Business Manager (Keiei-Kanri) status of residence
The Business Manager status covers foreigners who run or manage a business in Japan. From 16 October 2025 the landing criteria were tightened: the business needs at least one full-time employee who is Japanese or a long-term resident, at least JPY 30 million in capital (or invested assets for sole proprietors), Japanese at B2 level by the applicant or a full-time employee, and the applicant needs a relevant master's/doctorate/professional degree or 3 years of management experience. The business plan must be checked by a qualified expert.
Life in Japan
Money
3
Currency
Japanese Yen
JPY
Japanese Yen
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–45%
Income tax (national)
Consumption tax 10%
Plus 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax and about 10% local inhabitant tax; 45% applies above JPY 40 million.
Living
1
Happiness
#59 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Entrepreneurs and executives who will establish or manage a company or branch in Japan and can meet the capital, staffing, language and experience requirements.
Eligibility
Office in Japan
A business office must exist in Japan, or premises for it must be secured if the business has not started. A home generally cannot double as the office.
Full-time employee
At least one full-time employee residing in Japan, other than the managers. Only Japanese nationals, special permanent residents and holders of Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident status count.
Capital of JPY 30 million
- At leastJPY 30 million
- Total assets used for the business
Total assets used for the business of at least JPY 30 million. For a company this is paid-in capital or total contributions; for a sole proprietor it is the total invested in the business (office, one year of staff salaries, equipment and similar).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Steps to apply
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Other routes to Japan
- Visit & tourismShort-term stay visa (tourism, business, visiting relatives), including the JAPAN eVISA for tourism
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