Business Visa Japan for Filipinos 2026: Start a Business in Japan — Business Manager Visa Requirements and Guide

Can Filipinos Start a Business in Japan?

YES. Filipinos can legally start and operate a business in Japan through the Business Manager Visa (経営・管理ビザ). This is the path for Filipino entrepreneurs who want to build a business in Japan — restaurants, import-export, IT services, Filipino food shops, and more.

However, this visa has strict requirements that were significantly tightened in October 2025. This guide explains exactly what is needed in 2026.

Business Manager Visa — Updated 2026 Requirements

Japan changed business manager visa requirements in October 2025. Current 2026 requirements:

This is one of the strictest visa categories in Japan. Many applications are rejected.

What Kind of Business Can Filipinos Start?

Popular and successful Filipino business types in Japan:

Filipino Restaurant / Food Business

Strong demand from the 320,000+ Filipino community + Japanese customers interested in Filipino cuisine. Adobo, sinigang, lechon have a growing fan base in Japan. Requires: Restaurant license, kitchen facilities, food handler certifications.

Filipino Grocery / Import-Export

Supply Filipino food products to the community. Import coconut products, dried fish, Philippine vinegar, Filipino snacks. Can operate as online store + warehouse initially.

IT / Digital Services Company

Filipinos with IT background can offer web development, BPO services, software, or digital marketing. Lower startup cost than food business. Can operate with smaller team.

Staffing / Recruitment Agency

Connecting Filipino workers with Japanese employers. Requires special license (有料職業紹介事業許可) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Care Services / Home Helper

Operating a care service company catering to elderly Japanese or Filipino elderly residents.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Business Manager Visa

Step 1: Prepare Business Plan

Your business plan must be professional and detailed:

• Market analysis
• Revenue projections (3 years)
• Staffing plan
• Office/location details
• Startup capital sources

Immigration evaluators review this carefully. Use a certified administrative scrivener (行政書士) to prepare.

Step 2: Set Up the Company in Japan

You must have a company registered in Japan BEFORE applying for the visa.

Options:

• GK (Godo Kaisha / LLC) — ¥60,000 registration fee, simpler to set up
• KK (Kabushiki Kaisha / Corporation) — ¥220,000 registration fee, more prestigious

See our GK Company Guide at easynihon.com/gk-guide for step-by-step registration.

Minimum capital: ¥5,000,000 must be deposited in Japan bank account

Step 3: Secure Office Space

Physical office required. Virtual offices are no longer accepted for most cases. Consider:

• Shared office space (co-working) with private room option
• Small dedicated office
• Commercial space for restaurant/shop

Monthly cost: ¥30,000-¥150,000/month depending on location and size.

Step 4: Hire Employee

Must demonstrate at least 1 full-time Japanese employee.

Option: Start by hiring a part-time employee and commit to full-time within 3 months.

Step 5: Apply for COE (Certificate of Eligibility) from Japan

Either you (if already in Japan legally) or an administrative scrivener applies to Immigration.

Processing: 1-3 months

Required documents:

• Company registration certificate
• Business plan
• Financial statements or bank statement showing capital
• Office lease contract
• Employment contract or proof of employee

Step 6: Apply for Visa at Japanese Embassy Manila (if applying from Philippines)

After receiving COE, apply at Japanese Embassy Manila.

Processing: 1-2 weeks

Realistic Startup Cost in Japan for Filipinos

At current rates: approximately ₱2,405,000-₱2,775,000

This is a significant investment. Most Filipinos who get business manager visa in Japan have worked in Japan for several years first, saved capital, and then transitioned to running a business.

Important Warning: Business Manager Visa Scams

Because business visas are complex and expensive, scammers offer guaranteed business visa setup services. Red flags:

• Anyone guaranteeing visa approval
• Fees below ¥500,000 for complete setup
• No licensed administrative scrivener involved

Only work with licensed 行政書士 (administrative scriveners) registered with Japan's administrative scrivener association.

FAQ

Q: Can I start a business in Japan without living there first?

A: Yes, but it is very difficult. You need to set up the company, open a bank account, sign an office lease, and hire employees — all requiring physical presence or a licensed representative in Japan. Most successful Filipino entrepreneurs in Japan first work there for several years before starting a business.

Q: What income do I need to show to maintain the visa?

A: Your business must generate sufficient income to pay yourself ¥3,000,000+/year. Immigration reviews your financial records at renewal time.

Q: Can I hire other Filipinos in my business?

A: Yes, but they need their own work visas. You can sponsor Engineer/Humanities visas for skilled Filipino employees.

Q: Can I run the business while on another visa (like spouse visa)?

A: Yes — if you have spouse visa or PR, you can start and operate a business without the business manager visa. Business manager visa is specifically for those whose SOLE purpose in Japan is business management.

Q: What happens if my business fails?

A: If your business closes, you must leave Japan or change to another visa status within a short period. Keep your business operating during visa renewal periods. Always consult an immigration lawyer if your business is struggling.