2 or an Appended Table II status, or have permission to work outside status; an owner who stays abroad is exempt.
労働者派遣事業関係業務取扱要領（令和８年１０月版）第3 1(8) 許可基準ロ(ロ) b 6 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Travel agencies must register rather than obtain a licence: type 1 with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency and the other types with the prefectural governor, and they must lodge a business deposit, or one fifth of it as a contribution if they join a travel association.
旅行業法概要（観光庁）旅行業等の登録 / 営業保証金及び弁済業務保証金制度 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Prefectures must set, by local ordinance and in line with the MHLW ministerial standards, facility standards for businesses with a significant public-health impact, which means a food business's premises are inspected against those standards before the permit is given.
施設基準の全体像（食品衛生法営業許可・厚生労働省）改正食品衛生法第54条 · Checked on 2026-10-23
In the MHLW Q&A, restaurant business (inshokuten eigyo) is among the permit categories, and even selling a semi-finished product cooked into a finished dish requires at least a simple restaurant-business permit.
営業許可制度の見直し及び営業届出制度の創設に関するQ＆A（厚生労働省）問ほか（必要な許可に関する質問） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The MHLW facility standard requires that any residence or other room in the same building not used for handling food be partitioned off from the food area, which matters for a home office or a combined home-and-shop.
施設基準の全体像（食品衛生法営業許可・厚生労働省）食品衛生法施行規則別表第十九二 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A business that only imports food or additives needs neither the food-business permit nor the new business notification to the health centre; the notification system covers other businesses not subject to permission.
営業届出制度の創設と営業許可制度の見直し（厚生労働省） 2-3 公衆衛生に与える影響が少ない営業 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Moving from Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) to category 2 requires 3 years of residence in the No. 1 status with the activity, at least 70 points and at least 3 million yen of remuneration at the time of permission, plus good conduct and Japan's interest.
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第２条第１項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The revised permanent-residence guideline (applicable from applications on or after 1 April 2027) treats it as a negative factor when the status held at filing does not meet the landing criteria set by the Ministry of Justice ordinance under Article 7(1)(2) of the Immigration Act.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２５（５） · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01

Numbers and tests

Item 2-i of the landing standard requires the business to be operated with at least one full-time employee resident in Japan besides the person running or managing it, and holders of any Appended Table I status do not count.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第二号イ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Item 2-ro of the landing standard sets the scale of the business at a total of assets devoted to the business, including capital and total contributions, of at least 30 million yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）経営・管理の項第二号ロ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA explains that the revision requires the applicant's company to employ at least one full-time employee.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA states that capital and similar funds of at least 30 million yen are now required under the revised standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Considerable Japanese ability means a level equivalent to B2 or higher on the Japanese Language Education Reference Framework.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Certification at JLPT N2 or higher is among the accepted proofs of Japanese ability for people who are neither Japanese nationals nor special permanent residents.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Another accepted proof is a score of 400 or more on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test run by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Having stayed in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid-to-long-term resident is also accepted as proof of the Japanese requirement.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容３（注２） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16

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As a general guide, if the person spent more than half of the permitted stay abroad on re-entry permits, including deemed re-entry, this is weighed negatively at renewal unless there is a justified reason.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Under the local-government start-up support treatment, costs a local government bears on the applicant's behalf for an incubation facility it owns or designates, such as the rent difference against comparable private space, count toward the 30 million yen up to 2 million yen per year, together with the amount the applicant actually invests.
地方公共団体が起業支援を行う場合における在留資格「経営・管理」の取扱いについて１（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Category 2 is an organisation or individual whose withholding total in last year's statutory payment summary was 10 million yen or more.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）在留資格認定証明書交付申請カテゴリー２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
J-Find applicants must hold at least 200,000 yen in savings, converted to yen, at the time of application as initial living expenses.
優秀な海外大学等を卒業した者が起業活動・就職活動を行う場合（J-Find）対象となる方３ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Highly Skilled Professional category (c) for business managers needs a points total of at least 70 and, besides the points, remuneration from the activity organisation and any foreign organisation of at least 3,000,000 yen a year.
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第1条第1項第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2024-06-10
Highly Skilled Professional category (c) gives a 5-point bonus to a person who runs a business in Japan and has personally invested 100,000,000 yen or more in it.
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第1条第1項第3号特別加算ル · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2024-06-10
On the ISA Family Stay page, a supporter who runs a business or earns pay shows an employment certificate or business licence copy plus resident-tax and tax-payment certificates, and a supporter doing neither shows a bank balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate stating amount and period, or similar proof that the applicant's living costs can be met.
在留資格「家族滞在」扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 (2) · Checked on 2026-10-23
As a general rule, a worker-dispatch business licence requires net assets of at least 20,000,000 yen times the number of offices, net assets of at least a seventh of total liabilities, and own-name cash and deposits of at least 15,000,000 yen times the number of offices.
労働者派遣事業関係業務取扱要領第3（令和8年10月1日適用版・厚生労働省）第3 1(8) 許可要件ニ(イ)ａ財産的基礎 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Periods

Under the supplementary provisions, Business Manager applications for landing or for a certificate of eligibility that were filed before the 16 October 2025 effective date and not yet decided continue to be handled under the old rules.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）附則（令和七年）第二条 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A person who held a Business Manager certificate of eligibility issued before the effective date and lands in Japan afterwards is still judged under the old standard until three months have passed from the effective date, or from the certificate issue date where the certificate was issued under the transitional handling of Article 2(ii).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）附則（令和七年）第三条 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The Enforcement Regulation lists the possible periods of stay for Business Manager as five years, three years, one year, six months, four months or three months.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則第三条別表第二 · Checked on 2026-10-22
People already in Business Manager status are not denied renewal solely for failing the new standards until the three-year transition ends on 16 October 2028.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A（特にお問合せが多い質問）問１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Renewal applications filed after the three-year transition must meet the revised standard, but a company in good financial standing that pays its taxes and is expected to meet the standard by the next renewal is judged comprehensively rather than rejected outright.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A（特にお問合せが多い質問）問３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2028-10-16
A person who received approval under the old standard still has to satisfy the revised standard once three years have passed since the effective date.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 施行に伴う留意点問３０ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2028-10-16
Business Manager applications received on or before 15 October 2025 and still under review keep being assessed under the old criteria.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）施行に伴う留意点１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A person on the Startup Visa (Designated Activities No. 44) who got the confirmation certificate on or before 15 October 2025 is assessed under the old standard when changing to Business Manager.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 施行に伴う留意点問３２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16

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For Designated Activities No. 51 (Future Creation Talent, start-up preparation), the old standard applies on change to Business Manager only if the person applied for or held that status before the effective date; later applicants face the new standard.
「経営・管理」の許可基準の改正等について（令和７年１０月１６日施行）施行に伴う留意点３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The Startup Visa programme lets a person do start-up preparation activities for up to two years under a certified local authority or private operator.
スタートアップ関連施策（出入国在留管理庁） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Future Creation Talent (J-Find) system lets graduates of selected overseas universities stay for up to two years in Designated Activities to job-hunt or prepare a start-up.
スタートアップ関連施策（出入国在留管理庁） · Checked on 2026-10-22
When the local-government special treatment is used, the period of stay granted is one year.
地方公共団体が起業支援を行う場合における在留資格「経営・管理」の取扱いについて１（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The certificate that a local government issues to a supported start-up founder is valid for 3 months from its issue date, so the issue date must be written on it.
地方公共団体が起業支援を行う場合における在留資格「経営・管理」の取扱いについて２（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The standard processing period for a certificate-of-eligibility application is one to three months.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for a change-of-status application is one to two months.
在留資格変更許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for an extension-of-stay application is two weeks to one month.
在留期間更新許可申請標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permissions granted in August 2026, the ISA's published processing time for Business Manager is 226.7 days for a certificate of eligibility, 44.4 days to notice for an extension and 177.4 days to notice for a change of status.
在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分経営・管理 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A certificate of eligibility is valid for three months from issue, and loses effect if the landing application is not made within that time.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A 在留資格認定証明書の有効期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA Business Manager page lists the possible periods of stay as 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 4 months or 3 months.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The start-up preparation period plus any period already spent as a Business Manager in a national strategic special zone start-up activity must not exceed two years in total.
外国人起業活動促進事業に関する告示第5 6（1）⑥ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A Startup Visa confirmation certificate is valid for three months from the day it is issued.
外国人起業活動促進事業に関する告示第5 7 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A student at a university chosen under the government's international-student employment or Super Global University programmes, who started start-up activity while enrolled, may stay in Designated Activities for up to two years after graduating to keep working on the start-up, and must then apply for Business Manager when the company is formed.
本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動に係る措置について１概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Startup Visa holder who got the confirmation certificate before 16 October 2025 and moves to Business Manager is treated like an existing holder at renewal, so until 16 October 2028 (derived from Reiwa 10) a failure to meet the new standard is judged on business condition and prospects.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問32 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a renewal application filed until 16 October 2028 (three years after the effective date) by someone already staying as Business Manager, the ISA says it decides on the management situation and the prospect of meeting the revised standard even if the revised standard is not met.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問31／施行に伴う留意点２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For the corporate resident tax and enterprise tax proof at renewal, the explanatory statement asks for certificates covering up to the latest three fiscal years.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）立証資料（添付書類）の例 ■税 · Checked on 2026-10-22
On a second or later renewal, if nothing was unpaid or pending at the previous filing, the filer attaches evidence of the latest one year of compliance with insurance and tax duties; on a first renewal the evidence must cover the time since the previous filing.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）４２回目以降の在留期間更新許可申請の場合 · Checked on 2026-10-22
JETRO's guide gives about two to three months from deciding the company profile to completing a joint-stock company's setup, with registration itself normally finished in three business days under the fast-track system.
1.3 Procedures for registering establishment (JETRO Setting Up Business) General flow of procedures for establishing a Kabushiki-Kaisha (Note, *12) · Checked on 2026-10-23
The period of stay for Family Stay is set individually by the Minister of Justice and cannot exceed five years.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives five business days from the day after acceptance as the standard time to issue a visa when there is no problem, but a careful review at the ministry in Tokyo can take a month or more.
査証取得までの必要日数（外務省）査証取得までの必要日数 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A visa is valid for one entry and for three months from the day after issue, cannot be extended, and the landing inspection must take place within that period.
査証の有効回数、有効期間（外務省）査証の有効回数、有効期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Under the revised permanent-residence guideline (applicable from applications on or after 1 April 2027), a Highly Skilled Professional with 70 points can apply after 3 years of continuous residence while keeping the points (or having had 70 points three years before), and one with 80 points after 1 year (or having had 80 points one year before).
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第３６・７原則10年在留に関する特例 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01

Deadlines

A person with Business Manager status must notify the ISA within 14 days if the organisation changes its name or address, ceases to exist, or the person leaves or moves to another organisation.
所属（活動）機関に関する届出（出入国在留管理庁） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Applications received up to 30 September 2026 pay the old fee even if permission is granted on or after 1 October 2026.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A change-of-status application can be filed from the moment the reason for the change arises until the day the current period of stay expires.
在留資格変更許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An extension can be filed up to the expiry date, and only holders of a period of six months or more are limited to filing from three months before expiry, so a holder of a short period under six months is not tied to that early-filing limit.
在留期間更新許可申請申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
After shares are subscribed the incorporators must pay the full cash contribution without delay, at the bank location they designated, and only after that complete the payment do they appoint the directors who examine the procedures before registration.
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第３－２(4) 出資の履行（会社法第34条） · Checked on 2026-10-23
When a prior notification is required, the investment may not be made until 30 days after the filing is accepted, and the wait can be extended up to five months.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月）事前届出の審査手続き / よくある質問（５） · Checked on 2026-10-23
A joint-stock company must be registered at the legal affairs bureau of its head-office location within two weeks of the later of the end of the directors' examination or the date the incorporators set, and the company comes into existence on that registration.
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第４－１設立の登記（会社法第911条第1項） · Checked on 2026-10-23
A newly set-up domestic ordinary corporation must file its establishment notification with the tax office of its tax location within two months of the establishment date (the registration date), attaching a copy of the articles, by e-Tax or on paper.
No.5100 新設法人の届出書類（国税庁タックスアンサー）提出しなければならない書類 1 · Checked on 2026-10-23

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To use the blue-form return from the first fiscal year, the application must be filed by the day before the earlier of the date three months after establishment and the last day of the first fiscal year.
No.5100 新設法人の届出書類（国税庁タックスアンサー）必要に応じて提出する書類 1 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A business that meets the conditions for health and pension insurance must file a new-application notice with the Japan Pension Service within 5 days of the event, covering a corporate office that regularly uses staff, even if the only person is the owner.
新規適用の手続き（日本年金機構） 1．手続き内容 / 2．手続き時期 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A business that starts employing workers must file an employment insurance establishment notice with the Hello Work covering its location within 10 days counted from the day after it becomes covered, with the labour insurance establishment notice copy, the registry certificate and wage records.
雇用保険事務手続きの手引き【第１編】適用事業所編【令和８年８月版】（厚生労働省）第１編適用事業所編 (2) 雇用保険関係 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The revised permanent-residence guideline applies to applications from 1 April 2027, although its income standard and its "not a public burden" element also apply to pending cases filed up to six months before the revision date.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第６適用時期・既存のガイドラインの整理 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01
The online system cannot be used on the last day of the period of stay itself; an application on that day must be made at the competent regional immigration office.
在留申請のオンライン手続：所属機関・公益法人・登録支援機関の職員の方対象 ■利用可能な期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Fees

From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of 3 months or less is 10,000 yen at the counter and 10,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of more than 3 and up to 6 months is 18,000 yen at the counter and 15,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of more than 6 months and under 1 year is 25,000 yen at the counter and 21,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of exactly 1 year is 33,000 yen at the counter and 27,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of more than 1 year and under 3 years is 48,000 yen at the counter and 42,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of 3 years or more and under 5 years is 64,000 yen at the counter and 56,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
From 1 October 2026 the fee for a change of status or extension of stay granting a period of 5 years or more is 75,000 yen at the counter and 65,000 yen online, plus a separate payment-processing charge for online filing.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Permanent residence permission fee rises from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen from 1 October 2026, which matters to Business Managers aiming for permanent residence.
在留許可手数料の額の改定について（ポスター・リーフレット） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01

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A certificate-of-eligibility application, including for Business Manager, carries no fee.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A specific residence card (the card that doubles as My Number card) costs 1,900 yen paid to the ISA when a fee applies, and it is generally free when received at the first procedure on or after 14 June 2026.
特定在留カード交付申請について手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Registering a capital increase of a joint-stock company costs registration and licence tax of 0.7 percent of the increase, with a minimum of 30,000 yen per application.
No.7191 登録免許税の税額表（国税庁タックスアンサー）株式会社または合同会社の資本金の増加の登記 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The registration and licence tax for establishing a joint-stock company is 0.7 percent of the capital with a minimum of 150,000 yen, and for a godo-kaisha it is 0.7 percent with a minimum of 60,000 yen.
No.7191 登録免許税の税額表（国税庁タックスアンサー）株式会社等の設立の登記 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For Japanese visa applications accepted at a diplomatic mission from 1 July 2026, the fee is about 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and about 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa, paid in the local currency of the mission.
査証手数料（外務省）査証手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-07-01
No visa fee is charged if the visa is not issued, the amount can differ or be waived depending on purpose of travel and nationality, and an approved agent charges its own handling fee on top.
査証手数料（外務省）査証手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-23

How it works

The Enforcement Regulation's evidence table requires a Business Manager applicant to submit a copy of the business plan that has been evaluated by a person with specialist management knowledge.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第三経営・管理第一号イ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The same evidence table requires proof of the number of full-time staff other than the applicant, with wage payment records and a resident record, residence card or special permanent resident certificate copy, plus materials showing the total assets put into the business.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第三経営・管理第二号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When several full-time employees are on the payroll, documents for all of them are not required as long as at least one can be shown to satisfy the standard.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
If the first fiscal year-end has not yet arrived, the applicant must still prepare and submit a balance sheet as of the incorporation date or any later point in time.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 資本金の額等問６ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
At the time of status determination, a business plan must be confirmed by a person with specialist management knowledge, who checks that it is concrete, rational and feasible.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容５ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a rented office, the lease should state a business purpose such as business, shop or office use and be signed in the name of the company or organisation that uses it.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）１事業所の確保について · Checked on 2026-10-22
During the transition, a renewal for an existing Business Manager is decided on business condition and the prospect of meeting the new standard, and an expert-evaluated document may be requested.
「経営・管理」の許可基準の改正等について（令和７年１０月１６日施行）施行に伴う留意点２ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
At renewal the ISA checks compliance with public dues: employment and accident insurance, health and pension insurance, and national and local taxes payable by the business.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い５ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16

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The applicant must submit every proof of public dues that applies, not only some of the listed alternatives.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２６ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA asks for materials proving that the licences needed for the business have been obtained; if they can only be obtained after residence is granted, the proof is requested at the next renewal.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）申請に関する取扱い６ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A renewal application must include a document explaining in detail the management activities during the latest stay period, plus a resident-tax (taxable or non-taxable) certificate and a tax-payment certificate showing a year of total income and tax payment status; one certificate that shows both is enough.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）在留期間更新許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Certificates issued in Japan that are submitted with a Business Manager application must have been issued within the last three months.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
English-language degree certificates and employment certificates proving the management experience generally need no Japanese translation, though a translation is recommended where the wording is highly technical.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請に当たっての留意事項（注１） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Online applications must pay the fee by convenience-store or bank settlement instead of revenue stamps, while counter applications still use revenue stamps.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
On the certificate-of-eligibility and change-of-status checklists, the office is evidenced by a real-estate registry copy, a lease agreement, or other materials; office photographs are not a listed item on the ISA page.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類（事務所用施設の存在を明らかにする資料） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA confirms from the registry certificate and similar documents that the business is at least 30,000,000 yen in scale, using paid-in capital or total contributions for a company and the total actually invested for a sole proprietor.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問5 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The capital entry on the application form has three lines: total assets devoted to the business, paid-in capital or total contributions (companies only), and the part of the first-line amount that the applicant personally contributed.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問9 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A sole proprietor proves the 30,000,000 yen of invested assets with the latest year's settlement documents and, where needed, receipts for business expenses.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問12 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
To count money paid for share subscription rights toward the 30,000,000 yen, the applicant submits the investment contract (for example a J-KISS-type agreement), a bank passbook or transaction statement showing what was actually paid, and a pledge to book the amount as capital.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）５有償新株予約権の発行により調達した資金について · Checked on 2026-10-22
The renewal checklist for Category 3 and 4 organisations asks for the latest financial statements and, for a company, a registry certificate copy, which are the documents from which capital and business condition are checked again.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For Category 1 and 2 organisations the COE and change-of-status checklists say that documents beyond the common ones and the category proof are in principle unnecessary.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請／変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of status to Business Manager uses the same document groups as a COE application with the passport and residence card shown, and the applicant is told to file promptly once the activity changes because not doing the activity of the held status can lead to revocation.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格変更許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
At renewal the foreign-corporation withholding exemption proof is requested only from Category 4 organisations; the page exempts Category 3 from it.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The application forms are Appended Form 6-3 for a certificate of eligibility, Form 30 for change of status and Form 30-2 for extension of stay.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則第6条の2第1項・第20条第1項・第21条第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
COE and change-of-status filings include an explanatory statement in which the filer ticks whether the applicant or a full-time employee has the Japanese ability and whether the needed licences are held, and gives the reason, procedure status and expected completion if they are not.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留資格認定証明書交付申請・在留資格変更許可申請用）申請に当たっての説明書（認定・変更用） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Japanese ability proven by an exam is evidenced by the pass certificate or the score report, while any other route is evidenced by documents showing the person's identity and career such as a resident record or graduation certificate.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問13 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
On the application form the filer must say concretely who has the Japanese ability and on what basis, for example that a Japanese person is employed or that the owner-manager holds JLPT N2 or higher.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問13 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
At renewal, if the person with Japanese ability has changed since the last application, the filer ticks that and adds fresh evidence; where it is someone other than the applicant, an owner shows a registry certificate and resident record and an employee shows wage documents and a resident record.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）立証資料（添付書類）の例／５日本語能力について · Checked on 2026-10-22
A copy of the business plan that has been evaluated by a person with specialist management knowledge is on the COE and change-of-status checklists for Category 3 and 4 organisations, but it is not an item on the renewal checklist.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請／変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For judging business continuity the ISA may ask for a written evaluation by a third party with a public qualification such as an SME management consultant or accountant, and that document must state the grounds for its evaluation.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）３事業の継続性について（１）ｂ（ア） · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the certificate of eligibility, the ISA checklist asks for a wage-payment document for the staff member plus a resident record or similar, to show at least one full-time staff member.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 13(1) · Checked on 2026-10-22
At renewal the explanatory statement asks whether employment insurance and health and pension insurance enrolment has been done for all employees, with an exception for someone hired just before the filing date whose enrolment period has not yet run out.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）１労働保険の適用状況／２社会保険の加入状況 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A certificate-of-eligibility application is filed at the regional immigration office covering the planned residence or the receiving organisation, by mail it is not accepted, and it can also be filed online.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請申請先・受付時間・相談窓口 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Business Manager COE application can be filed by a staff member of the business office in Japan or, where a new office is being set up, by the person entrusted with setting it up (or that company's staff), who must show the entrustment contract.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q32 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A lawyer or administrative scrivener who has been notified to the regional director can file a certificate-of-eligibility application on behalf of the applicant or of the receiving organisation's staff, but only when that principal is staying in Japan.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請申請提出者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Submitting the certificate of eligibility at the Japanese mission for the visa and again at landing lets the holder obtain the visa and landing permission quickly.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請手続概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a change or extension application is filed before the period expires and no decision has been made by then, the person may stay on the held status until the decision or until two months after the original expiry, whichever is earlier (this does not apply to holders of a period of 30 days or less).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第20条第6項・第21条第4項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A reduced-fee request needs supporting documents filed with the application, such as a welfare-benefit certificate or recent income-tax certificate with a bank passbook copy, and it cannot be made through the online system, so it must be filed at the counter.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について１減額措置について（２）（４） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A COE application can be filed before the company registration is finished, in which case the articles of incorporation or similar documents showing the intended business replace the registry certificate, for a new Japanese company or a branch of a foreign company alike.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 7(1) · Checked on 2026-10-22
The profit-and-loss statement required with a COE or change-of-status application is not required where the business is only about to start.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第三経営・管理一ハ · Checked on 2026-10-22
In the Startup Visa programme a METI-certified local government or private operator reviews the founder's plan and issues a confirmation certificate, which the founder takes to the regional immigration bureau to receive Designated Activities status for start-up preparation.
外国人起業活動促進事業（スタートアップビザ）（経済産業省）概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Before revoking status the Minister has an immigration inspector hear the person's opinion (unless the person fails to attend without good reason), and, except for revocation for fraud at landing or permission and for flight risk in the activity-not-performed ground, designates a period of up to 30 days for the person to leave Japan.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第2項・第7項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permissions and revocations the Minister can have immigration inspectors investigate the facts, summon the foreigner or other persons, question them and require documents, and can ask public offices and private groups for reports; the law does not itself describe office site visits.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第59条の2 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The ISA does not list licences by business type; its explanatory statement asks only for proof that the licences needed for the business are held, with a business permit copy given as the example.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留資格認定証明書交付申請・在留資格変更許可申請用）立証資料（添付書類）の例 ■許認可等 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a needed licence can only be obtained after the Business Manager permission, the applicant files a free-form document explaining concretely why it cannot yet be obtained, and the licence status is checked at the next renewal.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問28 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
A sole proprietor not required to join social insurance does not submit staff national health insurance records but must explain why the business is not a compulsory social-insurance workplace and show the proprietor's own national health insurance status.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問25 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The renewal proofs are obtained from the prefectural labour bureau for labour insurance, the pension office for social insurance, the municipality for national health insurance, the tax office for national taxes, and the prefectural tax office and municipality for corporate residence tax.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問27 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA checklist for the certificate of eligibility lists, as documents showing business scale, a wage-payment document and resident record for the full-time staff member, a balance sheet, a registry certificate, and other materials showing business scale.
在留資格「経営・管理」認定申請提出書類 13（事業規模を明らかにする資料） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA warns that during review it may ask for materials that are not listed on its Business Manager page, so a document such as proof of fund origin can be requested even though no checklist row names it.
在留資格「経営・管理」申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
To register a joint-stock company formed by incorporators subscribing all shares, the Legal Affairs Bureau requires a payment certificate made of a statement by the representative director at incorporation about the amount paid to the bank, and a passbook copy, transaction slip or similar bank-made record.
Procedures of commercial and corporation registration for foreign nationals and expatriates Payment Certificate · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO describes establishment without outside offering (hokki setsuritsu) as the simpler and usual route for a joint-stock company, with no bank capital custody certificate, while the special-account method is rarely used because of fees and banks refusing accounts for customers with no prior dealings.
1.3 Procedures for registering establishment (JETRO Setting Up Business) 1.3.2 General flow, notes *4 and *8 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A foreign incorporator who has no seal registration with a municipality may sign instead of stamping the registration application, but then must attach a signature certificate issued by the authorities of the home country, including a consul in Japan.
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第４－５記載事項（※） · Checked on 2026-10-23
When a founder contributes assets other than cash, the Companies Act process normally requires a court-appointed inspector, but this is skipped if the total value stated in the articles is not more than 5,000,000 yen, if the asset is a listed security at or below market price, or if a lawyer, accountant or tax accountant certifies the value (with a real-estate appraisal for real estate).
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第３－２(3) 現物出資財産についての検査役の調査 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Even if the first settlement date has not yet arrived, the ISA asks the applicant to prepare and submit a balance sheet as of incorporation or any later point.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問6 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Partly confirmed: As of the Ministry of Finance pamphlet of September 2024, a foreign investor needs no prior notification when investing in a company that does not run a designated sector, which covers an ordinary start-up outside the listed industries.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月）よくある質問（３） · Checked on 2026-10-23
Partly confirmed: The same pamphlet adds that even without prior notification, a foreign investor acquiring 10 percent or more of such a company must file a post-investment report.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月）よくある質問（３） · Checked on 2026-10-23
A required prior notification is filed on the prescribed form through the Bank of Japan to the Minister of Finance and the minister in charge of the business, within six months before the planned investment, and online filing is possible.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月）事前届出の審査手続き · Checked on 2026-10-23
The Ministry of Finance says it is in principle the foreign investor's own responsibility to judge whether the target runs a sector needing prior notification, and it lists consultation desks at its regional finance bureaus and a Bank of Japan procedure line for the filing forms.
外国投資家による投資について－外為法に基づく対内直接投資審査制度－（財務省国際局、2024年9月）お問合せ先 · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO states that, whatever the form of operation, a prior notification of inward direct investment to the Bank of Japan is required as a general rule when the business is in an industry specified under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan (JETRO, October 2023 edition) 1.2 Comparison of types of business operation (note) · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO notes that each bank screens corporate account applications and may decline them, and a company account normally requires the registered-matters certificate and company seal certificate, so a company-name account does not exist until registration is finished.
Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan (JETRO, October 2023 edition) Reference: Opening of corporate bank accounts · Checked on 2026-10-23
The articles of incorporation of a joint-stock company must be certified by a notary attached to the legal affairs bureau that covers the place of the head office, and the certification is carried out at a notary office in that area.
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第３－１(2) 公証人による定款の認証（会社法第30条） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The Hello Work states that when the office address differs from the registered address it also needs a utility bill or lease showing the address, and that it may request additional papers or carry out an on-site check to confirm the business actually exists.
雇用保険事務手続きの手引き【第１編】適用事業所編【令和８年８月版】（厚生労働省）第１編適用事業所編 (2) 雇用保険関係 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A permanent-residence applicant who is the employer of a workplace covered by social insurance must also submit, for the period within the last two years in which he or she was the employer, receipts or payment certificates for the workplace's health insurance and pension premiums, in addition to the personal proofs.
永住許可申請３（就労関係の在留資格及び「家族滞在」の方）提出書類 7 (3) · Checked on 2026-10-23
At renewal, when the business is outside the compulsory social insurance system, the premiums the ISA looks at are the applicant's own National Health Insurance premium (or tax) and National Pension premium, not only the staff's.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）２社会保険の加入状況に関すること（２） · Checked on 2026-10-23
On a first renewal the dues and insurance proofs must show performance since the previous application, and the explanatory statement asks the filer to say whether employment insurance, accident insurance, social insurance and taxes were paid or are outstanding with reasons.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留期間更新許可申請用）３税の納付状況に関すること ※ · Checked on 2026-10-23
For points the ISA has not published, its own route is the Foreign Residents General Information Centre, tel. 0570-013904 (03-5796-7112 from IP phones or abroad), and the Foreign Residents Support Centre (FRESC) in Tokyo, tel. 0570-011000.
在留資格「経営・管理」申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO adds that, even for statuses other than Business Manager, the bureau may ask for the lease and photographs of the office interior and exterior when the company's office looks doubtful, for example a service office at the registered address or a head office address equal to the representative's home.
2.4 就労資格の種類 (JETRO 対日投資拠点設立ガイド) 2.4.6 事業所の確保の必要性 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA checklist for the certificate of eligibility lists, to show the office facility, a real-estate registry transcript, a lease agreement and other material; for the business-content item it accepts, where the company's registration is not yet complete, a copy of the articles or another document showing the business is about to start, in place of the registry certificate.
在留資格「経営・管理」認定申請提出書類 12 · Checked on 2026-10-23
As of the effective date the ISA names Japanese SME management consultants, certified public accountants and tax accountants as the qualified evaluators of a business plan; a foreign equivalent licence does not count, and lawyers and administrative scriveners are not on the list.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問16-17 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A visa application is made in principle by the applicant in person at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering the applicant's residence or passport-issuing country, though an agent approved by the mission may be used.
申請についての留意事項（外務省査証）申請についての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Since 17 March 2023 a certificate of eligibility can be received by e-mail and shown at the visa and landing stage, and a paper certificate can be submitted as a copy.
査証に関するよくある質問（外務省） Q4 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2023-03-17
A certificate of eligibility does not guarantee a visa: if the visa review finds that the principles for issuing a visa are not met, the visa can be refused even though the certificate was issued.
査証に関するよくある質問（外務省） Q2 · Checked on 2026-10-23
If a permit needed for the business can only be obtained after Business Manager residence permission is granted, the ISA checks the permit status at the next renewal application and asks for a free-form document explaining the specific reason it cannot be obtained.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問28 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Anyone importing food, additives, utensils, containers or baby toys for sale or business use must file an import notification at a quarantine station under the Food Sanitation Act, and goods that are not notified cannot be sold or used in business; the duty does not depend on volume or shipping form, and covers goods arriving by post.
食品等輸入手続について（厚生労働省）食品衛生法第27条 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A second-hand goods dealer obtains one permit from the public safety commission of the prefecture where its main office stands, and only needs to notify, not re-apply, when it opens offices in other prefectures.
古物営業法の一部を改正する法律の施行について（通達）（警察庁）第１改正の趣旨 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2020-04-01

Penalties

The ISA warns that anyone other than a lawyer or administrative scrivener who prepares application documents for pay as a business may violate the Administrative Scrivener Act.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁）主な改正内容５（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Having been hit with a heavy additional tax for consumption-tax fraud or income and corporate tax matters is weighed as a particularly negative factor, since the person is deemed not to run the business properly.
外国人経営者の在留資格基準の明確化について（「経営・管理」の在留資格の明確化等について）４事業者としての義務の履行について · Checked on 2026-10-22
The Minister of Justice may revoke a Business Manager's status if the person stays for three consecutive months or more without carrying out the status's activity, unless there is a justified reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第1項第6号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Status may also be revoked if the person does not carry out the status's activity and instead pursues, or intends to pursue, another activity, unless there is a justified reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第1項第5号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Status obtained by fraud or by submitting documents with false entries, such as a certificate of eligibility issued on false documents, can be revoked.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第1項第1号〜第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Lists and tables

The Appended Table II statuses whose holders can be counted as the required full-time employee are Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 常勤職員問１ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
As of the effective date, the persons qualified to confirm the business plan are small and medium enterprise management consultants (chusho kigyo shindanshi), certified public accountants and certified tax accountants.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 事業計画書問１６ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a corporation, the national taxes checked are withholding income tax with the special reconstruction tax, corporation tax, and consumption tax with local consumption tax.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
For a sole proprietor, the national taxes checked are withholding tax, income tax by return, consumption tax, inheritance tax and gift tax, and the local taxes are individual residence tax and individual business tax.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について（出入国在留管理庁） Q&A 申請に関する取扱い問２４ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Category 1 organisations for Business Manager filings include companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange, mutual insurance companies, and Japanese or foreign national and local governments.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）在留資格認定証明書交付申請カテゴリー１ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The renewal checklist accepts proof that a company is certified by JETRO as a foreign-investment support company as Category 1 evidence, but excludes a company that uses a coworking space as its office.
「経営・管理」に係る提出書類一覧【カテゴリー１・２・３・４共通】（在留期間更新許可申請用）更新用チェックシート No.4 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Every COE applicant in any category submits the application form, a photo of 4 cm by 3 cm taken within six months, a return envelope with registered-mail postage, and a document proving the organisation's category; with no category proof the filing is treated as Category 4.
「経営・管理」に係る提出書類一覧【カテゴリー１・２・３・４共通】（在留資格認定証明書交付申請用）〈表１〉No.1-4 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For Category 3 and 4 organisations a COE application needs: proof of the applicant's role (articles or pay resolution, transfer letter, or employment contract), the expert-evaluated business plan, registry copy or articles, latest financial statements, the licence explanation form and licence copies, office evidence, business-scale evidence, Japanese-ability evidence, and degree or career evidence.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類（カテゴリー３・４） · Checked on 2026-10-22

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A Category 4 filer must also explain why it has no wage-withholding summary: a foreign corporation's withholding exemption proof, or a payroll-office opening notice plus three months of withholding payment slips or proof of the special payment-deadline approval; Category 3 does not need this.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類（カテゴリー４） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The renewal checklist for Category 3 and 4 asks for the latest financial statements, registry copy, representative declaration, licence evidence, staff wage and resident records, Japanese-ability evidence, a free-form explanation of management activities, a resident-tax and tax-payment certificate, and proof that public dues were met.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Appended Table 3 of the Enforcement Regulation lists the materials for a Business Manager COE or change of status: the evaluated business plan, registry copy or articles, a profit-and-loss statement (not needed if the business is only about to start), staff and total-asset evidence, an office outline, activity, period, position and pay documents, degree or career documents, and Japanese-ability and residence evidence.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第三（経営・管理） · Checked on 2026-10-22
For an extension of stay, the Enforcement Regulation's appended table asks for the business's profit-and-loss statement, staff headcount and wage evidence, total-asset evidence, documents on activity, period and position, Japanese-ability and residence evidence, and a certificate of annual income and tax paid.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則別表第三の七（経営・管理） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Career is documented either by a degree certificate in business management or a field related to the business, or by a CV naming the organisations, activities and periods together with an employment certificate covering the period of managing a business.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 15 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When someone other than the applicant holds the Japanese ability, the filing includes that person's resident record, and if the person is a full-time employee, wage-payment documents for that employee; so the employee is identified by documents at COE stage.
在留資格「経営・管理」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 14 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Examples of Japanese-ability evidence by type of employee: a Japanese national shows a nationality document such as a family register or resident record; a special permanent resident shows a resident record and certificate; a mid- to long-term resident shows a resident record, residence card, B2-level proof and a graduation certificate.
申請に当たっての説明書（在留資格認定証明書交付申請・在留資格変更許可申請用）立証資料（添付書類）の例 · Checked on 2026-10-22
To show the required Japanese ability, a person other than a Japanese national or special permanent resident must meet any of the conditions the ISA lists; the only exam-based ones are JLPT N2 or higher and BJT 400 points or more, and the list names no other exam.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問13 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA says the plan evaluators are persons holding a public qualification judged capable of company valuation, currently SME management consultants, certified public accountants and tax accountants, and that any change to who qualifies will be announced on its website.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問16 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The graduate start-up route under Designated Activities requires a business plan evaluated by an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant, the same set of professionals as for the Business Manager plan.
在留資格「特定活動」本邦の大学等を卒業した留学生による起業活動（本邦の大学等を卒業して起業活動を行うことを希望する方）提出書類（変更許可） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The fee can be waived only for four groups: people changing to a diplomatic or official status, official-status holders extending, and people designated to work for the Japan-Taiwan exchange association office or the Palestinian general delegation (or their household) who change or extend; none concerns Business Manager.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について２免除措置について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
METI's list of certified Startup Visa operators on its page last updated 8 June 2026 shows 25 entries, from Fukuoka City to Kanagawa Prefecture, including one private company.
外国人起業活動促進事業（スタートアップビザ）（経済産業省）外国人起業促進実施団体の一覧 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Highly Skilled Professional category (c) remuneration points are 50 for 30,000,000 yen or more a year, 40 for 25 to under 30 million, 30 for 20 to under 25 million, 20 for 15 to under 20 million and 10 for 10 to under 15 million; there are no age points in this category.
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第1条第1項第3号年収 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2024-06-10
The "organisations meeting certain conditions" under Category 1 are those holding one of eleven recognised certifications, such as Youth-Yell, Kurumin, Eruboshi, safety and health excellent company, health-and-productivity excellent corporation, regional future leading company, and whistleblowing-system certification, proved by a copy of the certificate.
一定の条件を満たす企業等について（カテゴリー１（９）関係）１ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Capital may be paid into a domestic bank head office or branch in Japan, a branch in Japan of a foreign bank, or a branch abroad of a domestic bank; a branch abroad of a foreign bank and an overseas subsidiary do not qualify as the payment institution.
Procedures of commercial and corporation registration for foreign nationals and expatriates Payment Handling Institutions · Checked on 2026-10-23
JETRO's joint-stock company sequence puts the capital remittance before registration, the company bank account after the registry certificate, and the report of the stock acquisition to the Bank of Japan last, with prior notification only for certain sectors, so for ordinary sectors the foreign exchange report is not a step before the COE.
1.3 Procedures for registering establishment (JETRO Setting Up Business) General flow of procedures for establishing a Kabushiki-Kaisha, steps 7-13 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A company's registration must state its head-office and branch locations among other items such as purpose, trade name, capital, directors and representative directors with their addresses, and the head-office location is also a mandatory entry in the articles.
法務省：株式会社の設立手続（発起設立）について第４－３登記すべき事項 / 第３－１絶対的記載事項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For a corporation the attachments to the new-application notice include the commercial registry certificate (an original, no copies), and the registry certificate and residence record must have been issued within 90 days before submission.
新規適用の手続き（日本年金機構） 3．届書様式・添付書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
For permanent-residence applications by holders of work-related statuses (examples given: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labour) and Family Stay, the ISA asks for materials proving the income and tax payment status of the applicant and the supporter for the last 5 years, and proof of public pension and public health insurance premium payment for the last 2 years.
永住許可申請３（就労関係の在留資格及び「家族滞在」の方）提出書類 7 / 8 · Checked on 2026-10-23
In the 80-point Highly Skilled Professional permanent-residence route (1 year), the ISA asks for the last one year of resident-tax and national tax proof and the last one year of pension and medical insurance payment proof for the applicant and supporter.
永住許可申請４－（１）－ア（高度人材外国人・80点以上）提出書類 6 / 7 · Checked on 2026-10-23
In the 70-point Highly Skilled Professional permanent-residence route (3 years), the ISA asks for three years of resident-tax proof but only two years of pension and medical insurance payment proof.
永住許可申請４－（２）－ア（高度人材外国人・70点以上）提出書類 6 / 7 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Family Stay certificate-of-eligibility application needs proof of the relationship to the supporter (family register, marriage registration or certificate, or birth certificate), a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and documents showing the supporter's occupation and income.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留資格認定証明書交付申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Where the supporter runs a business or earns pay, the ISA asks for an employment certificate or business licence copy plus a resident-tax certificate and tax-payment certificate; where the supporter has another kind of activity it asks for a savings balance certificate in the supporter's name or a scholarship certificate.
在留資格「家族滞在」扶養者の職業及び収入を証する文書 (1)(2) · Checked on 2026-10-23
To show business-management experience, the ISA checklist lists a CV stating the organisation, the activities and the period, and a document proving the period of service such as an employment certificate.
在留資格「経営・管理」認定申請提出書類 15（職歴による証明） · Checked on 2026-10-23
A real-estate brokerage licence requires, for each office, a person with authority to sign contracts, one full-time licensed agent for every five staff, and a business deposit of 10,000,000 yen for the head office plus 5,000,000 yen per branch, or a guarantee-association membership with a 600,000 yen head-office share.
宅地建物取引業の範囲・免許権者・免許の要件等・有効期間について（国土交通省近畿地方整備局）３．免許の要件等 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Highly Skilled Professional category (c) scores academic background (business-management professional degree 25, doctorate or master's 20, university 10, plus 5 for several fields), business-management career (10 or more years 25, 7-10 years 20, 5-7 years 15, 3-5 years 10), pay (50 to 10 points from 30,000,000 down to 10,000,000 yen) and position (representative 10, director 5).
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第１条第１項第３号表（ハ） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The category (c) bonus items include 10 for a degree from a Japanese university or graduate school, 15 for a Japanese-major foreign degree or an advanced Japanese test result, 10 for a slightly lower test result, 10 for a local-government subsidy or a designated financial role, and 5 for personally investing 100,000,000 yen or more in the business.
出入国管理及び難民認定法別表第一の二の表の高度専門職の項の下欄の基準を定める省令第１条第１項第３号表（ハ）特別加算 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Recent changes

The amending ministerial ordinance that tightened the Business Manager landing standard states that it takes effect on 16 October 2025.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令（上陸基準省令）附則（令和七年）第一条 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Before the revision, the required capital or total contribution for Business Manager was 5,000,000 yen, and the new standard raises it to 30,000,000 yen.
出入国在留管理政策懇談会報告書「今後の出入国在留管理行政の在り方」（資料11）資料11 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Under the old standard, a business could substitute for the capital test by employing two or more people; the new standard instead makes at least one full-time employee mandatory in addition to the capital rule.
出入国在留管理政策懇談会報告書「今後の出入国在留管理行政の在り方」（資料11）資料11 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
In Business Manager filings from 16 October 2025, organisations that were approved to use the online system by proving Category 3 status are removed from Category 2 and are examined as Category 3.
【重要】令和７年１０月１６日以降の在留資格「経営・管理」に係るオンライン申請について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
From applications filed on 15 April 2026, Category 3 and 4 applicants must additionally submit a declaration about the organisation's representative, where the applicant will be managing a business.
在留資格「経営・管理」（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）お知らせ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-15
The application form was revised from 16 October 2025 to add an entry for the total assets devoted to the business, with capital and the applicant's own investment entered as inner amounts.
【重要】令和７年１０月１６日以降の在留資格「経営・管理」に係るオンライン申請について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
From 1 October 2026 the fees for change of status, extension of stay and permanent residence permission are revised, and the amount for change or extension now depends on the length of stay granted.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The December 2025 report of the immigration policy advisory panel records members' views that cases of obtaining status through shell companies with no real business were being seen, and that raising the capital threshold was reasonable in response, while others doubted its deterrent effect.
出入国在留管理政策懇談会報告書「今後の出入国在留管理行政の在り方」 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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The same report suggested that checking business reality could include strict entry and residence screening and active unannounced site visits to offices of Business Manager holders.
出入国在留管理政策懇談会報告書「今後の出入国在留管理行政の在り方」 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the old standard a person coming to manage a business needed three years of experience that could include time spent studying management at graduate school; the amending ordinance deleted that clause, and the new item 4 wording no longer mentions graduate study.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令の一部を改正する省令改正前欄第三号／改正後欄第四号 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
Business Manager applications received up to 15 October 2025, the day before the effective date, and still under examination keep the old standard; the published carve-outs for later filings are status changes from Designated Activities No. 44 (confirmation certificate issued on or before 15 October 2025) and No. 51 (application filed or status held on the day before the effective date).
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問30 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2025-10-16
The wording that makes compliance with obligations and payment of public dues an explicit statutory element of permanent residence comes from the 2024 amendment that takes effect on 1 April 2027, though the guideline says these points were already considered before that date.
永住許可に関するガイドライン（令和８年１０月１日改定）第２１（注１） · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2027-04-01
The ISA update list has an entry dated 18 May 2026 saying that frequently asked questions on the revision of the landing-standard ordinance for Business Manager were posted.
更新情報（出入国在留管理庁）更新情報 2026年5月18日 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA Business Manager page says that from applications filed on 15 April 2026, applicants in Category 3 or 4 must submit additional attachments.
在留資格「経営・管理」【お知らせ】 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA says that any change to who may evaluate a business plan will be announced on its website; on the Q&A as read for this check (last updated 26 June 2026) the evaluator list is still only SME management consultants, certified public accountants and tax accountants.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問16 / 冒頭 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The 2026 immigration law amendment promulgated on 5 June 2026 (Act No. 32 of 2026) creates the JESTA electronic travel authorisation and raises the ceiling of fees for change of status and similar permissions; the ISA summary does not mention any Business Manager criteria.
令和８年入管法等改正について令和８年入管法等改正について · Checked on 2026-10-23
On 1 October 2026 the ISA issued a revised permanent-residence guideline and a new guideline on revoking permanent-resident status, after a public comment round announced on 4 August 2026.
更新情報（出入国在留管理庁）更新情報 2026年10月1日 / 8月4日 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Since 16 October 2025, an organisation that was Category 2 only because its online-use application had been approved on proof of Category 3 is treated as Category 3 for all Business Manager filings, which affects the document set those applicants must file.
【重要】令和７年１０月１６日以降の在留資格「経営・管理」に係るオンライン申請について（令和７年１１月一部変更）カテゴリー区分の変更について · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2025-10-16
The ISA says the revised ordinance took effect on 16 October 2025; certificate-of-eligibility and renewal applications received up to the day before that date and still under review are judged under the old standard, and a change to Business Manager from Designated Activities No. 51 is judged under the revised standard if the No. 51 certificate-of-eligibility application was filed on or after the effective date.
在留資格「経営・管理」に係る上陸基準省令等の改正について Q&A 問30 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2025-10-16

Information only. Not legal advice and not an official service. Check the official source and consult the Immigration Services Agency or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) before you decide.