Renewing a Business Manager (Management & Administration) Visa in Japan has become significantly more demanding. While Immigration authorities provide an official list of required documents, approval today depends on the substance of the business, not just formal compliance. Immigration now conducts a detailed review of the enterprise’s credibility, financial soundness, and the applicant’s active managerial role.
Drawing from extensive hands-on experience, QCIC identifies the following areas as critical to a successful renewal.
- Business Continuity and Substance
Immigration’s foremost concern is whether the business is genuine, ongoing, and sustainable. Applicants must clearly establish that their company is operational and viable by demonstrating:
- Active business activities during the previous visa period.
- A realistic, functioning revenue model.
- Evidence of genuine management involvement.
The Management and Administration Activity Explanation is the most important document in this process. It should clearly outline:
- The applicant’s actual management duties.
- How strategic and operational decisions are made.
- How the company operates day to day.
Generic or overly brief explanations often trigger further investigation or even refusal.
- Financial and Tax Compliance
Immigration places considerable weight on financial transparency and tax compliance. The following areas come under close review:
- Financial statements.
- Corporate tax filings (or clear explanations if filings are pending).
- Payment of the Business Manager’s salary.
- Proper withholding and resident tax compliance.
Even newly established companies must provide clear, well-organised records. Missing or inconsistent documentation can result in requests for clarification or negative outcomes.
- Social and Labor Insurance Obligations
Proper enrollment in social and labor insurance systems is now a core compliance requirement. Immigration verifies the company’s registration and payment status for:
- Health insurance and employee pension.
- Employment insurance.
- Workers’ accident compensation insurance.
Where registration is in progress, a professionally prepared written explanation is essential to avoid complications.
- Credibility of the Office and Premises
Although sometimes overlooked, Immigration also assesses whether the business operates from a credible and appropriate office location. Factors that draw attention include:
- Recent changes in business address.
- Use of shared or short-term rental spaces.
- Home offices without clear business justification.
Address consistency across all registrations and documents is crucial.
- Employment Structure and Operational Capacity
When relevant, Immigration examines whether the company has the resources and personnel to support ongoing management activities. Points reviewed include:
- Existence and remuneration of employees.
- Operational ability to conduct business in Japanese.
If the applicant is not directly involved in Japanese-language operations, documentation proving access to linguistic and administrative support is required.
- Consistency Across All Documentation
Immigration cross-references information from multiple sources, including:
- Corporate registry.
- Tax and insurance records.
- Lease contracts.
- Residence card details.
Even small discrepancies between records can cause delays or trigger additional scrutiny.
QCIC’s Comprehensive Visa Renewal Support
At QCIC, we work closely with our partner immigration attorney to deliver end-to-end visa renewal support that meets both legal obligations and Immigration’s evolving review standards.
- Strategic Case Assessment
We begin by evaluating each applicant’s risk profile—considering business stage, financial health, and compliance record—to identify potential issues before submission.
- Clear and Persuasive Documentation
Together with our partner attorney, we craft well-structured explanations covering management activities, business continuity, and compliance matters, fully aligned with Immigration’s actual review approach.
- Coordinated Compliance Management
QCIC liaises closely with tax accountants and social and labour insurance specialists to ensure all documentation is accurate, consistent, and well-supported.
- Quality Control and Consistency Verification
Before submission, we perform a detailed cross-check of all materials to confirm uniformity across corporate, tax, and immigration records—minimizing the risk of delays.
- End-to-End Guidance
From initial preparation through submission and follow-up, our team provides continuous, professional support to ensure a clear, credible, and complete application process.
Final Insights
Renewing a Business Manager Visa in Japan is no longer a procedural formality—it is an in-depth evaluation of a company’s operations and the applicant’s managerial contribution.
With thorough preparation, professional documentation, and experienced legal coordination, successful renewal is entirely achievable—even in complex circumstances.
QCIC, in partnership with its immigration attorney, is committed to securing your status in Japan and ensuring your renewal application exceeds current Immigration standards.
For consultation or professional assistance with your Business Manager Visa renewal, please contact QCIC.
References
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/businessmanager.html
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001448296.pdf
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001448297.pdf
