Step 1
Confirm preliminary eligibility
Requirements vary according to whether the applicant will start a new business or manage an existing one. The operation must be genuine, sustainable and supported by appropriate evidence.
Starting a business
- A dedicated place of business in Japan is generally central to the application.
- The business must meet the applicable scale requirements. Depending on the case, this may be demonstrated through qualifying investment, eligible full-time employees or another accepted measure.
- A virtual office alone is generally unlikely to establish the necessary operational substance.
Managing an existing business
- The applicant may need to demonstrate relevant experience in business operation or management, including qualifying postgraduate study where applicable.
- Remuneration should be appropriate and no less favorable than that paid to a Japanese national for comparable work.
Check current rules
Immigration criteria and documentary expectations can change. Confirm the current capital, staffing, premises and experience rules for the particular application before making commitments.
Step 2
Define the permitted business activities
The proposed role must be described accurately and consistently throughout the application. Relevant activities can include:
- Commencing and operating a business in Japan.
- Investing in and subsequently managing or operating a business.
- Managing or operating a business established in Japan by another person or organization.
Job duties, authority, remuneration and the company's operating plan should tell the same coherent story.
Step 3
Assemble supporting documentation
The evidence should demonstrate the applicant's role and the business's substance, resources and viability. Documents commonly considered include the following.
Business and company records
- Business plan: a clear description of the business, market, operations, management and financial projections. Japanese-language material may be required or useful.
- Company registration: a certificate of registered matters showing core information such as capital, directors and registered details.
- Financial records: profit-and-loss information or opening financial statements appropriate to the company's stage.
- Staffing evidence: employment, payroll and social insurance records where employees form part of the case.
- Premises evidence: lease documents, a floor plan, photographs and material showing that the office supports real business activity.
Applicant-specific evidence
- Evidence of investment and the source or transfer of funds, where relevant.
- Documents describing role, responsibilities, appointment period and remuneration.
- Career history, qualification records or graduation certificates where required.
Coordinate tax and compensation planning early
Salary, housing, travel support, payroll treatment and a director's role can affect both individual and corporate tax outcomes. Consider these issues before finalizing the documents used for the immigration application.
Review compensation considerations for company directors and tax planning for people working in Japan.
Step 4
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility, commonly abbreviated as COE, is issued by Japan's immigration authorities and confirms that the proposed activities fit a specified status of residence.
The application is generally made through the appropriate immigration procedure in Japan. Submission methods, digital options, eligibility to act as a representative and required forms should be checked against current official guidance.
Step 5
Respond to immigration review
Processing periods vary with the case, the office handling it, application volumes and whether further evidence is requested. Avoid relying on a fixed historical processing estimate.
During review, keep company, premises and role information current. If immigration requests clarification or additional records, provide a complete and consistent response by the stated deadline.
Step 6
Obtain Business Manager status
After the COE stage, an applicant outside Japan would ordinarily follow the applicable visa process through a Japanese diplomatic mission and then enter Japan. A person already in Japan may need to consider whether a change-of-status procedure is legally available in their circumstances.
Residence card
Eligible mid- to long-term residents receive a residence card containing identifying information, status of residence and period of stay. Cardholders must comply with applicable carriage, notification and renewal duties.
Do not assume that temporary entry can automatically be converted to Business Manager status. The correct route depends on the applicant's existing status and circumstances.
Step 7
Plan for travel and re-entry
Before leaving Japan, confirm which re-entry procedure applies and whether the planned absence fits the conditions of a special re-entry permission or requires a separate re-entry permit.
The travel period must also remain within the person's authorized period of stay. Review current rules before departure, especially for extended travel.
Ongoing compliance
After receiving your status
Japanese tax
Payroll withholding and year-end adjustment may address part of an employee's tax position, but other income or circumstances can create an individual filing obligation.
Tax records and payment compliance may also be relevant to future immigration applications.
Cross-border tax
Citizenship, residence, overseas assets and income can create reporting obligations outside Japan. US citizens and green-card holders, for example, generally remain subject to US filing rules.
Leaving Japan
Before departure, review final tax, resident tax and notification duties. A person who cannot complete required procedures may need to appoint a tax representative under the applicable rules.