To qualify for the Japan Investor/Business Manager Visa, the applicant must

– Invest at least ¥5 million (US$34,000) in a new business in Japan, or at least ¥100 million (US$680,000) if seeking permanent residency after 3 rather than 10 years; and

– Provide a satisfactory and plausible business plan; and

– Demonstrate relevant professional experience; and

– Have appropriate business premises in Japan in the form of a physical office;

– Have a co-founder or co-director who is a legal resident of Japan (not necessarily a Japanese citizen); and

– Employ at least two full-time legal residents of Japan in the business; and

– Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support living in Japan (proof of a modest monthly income or sufficient savings).

Program benefits

• Minimal investment;
• Path to citizenship;
• Enhanced business access to large economies;
• Short processing time;
• Safety and security.

Requirements to qualify for citizenship

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.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

Immigration Services of Japan

Legislation upon which this program is based: