2026 Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs: Establishing a Company & Securing Business Manager Visa in Japan

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation offers comprehensive nationwide support.

Japan attracts global entrepreneurs, but success demands compliance with Companies Act, Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (post-2025 amendments), Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), tax/social insurance filings, and banking scrutiny.
The “Business Manager” (Keiei/Kanri) visa—essential for staying to operate—is now stricter since October 16, 2025, targeting sham setups via higher thresholds.
From Kumamoto City, our firm handles articles drafting, registration, visa apps, and FEFTA declarations seamlessly.

Can Foreigners Incorporate in Japan?

Yes, no nationality barriers under Companies Act. Eligible as incorporator, director/shareholder if Japan-resident (mid/long-term visa), overseas non-resident (even as rep director), or foreign entity (subsidiary).
Note: Registration alone insufficient; Business Manager status required for management residency.

Business Manager Visa Requirements (2026)

2025 reforms mandate cumulative criteria: ¥30M capital AND 1+ full-time Japanese/PR employee (up from ¥5M OR 2 employees).

Item	Requirement	Key 2026 Notes
Business Scale	¥30M capital AND ≥1 full-time employee (Japanese/PR)	Both mandatory; employee needs B2 Japanese
Office	Dedicated physical space (lease, entrance/signage)	No virtual/home/shared
Continuity	5-year viable plan, specialist-verified (CPA etc.)	Expert confirmation boosts approval
Management	Proven substantive oversight (not labor)	Clear roles/KPIs/remuneration
Background	3+ years CxO/management OR master’s/doctoral degree	Business-related; new explicit rule
Language	JLPT N2/B2 (applicant OR employee)	Cert required (BJT 400+ alt.)

Bridge with “Designated Activities (Startup)” visa: up to 2 years (1-year initial + renewal) for prep.

Timeline: Incorporation to Launch

3-6 months total.

Plan/verify: Sector analysis, 5-year P&L.
Lease office: Commercial contract/photos.
Articles/notarization: E-filing saves ¥40K stamp tax.
Capital: Verified injection (source-of-wealth for overseas).
Register: Legal Affairs Bureau (7-10 days).
Filings: Tax/social ins./labor (14 days).
Visa app: Immigration Bureau (1-3 months).
Go-live: Bank account/FEFTA/permits.

Required Documents

Incorporation

Document	Details	Foreigner Notes
Articles (3)	Purpose/capital (JP)	E-saves stamp duty
Seal Certs	<3 months	Embassy apostille OK
Capital Proof	Bank balance	Remittance trail mandatory
Beneficial Owner Decl.	FEFTA	Foreigners required
Acceptance Letters	Directors	—

Visa Application

Document	Details	Notes
Form/Passport/Photo	Standard (4.5×3.5cm)	—
Registration/Articles	<3 months	—
Business Plan	P&L/market/specialist note	High approval key
Capital Proof	≥¥30M + source	—
Office Lease/Photos	Exclusive use	Post-setup pics
Employee Contract	≥1 Japanese/PR full-time	Language proof
Background/Language	Degree/exp docs + JLPT N2	Applicant or employee

Pitfalls & Solutions

Bank Denial: “No substance”—pre-consult with profiles.
Office Fail: Non-exclusive rejected; ensure signage/layout.
Funds Scrutiny: Untraced = sham; full audit trail.
Tight Rules: Miss background/N2/employee = denial; latest checks essential.

Why Shionaga?

Full pipeline: Articles to renewals.
Verified plans: Specialist stamps, high success.
English/Chinese Zoom consults.
Kumamoto networks for national clients.
Free re-filing (conditions).

FAQ

Q: Solo incorporation for visa?
A: Yes for setup; visa needs 1+ employee.

Q: Short on ¥30M?
A: Startup visa for 2-year ramp-up.

Q: No experience/Japanese?
A: Need 3yrs/degree OR N2 (proxy OK); we guide proofs.

Free Consultation

30-min diagnosis: Feasibility/costs per 2026 rules.
Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
1-9-6 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Japan
Phone: 096-385-9002 (9AM-7PM weekdays)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp
Nationwide/online/multilingual.