Professional support for company formation and Business Manager Visa applications
サービス
We provide comprehensive support for foreign entrepreneurs establishing and operating a business in Japan.
FEATURE 01
For a Business Manager Visa application, immigration authorities examine not only the business plan itself, but also various factors such as the source of funds, the feasibility of the business, and the continuity of business operations.
Our office organizes the key points reviewed by the Immigration Services Agency and prepares the application with approval in mind.
FEATURE 02
Each Business Manager Visa application is different depending on the applicant’s background, source of funds, and business activities.
We carefully review each case, organize the required documents, and prepare the application according to the applicant’s individual circumstances.
FEATURE 03
Depending on the nature of the case, we work in cooperation with Judicial Scriveners, Tax Accountants, Certified SME Management Consultants, and other professionals.
From company formation and business planning to immigration procedures, we provide coordinated support according to the needs of each business.
料金
Business Manager Visa applications are generally more complex than other employment-related visa applications because each applicant has a different business structure, source of funds, and professional background.
Our office carefully reviews the applicable requirements, business plan, source of funds, and supporting documents. We organize each case from an immigration perspective and provide practical support toward the preparation of an appropriate application.
| Consultation Service | Professional Fee (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Email Consultation General review of your situation before scheduling a formal consultation | Free of Charge |
| Individual Consultation — 30 Minutes The consultation fee will be credited toward our professional fee when a formal engagement is concluded. | JPY 5,500 JPY 5,000 before tax |
Interpretation services are not included. If an interpreter is required, an additional fee may apply.
| Service | Professional Fee (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Business Manager Visa (COE) | From JPY 440,000 From JPY 400,000 before tax |
| Change of Status Application | From JPY 440,000 From JPY 400,000 before tax |
| Renewal Application Individual quotation depending on the nature of the business and its financial condition | From JPY 220,000 From JPY 200,000 before tax |
Fees vary depending on the complexity of each case, business structure, financial condition, and supporting documents. Government fees, company registration costs, translation, interpretation, and fees charged by other professionals are not included unless otherwise stated.
申請の流れ
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your business plan and immigration goals.
Our office reviews your eligibility for the Business Manager Visa, evaluates your business plan, explains the application schedule, and provides a clear quotation.
We also support applicants whose previous applications were refused.
Throughout the process, we prepare your application from the perspective of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, helping maximize the quality and completeness of your submission.
Discuss your business plan and visa goals.
Confirm visa requirements and application strategy.
Support for company registration and office preparation.
Prepare the business plan and all required documents.
Review every document before submission.
Submit the application to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
新規申請（COE）・変更申請
BUSINESS MANAGER VISA APPLICATION SUPPORT
Submitting an application for a Business Manager Visa requires careful preparation aligned with the standards and examination perspectives of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Immigration authorities examine the viability of the proposed business, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the actual substance of the business based primarily on the documents submitted with the application. Preparing the application without professional assistance can therefore be complex.
At La Vie Gyoseishoshi Office, a licensed Administrative Scrivener supports each stage of the application process—from organizing the business structure and preparing the business plan to reviewing supporting documents and submitting the application to the immigration authorities.
01
Reflecting the revised standards effective October 2025
Capital or total investment must be JPY 30 million or more.
For a corporation, the requirement is assessed based on its paid-in capital or total amount of investment. Business operating expenses, employee salaries, and office maintenance costs cannot simply be added to the capital amount to satisfy this requirement.
The applicant must satisfy either of the following requirements:
The company must employ at least one eligible full-time employee.
The employee must be either:
A full-time employee is generally assessed based on the following conditions:
Either the applicant or a qualifying full-time employee must possess Japanese language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher.
The person whose Japanese ability is relied upon must be directly involved in the business and must provide appropriate evidence of Japanese language proficiency.
The business office must be independent and appropriate for operating a business of the required scale.
The office should provide sufficient space and facilities for the applicant and at least one full-time employee to carry out the proposed business activities.
A residential address alone is generally insufficient. The lease, permitted use, layout, equipment, and actual use of the premises may be reviewed as part of the application.
The business plan must be reviewed by a qualified professional with expertise in business management before the application is submitted.
The required reviewer and supporting documentation may differ depending on the business structure and the circumstances of the application.
An applicant residing outside Japan generally applies for a Certificate of Eligibility through an eligible representative in Japan.
A licensed Administrative Scrivener may prepare and submit the application when legally authorized and when the applicable requirements for submission are satisfied.
02
Business Manager Visa COE and Change of Status applications
Under the revised Business Manager Visa standards effective October 2025, capital or total investment must be at least JPY 30 million.
Yes. Either the applicant or a qualifying full-time employee must possess Japanese language ability equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher.
Yes. At least one eligible full-time employee must be employed under the revised standards.
The employee must be a Japanese national or a foreign national holding an eligible status of residence, such as Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident.
A full-time employee is generally expected to work at least five days per week, 217 days or more per year, and 30 hours or more per week.
Eligibility for annual paid leave, Employment Insurance coverage, applicable social insurance enrollment, and the actual employment arrangement may also be reviewed.
Yes. A person residing outside Japan generally applies for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Business Manager status of residence.
The application is normally submitted in Japan through an eligible representative.
A person already residing in Japan may apply for a Change of Status of Residence when all Business Manager Visa requirements are met.
The applicant’s current activities, immigration history, business preparation, source of funds, office, employee arrangements, and business plan will be reviewed.
The applicant must generally have either at least three years of relevant management or administrative experience, or a master’s degree or equivalent qualification related to business management or the proposed business field.
A residential address alone is generally insufficient.
The office must be independent and suitable for the actual business activities, staffing structure, and scale of the proposed business.
Processing time varies depending on the type of application, the applicant’s circumstances, the complexity of the business, the documents submitted, and the workload of the competent Immigration Services Agency office.
更新申請
BUSINESS MANAGER VISA RENEWAL SUPPORT
Renewing a Business Manager Visa requires demonstrating not only the operational continuity and legal compliance of your ongoing business, but also your progress toward meeting the revised immigration standards.
Immigration authorities review the actual management activities, financial condition, tax and social insurance compliance, office arrangements, and future viability of the business.
At La Vie Gyoseishoshi Office, a licensed Administrative Scrivener reviews your business and compliance status, organizes the supporting evidence, and assists with the preparation and submission of your renewal application.
01
Transitional measures, business continuity, and compliance
A transitional period applies to individuals who already held Business Manager status before the revised standards took effect.
Until October 16, 2028, a renewal application will not be denied solely because the applicant has not yet satisfied the revised requirements, such as:
Immigration will comprehensively assess the business condition, compliance with statutory obligations, and the likelihood of meeting the revised standards by a future renewal application.
Immigration authorities assess business continuity by reviewing financial statements, current operations, liabilities, and future business prospects.
Startup companies and businesses based on innovative technologies, services, or business models may still be assessed individually based on supporting evidence, financing arrangements, and future growth prospects.
Immigration reviews whether the applicant and business have properly fulfilled applicable statutory obligations.
Supporting documents may be required for:
Non-payment, late payment, or failure to enroll in a mandatory insurance program may negatively affect the renewal examination.
The applicant must actually perform managerial or administrative duties in Japan.
Immigration may question whether the applicant is carrying out qualifying Business Manager activities when:
Long periods of absence from Japan without a legitimate business reason may indicate that the applicant is not actually conducting management activities in Japan.
The purpose, duration, and frequency of overseas travel may be considered during the renewal examination.
The business must continue to maintain an office appropriate for its actual activities and operational scale.
Under the revised standards, using a private residence as the business office is generally not accepted.
Immigration may review the lease agreement, permitted use, layout, equipment, office photographs, and actual use of the premises.
Where the business requires a specific license, registration, or permit, immigration may request evidence that it has been properly obtained and remains valid.
If a license cannot be obtained before the current period of stay expires for a legitimate reason, an explanation and evidence of the application or preparation status may be required.
02
Business Manager Visa renewal applications
Not necessarily. Until October 16, 2028, eligible existing Business Manager status holders are subject to transitional measures.
A renewal application will not be denied solely because the applicant has not yet met the revised capital or employee requirements.
However, immigration will comprehensively review the business condition, statutory compliance, and the likelihood of satisfying the revised standards in the future.
A temporary operating loss does not automatically result in denial. Immigration reviews the overall financial condition and whether future business operations can reasonably continue.
If the company is in excess debt for one fiscal year, immigration may request a detailed improvement plan and, where appropriate, an evaluation by a qualified professional.
If excess debt continues for two consecutive fiscal years, business continuity will generally be regarded as difficult to establish.
Startup companies or innovative businesses may still be assessed individually based on financing, professional evaluations, growth potential, and other supporting evidence.
Proper payment of taxes, labor insurance, and social insurance is an important part of the renewal examination.
Outstanding payments, late payments, or failure to enroll in a mandatory program may be treated as negative factors and may affect the renewal decision.
Outsourcing itself is not prohibited. However, the applicant must continue to perform genuine management or administrative duties.
If most operations are delegated to third parties and the applicant does not exercise actual management authority, immigration may determine that the applicant is not carrying out qualifying Business Manager activities.
Long absences from Japan without a legitimate business reason may cause immigration to question whether actual management activities are being conducted in Japan.
Each case is assessed based on the length, frequency, and reason for the applicant’s absence.
Under the revised standards, using a private residence as the business office is generally not accepted.
The business must maintain an independent office appropriate for its operational scale and actual business activities.
Required documents vary depending on the business structure and circumstances, but may include:
La Vie 行政書士事務所
Our office provides professional immigration support for foreign entrepreneurs and companies establishing and managing businesses in Japan.
With practical experience in immigration procedures and foreign employment support, we assist each client by considering not only the legal requirements but also the actual substance of the business.
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