The Japanese Investor/Business Manager Visa is meant for those who either establish or perform senior management roles in a new, Japan-domiciled business.
The minimum investment is only ¥5 million, or about US$34,000, though chances of approval are better if larger amounts are invested.
The visas are typically valid for one year (although sometimes as many as five years) and are renewable.
While permanent status is only available after 10 years of residency, the applicant is eligible for citizenship after just five years.
Note, however, that Japan does not recognize dual citizenship and only naturalizes those willing to give up their original citizenship.
To qualify for the Japan Investor/Business Manager Visa, the applicant must
In most cases, the Investor will initially receive a temporary residence permit with a one-year validity. This, however, is renewable, and subsequent validity terms are likely to be 3 or 5 years, depending on the performance of the business.
If the initial investment amounted to ¥100 million or more, the applicant becomes eligible for permanent residency after three years of temporary residency in Japan. Those who invest less than ¥100 million become eligible for PR only after ten years of residency.
Following five consecutive years of residency, however, the applicant is eligible for naturalization as a Japanese citizen.
Note that Japan does not recognize dual citizenship and will only naturalize those who commit to relinquishing their original citizenship.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Applications for this program may be directed to Immigration Services of Japan.
Legislation upon which this program is based Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Chapter 4 Article 19.
Japan plans to hike the visa’s financial requirement to 30 million yen following the recent arrest of a visa holder accused of facilitating fraudulent applications.
Hannah Ma explores Japan’s efforts to attract more talent and FDI through its Business Manager and Skilled Workers visas.
Japan is courting international investors and entrepreneurs in an effort to stimulate an economy weighed down by its demographic profile.
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.