Below is an English article specialized for “Startup Visa (Designated Activities No.44) → Business Manager Visa”,
written accurately and professionally as an official article of Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation.
It is suitable for direct publication on a law firm website and reflects actual immigration practice in Japan.
Transition from Startup Visa to Business Manager Visa in Japan
Practical Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs | Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
The Startup Visa (Designated Activities No.44) allows foreign nationals to stay in Japan temporarily for the purpose of preparing to start a business.
However, this visa is strictly time-limited and is intended solely as a preparatory stage.
To continue operating a business in Japan, the applicant must transition to the “Business Manager” visa within the Startup Visa period.
This article explains, in detail, the requirements, procedures, and key points for successfully transitioning from a Startup Visa to a Business Manager Visa, based on actual immigration practice.
Startup Visa Is a Preparation Period for the Business Manager Visa
The Startup Visa is not a long-term status of residence.
Its purpose is to allow foreign entrepreneurs to complete the necessary preparations to meet the requirements of the Business Manager Visa.
During the Startup Visa period, applicants must achieve the following:
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Establish a business entity in Japan
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Secure a physical business office
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Meet capital or employment requirements
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Demonstrate business continuity and stability
Failure to complete these steps before the visa expires may result in denial of status change and required departure from Japan.
Key Requirements for Transitioning to a Business Manager Visa
1. Establishment of a Business Entity
Applicants must complete one of the following during the Startup Visa period:
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Incorporate a Japanese company (e.g., Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha), or
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Register as a sole proprietor in Japan
Company registration or business commencement must be fully completed before applying for the visa change.
2. Securing an Independent Business Office
A physical and independent office is mandatory for the Business Manager Visa.
Important points:
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Virtual offices alone are generally not acceptable
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Residential properties require careful review and proof of business use
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Lease agreements must explicitly permit commercial use
Immigration authorities carefully assess the existence and continuity of the office.
3. Capital or Employment Requirement
Applicants must meet one of the following:
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Capital investment of at least JPY 5,000,000, or
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Employment of at least two full-time Japanese nationals or permanent residents
The capital must be actually paid in, not merely declared.
4. Feasible and Sustainable Business Plan
Immigration authorities place strong emphasis on business viability.
Evaluation points include:
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Clear description of business activities
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Revenue and expense projections
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Target customers and business partners
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Consistency between the applicant’s background and the business
Progress made during the Startup Visa period is closely examined.
Procedure for Changing Status of Residence
Step 1: Complete Business Setup
During the Startup Visa period:
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Incorporate the company
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Secure office premises
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Inject capital
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Begin business operations
Step 2: Apply for Change of Status
Before the Startup Visa expires, submit an application for Change of Status of Residence to “Business Manager” at the Immigration Services Agency.
Early application is strongly recommended to reduce risk.
Step 3: Immigration Examination
Immigration authorities conduct a comprehensive review, including:
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Business substance
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Managerial capability
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Financial stability and sustainability
Both formal compliance and actual business activity are evaluated.
Step 4: Approval and Grant of Business Manager Visa
If approved, the applicant will receive a Business Manager Visa with a period of stay of 1, 3, or 5 years.
Main Documents Required for the Status Change
Typical required documents include:
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Application for Change of Status of Residence
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Company registration certificate
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Articles of incorporation
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Business plan
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Office lease agreement
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Proof of capital payment
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Financial statements (if available)
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Applicant’s career and background explanation
Required documents may vary depending on the case.
Common Reasons for Denial
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Business preparation remains incomplete
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Capital investment lacks substance
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Office does not meet immigration standards
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Business plan is unrealistic or vague
Applications that appear complete on paper but lack real substance are often denied.
Our Support at Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
At Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we support clients from the Startup Visa stage through the Business Manager Visa transition.
Our Services Include:
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Strategic business planning with visa requirements in mind
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Office and capital requirement verification
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Business plan preparation for immigration review
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Application document preparation and submission
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Risk mitigation through detailed supplementary explanations
Our approach focuses on long-term visa stability and business success, not just approval.
For Entrepreneurs Planning to Operate in Japan
The Startup Visa is not the goal—it is a pathway to the Business Manager Visa.
Proper preparation during the Startup Visa period is essential for continued residence and business operation in Japan.
If you are planning to start a business in Japan, early professional consultation can significantly reduce risk and improve success.
Contact Us
Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Japan
TEL: +81-96-385-9002
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
For assistance with Startup Visa or transition to a Business Manager Visa,
please feel free to contact us.