Part 1: What Exactly is the “Office Requirement” for a Business Manager Visa?

The Significance of Having a Real and Functional Office

1. Introduction

Among the various criteria for obtaining a Business Manager Visa in Japan, the “office requirement” is one of the most critical and strictly reviewed elements. It is not sufficient to merely register a company address — the applicant must objectively demonstrate the existence of an actual, operational business office.

This article provides a legal and practical overview of what the office requirement entails and why it plays such a pivotal role in immigration screening.

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2. The Role of the Office Requirement in Business Manager Visa Applications

The Business Manager visa (status of residence: “Business Manager”) is granted to foreign nationals who intend to start, operate, or manage a business in Japan. Importantly, establishing a legal entity alone is not enough; the applicant must also prove that a proper business infrastructure has been put in place.

One of the most essential components of this infrastructure is a secured, independent office space. While the Immigration Control Act does not explicitly mandate an office, this requirement is enforced strictly based on the Immigration Services Agency’s internal guidelines (Immigration Examination Guidelines).

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3. Definition of an Office under Immigration Examination Guidelines

Under immigration practice, an acceptable office is generally defined as:

"A business-use facility in Japan that is sufficiently independent and suitable for stable and continuous business operations."

This definition includes several core elements:

• Independence: Clear physical separation from residential space
• Permanence: Long-term lease or usage that ensures business continuity
• Commercial Use: Must not be a virtual office; the space must have physical substance

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4. Why is the Office Requirement So Heavily Scrutinized?

The main reason lies in verifying the legitimacy of the business. In recent years, there has been an increase in applications involving companies established solely for visa purposes — so-called “paper companies”. Immigration authorities must assess whether the registered company actually has the intent and capacity to carry out real business activities.

The existence of a physical office is one of the most tangible and reliable indicators of business reality. Without a proper office, it is presumed that no real revenue-generating activity can take place, making the visa application less convincing.

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5. Conclusion

The office requirement is not about simply securing a mailing address — it is a core condition for proving the actual and sustainable operation of a business. How this requirement is met will often determine the overall success or failure of the application.

In the next article, we will delve into the specific conditions that define an acceptable office, including whether residential-office combinations or rental office spaces can be considered valid.