How to Obtain a Visa to Open a Business in Japan

Non-Japanese nationals typically must obtain a Business Manager Visa to open a business in Japan. This visa is required for foreigners to establish and operate a company in Japan.

1. Choosing the Correct Visa: The Management/Administration Visa

The Management and Administration Visa is required for foreigners who intend to establish or manage a business in Japan. Specifically, this visa is applied for the following situations:

  • Establishing a company or expanding a new branch into Japan.

  • Actively involved in the management or operation of a business (e.g... president, director, etc.) in Japan.

2. Basic Requirements to Obtain a Business/Management Visa

The basic requirements for obtaining a business/management visa are as follows:

  • Establishment of a company: It is necessary to establish a corporation such as a joint stock company (KK) or limited liability company (GK) in Japan.

  • Investment: A minimum capital of at least 5 million yen is required to invest in the company. This amount may be self-financed or raised funds.

  • Place of business: You must have an actual place of business in Japan. A mere virtual office or home address is not acceptable.

  • Business Activities: Businesses must contribute to the Japanese economy. Examples include manufacturing, retail, IT services, and consulting.

  • Management Participation: The applicant must be substantially involved in the management of the business and have a managerial role in the business (e.g... representative director).

3. Preparation of Required Documents

The following documents are required for a visa application:

  • Visa Application Form: Available at the Immigration Bureau or Embassy of Japan.

  • Passport: Valid passport.

  • Business Plan: A detailed business plan that includes a description of the business, target market, revenue projections, and employee plans.

  • Investment certificate: A document that proves that there is an investment of 5 million yen or more. Bank account statements, company registration certificates, etc.

  • Documents related to the establishment of a company: Business registration certificate (certificate of incorporation), a certified copy of the corporate register (extract from the register).

  • Office rental agreement: A rental agreement or proof of address for the office where the business will be conducted.

  • Credentials: Documents attesting to business-related experience or qualifications (e.g... experience in management or a related field).

  • Financial Plan: A financial plan that includes revenue projections and cash flow statements for the business.

Application to the Immigration Bureau

After preparing the necessary documents, apply to the Immigration Bureau Immigration Bureau in Japan). If you have not yet entered Japan, apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate.

5. Examination and Issuance of Certificate

The Immigration Bureau will examine the application after you've applied. If the Immigration Bureau approves the application, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be issued. This certificate is required for visa application in Japan.

6. Visa Application

Once the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued, you will take this to the Japanese embassy or consulate for a visa application. Once your visa is approved, you will then be issued a Management and Administration visa.

7. Arrive in Japan and Start Business

After obtaining a visa and arriving in Japan, the next steps will be:

  • Obtain a Residence Card:: A residence card is issued at the airport upon entry into Japan.

  • Complete Business Registration: To operate a business in Japan you must register the business, complete tax procedures, and register for social insurance.

  • Compliance with Visa Requirements: You must continue to operate your business in accordance with the terms of your visa. This includes reporting business activities and tax procedures.

8. Visa renewal

Business and management visas are usually issued for a period of either: one, three, or five years. If the visa needs to be renewed, the renewal process must be completed before applying in order to prove that the business is in good standing.

Other Considerations

  • Family Visa: A visa for family members (Dependent Visa) may be obtained if a spouse or child is accompanying the family member.

  • Hiring Employees: If you hire employees, you must complete a labor contract, social insurance, and tax procedures in accordance with Japanese labor law.

  • Professional assistance: If the visa application and procedures are complex, we recommend that you consult with an administrative scrivener or lawyer to ensure there are no errors during the process.

How to obtain a visa to open a business in the U.S.

The U.S. E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign investors to conduct commercial activities in the U.S. The E-2 visa is intended for investors to establish and operate businesses in the U.S. using their own funds and is particularly useful for foreigners who wish to conduct commercial activities in the U.S. The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa.

Below are details on how to obtain an E-2 visa in the U.S. and the requirements.

1. basic requirements for E-2 visa


In order to obtain an e-2 visa, the following basic requirements must be met

(1) Countries covered

E-2 visas are only issued to citizens of countries that have a treaty with the United States. Japan is one of those countries. Therefore, Japanese citizens may apply for an E-2 visa.

(2) Investment in business

Applicants must make a " substantial investment" to start or operate a business in the United States. Although no specific minimum investment amount is specified, generally an investment of at least $100,000 (approximately 10 million yen) is required. However, the required investment amount may vary depending on the size and type of business.

  • The investment amount is used for items necessary for the operation of the business (equipment, inventory, office leases, etc.).

  • A "substantial investment" must show that the business is operating, that funds are being spent, and that the amount invested has an impact on the success of the business.

(3) Nature of business

The E-2 visa is associated with a business that engages in commercial activities. The investor must own or control a business that is actually operated in the United States. The business must contribute to the economy by employing others and must be profitable in the U.S.

  • Forms of business include corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or sole proprietorship.


  • There are no specific industry restrictions on the businesses in which we invest, and they range from retail, food and beverage, manufacturing, it services, and more.

(4) Involvement in business

An investor applying for an E-2 visa must be actively involved in themanagement or operation of the business. They must demonstrate that the business is properly managed and plays a significant role in making a profit.

  • Typically, the investor is involved as amanager or director, but must be running the business full time.

(5) Employment and economic benefits

To demonstrate their contribution to the U.S. economy, investors are expected to employ Americans through their business. The business must also prove that it is financially stable or at least has the potential to get its business operations off the ground.

Steps to Apply for an E-2 Visa

THE PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR AN E-2 VISA IS AS FOLLOWS

(1) Business establishment

Establish a business in the U.S. and make the necessary investments for that business. The following procedures are required to establish a business

  • Incorporation: Decide on a business form and register the corporation with the state government (e.g., LLC orCorporation ).

  • Prepare for business operations: Lease office space, provide necessary equipment and staff, and get the business ready to operate.

(2) Preparation of E-2 visa application documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your application. Below are the main documents generally required:

  • E-2 Visa Application (DS-160): Submit online at the U.S. Embassy.

  • Passport: Valid passport.

  • Investment certificate: As proof of the amount of investment, a bank deposit certificate, an investment contract, a certificate of incorporation, a certificate of equipment purchase, etc. are to be submitted.

  • Business Plan: a business plan that includes detailed plans for the business, revenue projections, operating plans, employment plans, etc.

  • Documentary evidence: Lease agreement for the U.S. business location, proof of purchase of equipment and materials necessary for the operation of the business, proof of bank account balance, etc.

  • Proof of employment: If you hire employees, employment contracts, pay stubs, etc.

(3) Interview and Application

  • Interview: E-2 visa applicants are required to have a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, the applicant may be asked questions about the nature of the business, the amount of investment, and the plan of operation.

  • Application fee: A fee is charged for the application.

(4) Visa approval and issuance

After the interview, if the application is approved, an E-2 visa will be issued. Normally, the visa is valid for two years and can be extended depending on the operation of the business.

3. advantages of the E-2 visa

  • Flexible Renewal: E-2 visas are renewable as long as the business continues to operate. Typically, the visa is initially granted for two years and then renewed.

  • Accompanying Family Members: Investors with an E-2 visa may accompany their spouse and children under 21 years of age on an E-2 family visa. The spouse may work under a work permit.

  • Pathway to Permanent Residence: E-2 visas do not lead directly to permanent residence (green cards), but if the business is doing well, it may be possible to transfer to another immigrant visa (e.g., EB-5 visa).

4. points to note

  • Not for U.S. Citizens: The E-2 visa does not apply to U.S. citizens.

  • Substantial Investment: It must be demonstrated that the amount invested is "substantial" and that the business will be seriously operated.

  • Business must be viable: A business must be sustainable and successful in order to renew a visa.