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What You Need to Prepare for a Successful Business Manager Visa Application or Renewal
— What Does the Immigration Bureau Look for in a Company? —
In this series so far, we have explained the overview of the Business Manager Visa system, new requirements, the concept of full-time employees, the importance of social insurance, and common misconceptions that foreign business managers often fall into.
Following the October 2025 amendments, the Business Manager Visa program now places even greater emphasis not only on whether the formal requirements are met but also on whether the company is actually being operated appropriately.
So, when processing applications or renewals, what aspects of the company do immigration officials examine?
And what preparations should you make to address these concerns?
In this article, we’ll summarize the key points that are particularly important in practice.
Immigration Authorities Examine the “Actual State of the Company”
The Business Manager Visa is a status of residence for foreign nationals who actually manage a business in Japan.
Therefore, this is precisely what immigration authorities want to verify:
“Is this a company that is truly operating a business?”
It is not just a matter of whether the required documents are complete; it is also crucial that the submitted documents align with the actual state of the company.
① Is the Business Actually Being Conducted?
The first thing verified is whether the company is actually engaged in business activities.
- Is the company actually in operation?
- Does it have business partners?
- Is it generating revenue?
- Are ongoing business activities taking place?
- Has it obtained the necessary licenses?
These points are key factors demonstrating the company’s actual operations.
The evaluation will differ significantly between a company that was merely established but shows no signs of business expansion and one that conducts daily business operations.
② Is the office functioning as a company’s base of operations?
Regarding the office, simply having an address is not sufficient.
- It must be an independent office
- Business operations must actually be conducted there
- It must be equipped with the necessary facilities
These points are crucial.
The office is a key indicator that the company is actively operating from that location.
③ Actual Employment Status of Employees
If the company employs full-time employees, proper labor management is required.
- Existence of employment contracts
- Records of salary payments
- Attendance management
- Actual work status
It is important to have employees who are actually engaged in the company’s business, rather than merely “nominal employees.”
④ Compliance with Social Insurance and Labor Insurance
Enrollment procedures for social insurance and labor insurance must also be carried out appropriately.
These are key factors demonstrating that the company complies with Japanese laws and regulations, and they contribute to the credibility of the business.
⑤ Is the Company’s Cash Flow Clear?
The company’s financial condition is also important.
It goes without saying that tax returns must be filed. Of course, taxes must be paid in the correct amounts at the appropriate times.
Companies that maintain proper records of business activities—such as invoices and payment statements—find it easier to demonstrate their continuity and actual operations.
Checklist to Review Before Application or Renewal
For peace of mind, it is advisable to check the following items before applying or renewing:
✓ Does the business plan align with current business operations?
✓ Does the business plan appear feasible?
✓ Is the office of an appropriate size and equipped with the necessary business supplies?
✓ Is proper accounting being conducted?
✓ Are salaries being paid appropriately?
✓ Is proper labor management being carried out?
✓ Have social insurance and labor insurance procedures been completed?
✓ Are tax returns and company filings being submitted properly?
✓ Are taxes and various insurance premiums being paid on time?
✓ Have you obtained the necessary business licenses?
✓ Are the required documents organized and properly stored?
These are not special requirements; they are fundamental to running a company in Japan.
Summary
In the screening process for the Business Manager Visa, it is crucial that the company is actually conducting business and is being operated continuously in compliance with Japanese laws and regulations.
To achieve this,
it is important to keep the following points in mind on a daily basis:
- A substantive business operation
- Proper employment practices
- Compliance with social insurance requirements
- Proper company management
Rather than “preparing only before applying,” “maintaining proper company operations on a daily basis” is ultimately the surest path to successfully obtaining and renewing a Business Manager Visa.
Professionai Tips
Looking at how the system has been administered in recent years, it seems that the Business Management Visa is
shifting from a “visa for establishing a company” to a “visa for managing a company.”
In other words,
the ability to continuously operate the company is becoming more important than simply establishing the company.
Therefore, rather than just preparing the application documents, properly managing the company on a day-to-day basis will ultimately lead to the successful acquisition and renewal of the visa.
Concluding the Series
This concludes the “Business Manager Visa Series” for now.
What we wanted to convey through this series is that the Business Manager Visa serves as the foundation for continuing and growing your business in Japan.
Company incorporation, residency status, employment, social insurance, and compliance are not separate entities. They are all interconnected and together form the foundation of “sound corporate management.”
As certified administrative scriveners and certified social insurance and labor consultants, we provide comprehensive support to foreign business owners—not only in obtaining and renewing their residency status but also in ensuring they can continue their business in Japan with peace of mind long after that.