Introduction

For foreign entrepreneurs managing multiple companies in Japan, it is essential to understand how to successfully apply for the “Business Manager” status of residence, and how to avoid refusal risks to maintain stable business operations. As of 2025, this article explains screening points, the latest risks, and practical measures for managing multiple companies, based on information from Japanese government agencies.

Basic requirements for the “Business Manager” status of residence

The “Business Manager” visa is granted to foreigners who are responsible for managing business operations in Japan, with the following main requirements:

• The business office must be located in Japan or a facility must be secured for it
• The company must employ at least two full-time workers or have capital of at least 5 million yen
• Three or more years of business management or managerial experience (including relevant postgraduate coursework)
• Remuneration equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national

These points are clearly stated by the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Justice.

Application points for managing multiple companies

If you manage multiple companies, you must prove that each company independently fulfills these requirements:

• Submit evidence that each company satisfies the basic requirements above
• Clearly show that the applicant is substantially involved in the company’s daily operations and key decision-making processes
• Specify the division of roles and duties between the companies
• Provide proof that the applicant is paid a salary equivalent to Japanese nationals

For example, if Mr. A manages two companies, both companies must have their own business locations and meet capital/employment criteria, and Mr. A must be directly involved in both. In practice, articles of incorporation, revenue trends, organization charts, and remuneration rules may all be required as evidence.

Major causes of refusal risks

Common reasons for refusal involve:

• Insufficient or inconsistent documents/explanations
• Companies judged as having little or no actual business, or as “paper companies”
• Lack of clarity in business operations or financial flows between the companies
• Failure to meet capital/employment requirements
• Previous tax problems, legal violations, or bad conduct
• Financial statements showing persistent losses that undermine business viability

How to avoid refusal risks

• Prepare clear and comprehensive documentation for each company (tax returns, financial statements, employment contracts)
• Provide detailed explanations of management activities and division of duties for the applicant in each company
• Meet capital and employment requirements, summarizing them in easy-to-understand documents
• Maintain transparency in financial flows, and if necessary, prepare third-party professional opinions
• Use up-to-date and accurate formal documents (articles of incorporation, company registrations, organization charts, shareholder lists, etc.)

Example

Case: Mr. B (from China) manages a restaurant (Company A) and an import goods company (Company B) in Japan.

• Each company has its own business office in Tokyo and capital of 6 million yen
• Two full-time employees in each company, and Mr. B is actively involved in running both businesses
• Each company’s operations, division of duties, and remuneration are clearly stated

In this scenario, as the business realities of each company are clear and all legal requirements are met, the risk of refusal is considered low.

Conclusion

It is entirely possible to obtain or maintain the “Business Manager” status of residence, even when running multiple companies. However, it is critically important to prove business substance and prepare comprehensive documentation for each company, and clearly demonstrate actual managerial involvement. By following official Immigration Services Agency information and preparing documentation based on facts, refusal risks can be minimized.