You can obtain a business management visa even with a serviced office! What are the conditions for eligibility?

Update:2025/11/19

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Foreign nationals residing in Japan who wish to start a business in Japan require a Business Management Visa. This visa is a “status of residence granted to foreign nationals who conduct business management or engage in management activities related to trade or other businesses within Japan.”

This Business Management Visa can actually be obtained using a serviced office. However, not just any serviced office will suffice. When attempting to obtain a Business Management Visa using a serviced office, it is crucial to select a property suitable for this visa purpose.

This article clearly explains the overall new approval criteria, points to note when using a serviced office, the transition period for renewals, and the conditions for an office suitable for visa acquisition.

【Stricter Rules Effective October 2025】What is a Management Visa?

Foreign nationals require a status of residence to stay in Japan. While there are several types of status of residence, the one called “Business Management” is commonly referred to as the “Business Management Visa.”

Starting October 2025, the criteria for the Business Management Visa will be significantly tightened, with clearer definitions for business scale, the manager’s background, Japanese language requirements, and other aspects. Below, we explain the basic structure of the Business Management Visa and the main requirements for obtaining it, based on these revised provisions.

Business Scale Required for a Business Management Visa

The business scale requirement for the Business Management Visa has changed from the previous standard of “¥5 million or more” to a new standard requiring “¥30 million or more in capital stock, etc.”

Capital and other funds refer to the paid-in capital amount for corporations, or the total investment amount for general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. For applications as a sole proprietorship, the standard is the total investment amount required for business operations, including costs for securing business premises, one year’s salary for full-time staff, and equipment investment.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency “Revision of Ministerial Ordinance Concerning Landing Standards for Residence Status ‘Business Management’” / https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html)

Business Manager Visa Eligibility Requirements: Managerial Experience

Previously, only “three or more years of experience engaged in business management” was required. Currently, applicants must have at least three years of practical experience in management or administration, or hold a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree (including equivalent foreign degrees) in a management or administration field. This three-year experience period may include time spent securing business premises as part of preparatory activities for starting a business.

Furthermore, the new standards add a Japanese language proficiency requirement. Either the applicant or a full-time employee must possess Japanese language proficiency equivalent to B2 on the Japanese Language Education Reference Framework, such as JLPT N2 or higher.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency “Revision of Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Standards for Residence Status ‘Business Management’” / https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html)

Business Plan Required for a Business Management Visa

The Business Management Visa requires submission of a business plan, but previously there were no regulations specifying who would evaluate its content or how. However, under the new standards, verification by individuals possessing specialized knowledge in management has become mandatory to objectively assess the plan’s specificity, rationality, and feasibility.

Only specialists such as Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants, Certified Public Accountants, or Tax Accountants can perform this evaluation, and these professionals will verify the business’s validity. Note that individuals other than attorneys or certified administrative scriveners preparing documents for submission to government agencies for remuneration may be in violation of the Administrative Scrivener Act.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency, “Revision of Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Standards for Residence Status ‘Business Management’” / https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html)

Number of full-time employees subject to employment obligations under the Business Management Visa

Under the new standards for the Business Management Visa, employing at least one full-time employee is now a mandatory requirement. Previously, there were no clear standards regarding the number of full-time employees, and decisions were made based on a comprehensive assessment of factors like capital size and the substantive nature of the business. However, following the revision, specific numerical requirements have been explicitly stated, placing greater emphasis on the sustainability of the business and the certainty of job creation.

“Full-time employees” include Japanese nationals, as well as foreign nationals holding residence statuses such as permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, and long-term residents.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency “Revision of Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Standards for Residence Status ‘Management/Administration’” / https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html)

Can I obtain a business management visa even if I use a serviced office?

While it is possible to obtain a management visa using a serviced office, starting October 2025, the substance and continuity of the office operations will be strictly verified. Below, we explain key points to consider when using a serviced office, based on the office requirements necessary for visa acquisition.

A physical infrastructure capable of ensuring business continuity is required

When applying for a Business Management Visa, the first thing examined is whether the physical infrastructure necessary to continuously operate the business is secured. Since an independent business premises is required, virtual offices that only provide an address are generally not accepted because they lack a physical base.

Furthermore, open spaces like shared offices, where many unspecified individuals come and go and turnover is high, are difficult to judge as continuously occupied. They are considered less suitable as business premises for a Business Management Visa. To demonstrate the actual existence of the business, it is necessary to sign a contract in the company’s name that explicitly states the purpose of use as “office” or similar, and to furnish the space with desks, chairs, computers, etc.

The required floor area must be sufficient to employ at least one full-time staff member

As a new requirement for the Business Management Visa, employers are now obligated to hire at least one full-time employee. Consequently, business premises must provide “sufficient floor space for multiple people to actually work.” This means that serviced offices designed for a single person, or spaces only large enough for a minimal desk and chair, may no longer meet the requirement to provide adequate workspace for full-time employees, potentially leading to visa denial.

Examiners will prioritize spaces that genuinely support operational realities, such as whether the applicant and full-time staff can work simultaneously and if necessary equipment can be accommodated. Therefore, it is now essential to select serviced offices that provide “enough space to accommodate multiple workstations” and “an environment where full-time staff can work without hindrance.”

Independence as an office is required

Under the new management visa standards, stricter requirements for the “independence” of the office space have been introduced. Using one’s home as an office is generally not permitted; a clearly separated, dedicated space for business purposes must be secured. Even when using a serviced office, only fully enclosed private rooms separated by walls and doors will be recognized as an office.

Caution is advised, as open-plan spaces or booths separated by simple partitions are highly likely to be deemed insufficiently independent and denied approval. Furthermore, it is a mandatory requirement to install a sign or plaque displaying the company name so that the existence of the business premises can be confirmed from the outside. The lease must be in the company’s name and designated for “business use,” and facilities such as an individual mailbox and telephone must be provided. Meeting these conditions will likely allow a serviced office to be recognized as a valid office space.

Points to Note When Using a Serviced Office to Renew Your Current Business Management Visa

Due to stricter criteria for management visas, existing visa holders are granted a maximum three-year transition period. If renewal applications are submitted by October 16, 2028, renewal may be granted even if the new criteria are not met, provided the business is performing well, tax obligations such as corporate taxes and social insurance premiums are properly fulfilled, and there is a reasonable expectation of meeting the criteria in the future. However, the review process may require submission of a business evaluation report prepared by an expert.

On the other hand, renewal after the three-year period requires strict compliance with the new standards. Therefore, if you are currently using a serviced office and cannot meet the standards, it is crucial to relocate to an office where you can employ full-time staff as soon as possible. Remaining in an environment that does not meet the standards will make renewal difficult. We recommend planning your schedule backwards, taking the transitional period into account, and responding systematically.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency “Revision of Ministerial Ordinance on Landing Standards for Residence Status ‘Management and Administration’” / https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html)

Benefits of Using a Serviced Office

Even with a serviced office, depending on the facilities and environment, you can meet the requirements for obtaining a business management visa. So, what are the benefits of using a serviced office?

The monthly rent is low

One advantage is that it can be more affordable than standard rental properties. This is particularly appealing for startups with limited funds or those looking to launch their business quickly.

You can establish an office in a prime location

One advantage of serviced offices is that they make it easy to set up an office even in prime locations with high rent. They are also a strong option when you want to establish a business presence in a convenient location without spending too much on fixed costs.

Opportunities to interact with other residents

In the case of serviced offices, multiple tenants may occupy spaces in close proximity while working as business owners, creating an environment conducive to fostering connections among tenants.

Points to Consider When Considering Serviced Office Use

While serviced offices offer various benefits, there are several points to consider when using them. For instance, serviced offices may not be suitable for those sensitive to surrounding noise, as they are designed with high foot traffic in mind.

Additionally, booth-type offices that are not fully private tend to be less suitable for work involving large amounts of sensitive personal information. On the other hand, there is strong, enduring demand for them among creative professionals such as writers and designers.

Why Tensho Office Can Help You Obtain and Renew Your Stricter Management Visa

As the screening process for management visas becomes stricter, selecting a serviced office has become critically important for proving the business’s actual existence and credibility. Immigration authorities are highly vigilant against so-called “dummy offices.” Using only an address or facilities lacking independence significantly increases the risk of visa denial. In this regard, Tensho Office meets all requirements for demonstrating existence: all locations offer fully private rooms, contracts are under corporate names, signage is displayed, and office equipment is fully equipped. This makes it an ideal environment for obtaining a Management Visa even with a serviced office.

Furthermore, since the new standards mandate the placement of full-time staff, it is necessary to use an office that can accommodate multiple people, not just one. With Tensho Office, you can smoothly transition to a larger room suitable for two or more people. The ability to secure private rooms for multiple people at a reasonable price is also a significant advantage. If you are looking for a serviced office that supports obtaining or renewing a Management Visa, please consider Tensho Office.

Summary

The Business Management Visa will undergo significant tightening starting October 2025. Greater emphasis will be placed on “substantiality” and “sustainability” than ever before, including requirements for increased capital, additional conditions regarding management experience, academic background, and Japanese language proficiency, the employment of full-time staff, and expert verification of business plans. Even when using a serviced office, it must be an independent office space with sufficient room for staff to work.

Tensho Office provides highly independent offices suitable for obtaining a Business Management Visa. Furthermore, the following administrative scrivener provides support for obtaining a Business Management Visa, so please feel free to consult with them.

Kaisha Express INTERNATIONAL
Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX
Pacific Guaranty Inc. (PG&CO.)
Tokyo Sogo Gyosei Office
CARLISLE Law Office
Japan Expert Immigration Law Firm
MIRAI Administrative Scrivener Office (Osaka)

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