Moving Your Business to Japan: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 2 verified routes for founders and investors moving a business to Japan. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Business Manager Visa

Japan raised the Business Manager Visa's minimum capital requirement sixfold — from ¥5 million to ¥30 million — effective October 16, 2025. The reform also added several new mandatory conditions: at least one full-time employee (who must be a Japanese national, permanent resident, or certain visa-status holder), Japanese language ability at JLPT N2/CEFR B2 level (held by the applicant or an employee), 3+ years of management experience or a relevant master's/doctoral degree, and a business plan verified by an expert such as an SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant. A transitional period runs until October 16, 2028 for existing visa holders.

Who it suits: Well-capitalized, experienced founders or executives able to meet the new higher bar. Minimum investment: ¥30,000,000 (raised from ¥5,000,000 effective Oct 16, 2025). Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Business Manager residence status, issued for 1, 3, or 5-year terms. Family: Yes. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — general PR after approximately 10 years, or faster via the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Worth knowing: The investment requirement was raised from the earlier ¥5,000,000, so older guidance is out of date. Existing holders have a transition period until 16 October 2028.

Startup Visa (Designated Activities)

The Startup Visa gives founders up to 2 years under a Designated Activities residence status to establish and prepare their business — securing an office, building a team, arranging financing — before they need to qualify for the full Business Manager Visa (now requiring ¥30 million capital and the additional Oct 2025 conditions). It functions as a bridge program administered in partnership with local municipalities.

Who it suits: Founders who need preparation time before their business can meet full Business Manager Visa requirements. Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Designated Activities status, up to 2 years. Path to permanent residence: Not directly — this is a preparatory bridge to the Business Manager Visa, not a PR route itself.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.