To establish a company and start a business in JapanManagement visais required to obtain a visa. However, it is not easy for an overseas resident to prepare for a business visa without assistance, since the normal business visa requires the establishment of a company and the completion of an office contract. In such cases, the following services are availableFour-month business/administrative visa.It is. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of this system, application procedures, examples of use, and points to note, using our firm's practical experience.
Background and Necessity of Introduction of the System
The 4-month Management/Administration visa was newly established in the 2015 amendment. Previously, in order to obtain a Management/Administration visa, it was necessary to first complete incorporation or office contract in Japan, but it was almost impossible for overseas residents to complete office contract and registration in Japan without a visa or an assistant. To solve this problem, the 4-month visa was introduced as a short-term visa for the purpose of preparation for starting a business.
2. overview and comparison of 4-month management and administration visas
This visa grants a period of time to prepare for starting a business in Japan before obtaining a regular business management visa. The main purposes areIncorporation, office contract, capital remittance, and business plan concretizationIt is.
Comparative chart with regular business and management visa
| classification | 4-month management visa | Regular business/administrative visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose of Issuance | Preparation for starting a business | business operation |
| requirement | Business plan, selection of potential offices, etc. | Incorporation and office contract completed |
| period of stay | 4 months | 1 year |
| scope of activity | Limited to start-up preparation | General management and operation |
| Availability of extension | Not possible in principle (change to a regular visa) | updatable (e.g. software) |
3. typical cases that can be utilized
- For residents in Korea and other foreign countries preparing to establish a Japanese corporation
- Difficult to prepare for a short-term stay (90 days)
- If you need to sign an office contract or open a bank account in Japan before applying for a regular visa
4. details of application requirements
- Capital RequirementsApplicable without proof of remittance of ¥5,000,000
*Support from our office - Office Requirements: Actual space available, proof of planned contract (quotation, drawings, etc.)
*Support from our affiliated offices - business planIncludes: market analysis, sales and expense forecasting, and employment planning
*Support and supervision by our firm - Articles of Incorporation (Draft)Company Formation Procedures: Basic Documents
*Preparation and support by our office - cooperative workerA person or an expert who can assist with the procedure in Japan.
*AprilBasically not required for a business administration visa.
5. application procedure flowchart
| step | Contents | point |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Preparation of documents | Prepare a business plan, proof of capital, and office documents. | Delay of examination if there are missing documents |
| (2) Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | Application at the Immigration Office | Consistency between the application and the actual situation is important. |
| (iii) COE grant | Tokyo is 2-12 months (August 2025 basis) | Early application is desirable for Tokyo due to the price of time required for screening. |
| 4) Entry into Japan | Start of 4-month residency | Preparation begins immediately after entry into the country. |
| 5) Preparation for start-up | Incorporation, office contract, capital remittance, business infrastructure development | Completed within 4 months |
| ⑥ Application for change of status to regular visa | Switched to Business/Administration Visa (from 1 year) | All requirements must be met. |
6. advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Preparation for starting a business directly in Japan is possible.
- Shorten the process of setting up an office or corporation
- On-site confirmation of the market and business environment.
demerit
- All preparations must be completed within 4 months.
- Lack of preparation may result in denial of change to a regular visa
- Advance preparation and time management are essential.
7. key points for specialists to increase permit rates
- Clearly state figures, rationale, and schedule in the business plan
- Office contracts are made after confirming that the requirements for business management and administration visas are met.
- Capital remittance clearly proves origin and remittance route
- Secure a collaborator to facilitate local procedures
8. actual cases
Case 1: A Apparel Company - Permit granted in 1.5 months
Company A, which operated an apparel brand in Korea, applied for a 4-month management and administration visa to enter the Tokyo market.
- Secure potential temporary office locations and partners in Japan in advance
- Prepare a detailed business plan incorporating market analysis, sales projections, and employment plans
- Preparation of capital remittance and real estate contract terms in advance
Permission was granted in just one month with no requests for additional documentation. The key to success was thorough advance preparation and a network in Japan.
Case 2: B Food Company - Successfully changed to 1-year visa after approval in 5 months
Successfully changed the visa status to 1 year visa after preparing to open the office after the approval in 5 months after applying for business administration visa in April.
The key to success is thorough preparation.
9. summary and consultation
The 4-month Management/Administration visa is very useful for preparing to start a business in Japan, but all procedures must be completed within a limited period of time,Advance Preparation and Expert Assistanceis essential. Our firm can prepare a business plan, confirm the office agreement, and even provide proof of capital remittance.One-stop supportThe company is doing so.
Inquiry / Access
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Administrative Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Member of AIL (Alien Visa Experts Network)
Access:
5-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
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