Is it possible to use rental offices or coworking spaces for a business manager Visa in Japan?

business manager Visa Requires Establishment of an Office

To start a startup in Japan, foreign nationals need to obtain a work visa. There are various types of work visas available, but for entrepreneurship, a business manager visa is common. To obtain a business manager visa, it’s necessary to establish an office in Japan and prepare a capital investment of over 5 million yen before entering the country.

However, the newly introduced Startup Visa allows a period of six months after entry to prepare. For foreigners, meeting the requirements before entering Japan poses significant risks, making the Startup Visa an increasingly adopted approach for entrepreneurship in Japan.

But it’s important to note that both visas require office establishment and capital preparation. Among these requirements, establishing an office is particularly challenging.

Establishing Office Requires Dedicated Private Space

When considering an office, there are various types available, from traditional offices to rental offices (shared offices), virtual offices, and more. To meet the criteria for a business manager visa (Startup Visa), having dedicated private space that clearly functions as an office is essential.

Virtual offices, which provide an address without physical space, are cost-effective and popular among ventures. However, they do not meet the requirements for obtaining a business manager visa, making them unsuitable for foreign entrepreneurs. Similarly, coworking spaces like WeWork or rental offices with open desk spaces are unlikely to meet the criteria.

However, a rental office with dedicated private space might align with the requirements for a business manager visa. Compared to traditional offices, rental offices offer lower initial and monthly costs, allowing for a prime location in a short period. Additionally, shared facilities in such spaces facilitate communication among occupants.

Therefore, for foreigners aiming to establish an office for a business manager visa, a rental office with dedicated private space seems the most cost-effective choice. Tokyo, especially in Minato Ward, offers numerous such rental office spaces.

In Conclusion

Establishing an office is a significant hurdle in obtaining a business manager visa. Different office types offer varying costs, implementation periods, and possibilities for approval. Rental offices with dedicated private space strike a balance among various office types.

To obtain a business manager visa, scrutiny includes assessing the office situation. Before leasing an office, it’s advisable to verify if the office establishment aligns with the criteria, possibly consulting office companies or seeking advice from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) for foreign support.