Requirements for Business Premises in the Business Manager Visa: Can You Operate from Home?
Requirements for Business Premises in the Business Manager Visa: Can You Operate from Home?
Business Manager Visa When applying for a Business Manager Visa, is it possible to use your home as an office? For software development, a single PC is enough to work with. While it is generally difficult to operate a business from home under a Business Manager Visa, there are certain conditions under which this could be allowed if the property meets specific criteria.
Operating from Home is Generally Not Allowed for Business Manager Visa Holders
For Japanese citizens and foreign nationals holding permanent residency or unrestricted work visas, such as “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse of a Japanese National,” or “Spouse of a Permanent Resident,” there are no restrictions on where a business can be started. It is perfectly acceptable to launch a business from a home office with just a computer.
However, in the case of obtaining a Business Manager Visa, it is required that the business has ① an independent space dedicated to business activities separate from the residential area, and ② a lease agreement under the company’s name for the office premises.
Thus, running a business from a room in your home is not allowed. Nevertheless, in some cases where the house is designed with a separate space, such as the ground floor being used as an office with a distinct entrance, it may be possible to receive approval. Think of it like a beauty salon, dental clinic, or tax accountant’s office where the business and living areas are clearly separated.
Office Spaces Permitted for Business Manager Visa Holders
Generally, applicants will need to lease an office or use a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) space. However, it is worth noting that some landlords may have policies against renting to foreign nationals. In such cases, rental offices are a popular and cost-effective option, often utilized by both foreign and domestic entrepreneurs alike.
Rental offices that provide fully enclosed private rooms, along with sufficient space and facilities for business activities, are typically accepted for visa purposes. On the other hand, shared office spaces, virtual offices where only the address is rented, monthly rental apartments, or mobile setups like food carts and trailer houses are not permitted.
Office Spaces Eligible for Business Manager Visa
- Private rooms in rental offices
- Incubation offices
Not Permitted
- Virtual offices
- Monthly rental apartments
When selecting a rental office, it’s prudent to choose a property from a provider with a track record of successfully obtaining Business Manager Visa approvals. Below, we list some examples of such properties from BIZcircle for your reference. Ideally, the office should be affordable, properly equipped, and chosen from providers offering a wide selection.
Potential Exceptions for Home-based Offices with a Business Manager Visa
In cases where a business is operated from a home office, there must be a clearly defined business area separate from the living space. In practical terms, apartment settings often make this difficult, even with spacious properties, and the separation between business and residential functions tends to be ambiguous.
However, if the property is a standalone house with a layout such as a first-floor office and second-floor residence, with separate entrances for each, it may be possible to gain approval for home-based business operations. Think of examples like a hair salon or dental clinic where the business is run from the ground floor of the home.
Although there are no specific size requirements, very small properties that cannot accommodate normal business operations will naturally not be approved. Below are some specific conditions regarding lease agreements and shared costs for home-based businesses:
Conditions for Home-based Business Operations:
- The lease agreement must allow for business use beyond residential purposes.
- If the corporation is a sub-tenant, there must be mutual consent between the landlord and primary tenant.
- The corporation must have dedicated business space with the necessary facilities to operate.
- There must be clear agreements regarding shared utility costs for the property.
- The office must display a sign or marker indicating it is a business.
Necessary Office Equipment and Facilities
The business office must have basic office equipment, such as a telephone, fax machine, personal computer, and copier. These facilities are necessary to demonstrate that the business is functional and operational. Once these conditions are met, photographs of the office setup must be submitted to the Immigration Bureau for review.
For businesses requiring a physical storefront, such as restaurants, the office must be equipped with appropriate furnishings like tables and chairs, and additional staff such as chefs and wait staff must be secured.
In Conclusion
While operating a business from home is generally not allowed under the Business Manager Visa, there are exceptions where home-based operations could be approved if strict conditions are met. These exceptions apply primarily to standalone homes with separate business and residential spaces. When choosing an office space, it is essential to select a property that meets visa requirements and provides adequate facilities for business operations.
For detailed consultations or assistance in securing an appropriate business premise for your visa application, feel free to contact our office.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, Financial advisor
18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship(Hosei Business School)
