JP
Japan · 経営・管理 · Entrepreneur · apply embassy, in country · processing 30–90 days
Residence for a foreigner who manages a business in Japan or is employed to manage one. A company needs at least JPY 30 million of paid-in capital. A sole proprietor must have invested at least JPY 30 million in the business. At least one qualifying full-time employee is required.
| Type | Min amount | USD equivalent | Holding | Returnable | Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company capital | JPY 30,000,000 | $200,000 | — | Yes | Required |
The criteria have applied to applications accepted on or after 16 October 2025. The applicant, or a full-time employee, needs Japanese at the B2 level of the Japanese language reference framework, shown by JLPT N2, BJT 400, 20 years as a mid- to long-term resident, graduation from a Japanese higher-education institution, or completion of Japanese compulsory education plus high school. The applicant also needs a relevant doctoral, master's or professional degree, or three years of business management. Time on the startup designated activity counts toward those three years. A Japanese small and medium enterprise management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant must confirm that the business plan is concrete, reasonable and feasible. A home office is refused in principle. Absence for more than half the period of stay, without a good reason, counts against renewal. People already on this status, or on Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) for the same activity, are not refused a renewal only for missing the new criteria until 16 October 2028. Permanent residence from this status requires the new criteria. The ordinary permanent-residence residence period is 10 years, including five on a work or residence status, and the person must hold the longest available period of stay. A three-year period is treated as that longest period for applications through 31 March 2027. A spouse or child can apply as a dependent. Dependent parents are not included. The activity is management of the qualifying business, including employment as its manager. Other employment is outside the status. From 1 October 2026 a one-year change or extension costs JPY 33,000 at the counter, or JPY 27,000 online plus a JPY 330 payment charge. A certificate of eligibility is free. A new entrant then pays the visa fee at a Japanese mission, about JPY 15,000 for a single entry, and many nationalities are exempt.
Japan also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 10, 2026 Source
one-year counter permission fee set at JPY 33,000 from 1 October 2026. Applicant fee changed from USD 40 to about USD 209, and a dependent fee of about USD 209 added, at the Bank of Japan central rate of 158.10 (moj.go.jp).
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