Business Manager Visa Application for Directors and Managers | Japan Immigration Support for HR

Japan Immigration Support for HR ＞ Corporate Services ＞ Business Manager Visa for Directors and Department Managers

* This page is designed for corporate HR and administrative staff managing foreign employee assignments. For information on obtaining a Business Manager Visa when establishing a new company as Representative Director, please refer to the following page:

Company Incorporation + Business Manager Visa Application

For foreign nationals establishing a new company in Japan and applying for a Business Manager Visa as its Representative Director.

The Business Manager Visa was introduced in the 2014 revision of Japan’s Immigration Control Act, replacing the former “Investor/Business Manager” category. Unlike the previous category, which required personal investment, the current visa allows foreign nationals to engage in management or administration of Japanese companies with foreign capital involvement.

1. Scope of Activities

This visa permits activities involving the management and administration of commercial enterprises in Japan. It does not cover fields restricted to licensed professionals (e.g., law, accounting) unless the applicant holds the required Japanese qualification.

1. Establishing and managing a new business in Japan.
2. Managing an existing business in Japan.
3. Serving in a senior management role on behalf of another person or entity.

2. Requirements for Approval

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The business must maintain an office in Japan. If operations have not yet begun, facilities must already be secured.
2. The business must meet one of the following scale requirements:

- Employ at least two full-time employees residing in Japan (excluding certain visa categories).
- Maintain capital or total investment of at least JPY 5 million.
- Operate at an equivalent business scale.

3. If applying as a manager rather than an investor, the applicant must have at least three years of relevant management experience (including graduate-level business education) and receive compensation comparable to or higher than that of a Japanese counterpart.

3. Equivalent Business Scale

Businesses that do not meet the precise numerical requirements may still qualify if operating capital and staffing levels are deemed equivalent in scale by immigration authorities.

4. Domestic Staff Eligibility

Executives entering Japan under a Business Manager Visa may sponsor foreign domestic staff (e.g., nannies). Such staff must obtain a Designated Activities visa, which can only be sponsored by Business Manager or Highly Skilled Professional visa holders.

5. Business Manager Visa vs. Short-Term Stay

Foreign nationals appointed as executives of a Japanese entity and receiving remuneration must obtain a Business Manager Visa—even for short stays. If no remuneration is paid and the role is not executive-level, a Short-Term Stay visa is sufficient.

Appointing a foreign national as an executive of a Japanese subsidiary generally requires a Business Manager Visa. Required documentation varies based on company size and structure. For SMEs, detailed preparation is critical to avoid refusal. Early consultation with a licensed immigration specialist is recommended.

Although HR Director duties may also fall under “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” only Business Manager Visa holders can sponsor foreign domestic staff. Therefore, a Business Manager Visa is necessary in such cases.

When expanding into Japan, many foreign companies dispatch executives from headquarters to establish local offices. The representative typically requires a Business Manager Visa, while other staff may obtain “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visas. These cases require thorough preparation—office setup, capital structure, and documentation—so early planning with an immigration expert is strongly advised.

1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – Inviting from Overseas

2. Change of Status of Residence (Inside Japan)

The following outlines the procedure for applying directly to the Immigration Services Agency in Japan:

• Established in 1986, with an industry-leading record of over 40,000 visa applications
• Trusted by more than 1,000 corporate clients
• No travel expenses – nationwide service at a flat rate
• Services available in English and Chinese
• ISO 27001 certified – ensuring strict compliance

40,000 Visa Applications Since 1986 – One of Japan’s Most Experienced Providers

ACROSEED has specialized in immigration services since 1990, when legal reforms allowed administrative scriveners to handle immigration procedures. As of March 2025, we have processed over 40,000 visa applications.

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa cases annually, with immigration visits twice a week to stay current on screening trends and regulation changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you benefit from the most up-to-date insights and extensive hands-on experience in the industry.

Our Track Record

ACROSEED’s track record in corporate services, publications, media coverage, and seminars

Trusted by Over 1,000 Corporate Clients

ACROSEED’s dedicated corporate team handles all visa-related and licensing procedures associated with foreign employee hiring.

We offer two distinct service types:

We customize our support based on your company’s structure, challenges, and employment needs, referencing real-world examples.

Our services are trusted by a wide range of clients, from publicly listed corporations to small and mid-sized businesses.

Case Studies

We present case studies of companies that actively promote the employment of foreign nationals by utilizing ACROSEED’s services.

Nationwide Flat-Rate Service with No Travel Costs

Our office is based in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we serve immigration offices across Japan with no additional travel costs.

We also offer online consultations via Zoom or Skype, allowing face-to-face communication from any location.

English and Chinese Language Support

Our bilingual staff can communicate directly with foreign employees in English or Chinese.

We assist with application explanations, status tracking, and employee coordination — reducing the burden on HR teams and improving the applicant experience.

ISO 27001 Certified for Information Security Compliance

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management (ISMS).

ACROSEED was an early adopter of this certification in our field, demonstrating our commitment to secure and compliant client service.

This gives even highly regulated, publicly listed companies the confidence to trust us as their immigration partner.

・Final fees vary depending on the service scope, application volume, and case details. ACROSEED provides free initial consultations and quotations—please contact us for details.

* Our services are available nationwide across Japan, with no additional travel costs.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application (Invitation from Overseas)	Approx. JPY 100,000 (excl. tax)
Change of Status of Residence Application	Approx. JPY 100,000 (excl. tax)
Extension of Period of Stay Application	Approx. JPY 80,000 (excl. tax)

If your company is considering ongoing outsourcing of visa application and residence status management, please also refer to the following page:

Outsourcing Visa Applications and Residence Management

From recruitment to retirement of foreign employees, ACROSEED provides comprehensive HR support with deep expertise in corporate immigration compliance. We design customized outsourcing solutions to reduce your administrative burden and ensure full legal compliance.

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