Japan Business Visa Process: Short-Term And Long-Term Options Explained

Planning a business trip to Japan, or thinking about starting a company there? Japan actually has two very different visa paths for business, and picking the right one matters. This guide breaks down both options, step by step, so you know exactly which one fits your situation.

Travelling for a short business trip? Book your flight to Japan with Nakamura Tours and lock in your dates early.

Japan Business Visas: Two Paths At A Glance

Japan's business visas fall into two categories:

• Short-term business visit visa. For meetings, market research, trade shows, or signing a contract. Valid for up to 90 days. You cannot take paid work with it.
• Long-term Business Manager visa. For people starting or running a company in Japan. Can be granted for up to 5 years, but the rules are much stricter.

If you're heading to Japan for a quick trip, you likely need the short-term visa. If you're setting up a business there, you need the Business Manager visa. Read on for the full process for each. 

If you want to know about the Japan tourist visa process for Bangladeshis, read our step-by-step guide.

Short-Term Business Visit Visa: Process

This visa suits most business travellers. Meetings, supplier visits, trade shows, and contract negotiations all fall under this category.

Step 1: Get an invitation letter

Your Japanese business contact or partner company needs to send you an invitation letter. This is the core document that explains your visit.

Step 2: Collect your supporting documents

You'll need a letter of guarantee from your host, along with your own company's trade license, tax papers, and bank statement.

Step 3: Apply at VFS Global Dhaka

Submit your documents in person at VFS Global. They collect your file and pass it to the embassy.

Step 4: Wait for the decision

Processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days.

One thing to keep in mind: this visa does not allow paid employment in Japan. It's strictly for business activities like meetings and negotiations.

Once your visa is approved, sorting your stay is next. Find a hotel for your Japan trip on Nakamura Tours close to your meeting venue.

Short-Term Visa: Required Documents

Here's what you'll typically need:

• Invitation letter from your Japanese business contact
• Letter of guarantee
• Trade license, tax papers, and company bank statement
• A letter from your own company explaining the trip
• Flight booking and travel plan

Some cases need more documents depending on the industry, so it's worth confirming the exact list before you apply.

Long-Term Business Manager Visa: Process

This path is for people who want to start or run a company in Japan. It's a bigger commitment, and the rules got much stricter in October 2025.

Step 1: Set up your company structure

Before applying, you need to register a company in Japan. This includes choosing a business type and registering it properly.

Step 2: Meet the capital and office requirements

Since October 2025, you need at least ¥30 million in capital, a physical office in Japan, and one full-time employee based there. You'll also need Japanese language ability around JLPT N2, either yours or your employee's.

Step 3: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

You or your representative applies for a COE through the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. This step confirms your business meets the requirements.

Step 4: Apply for the visa

Once your COE is approved, you apply for the actual visa with your passport, COE, and business documents.

This process takes longer and involves more paperwork than the short-term visa, so it's worth planning several months ahead.

Handling business setup takes time. Check Nakamura Tours' handpicked deals on flights for your Japan site visits during the process.

Which One Do You Actually Need?

Here's a simple way to decide:

• Going for a short trip, meeting, or negotiation, and not starting a company? You need the short-term business visit visa.
• Planning to start, manage, or run a company in Japan long-term? You need the Business Manager visa.

If you're unsure which applies to your situation, it's worth getting your case reviewed before you start gathering documents.

Japan Business Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid

A few mistakes come up often with both visa types:

• Weak invitation letter. For the short-term visa, a vague or informal invitation letter can raise questions.
• Underestimating the capital rule. For the Business Manager visa, many applicants don't realise the ¥30 million requirement changed in 2025.
• Applying for the wrong visa. Some travellers apply for a short-term visa when they actually need the Business Manager visa, which causes delays or rejection.

Getting this right from the start saves weeks of back and forth with the embassy.

Staying Connected On Your Business Trip

Whether you're in Japan for a two-day meeting or setting up your new office, staying online matters. Japan's public wifi isn't always reliable, and roaming rates add up fast.

Skip the SIM card hunt. Get a Japan e-SIM from Nakamura Tours and stay connected from the moment you land.

How Nakamura Tours can help

Business travel to Japan involves more than just the visa. Here's how we make the rest of the trip easier:

• Flights: Book your flight to Japan with flexible dates for business schedules.
• Hotels: Find accommodation close to your meetings or your new office location.
• E-SIMs: Stay connected across Japan without needing a local SIM card.
• Handpicked deals: Curated offers on flights and hotels, so you save on every trip.
• Travel perks: Extra benefits designed for frequent business travellers.

FAQ

What's the difference between the short-term and long-term business visa?
The short-term visa is for trips up to 90 days, like meetings or negotiations, and doesn't allow paid work. The long-term Business Manager visa is for starting or running a company, and can be granted for up to 5 years.

How much does a Japan business visa cost?
The visa itself is free for Bangladeshi citizens. You only pay a small VFS Global service charge.

Does Japan give a 5-year business visa?
In some cases, yes, but only for the Business Manager visa category, not the short-term visit visa. It depends on your business and the embassy's decision.

Can I apply for a Business Manager visa myself?
Yes, but it involves setting up a company, meeting capital and staffing rules, and applying for a COE. Many applicants get help through this process since it's more complex than a tourist or short-term visa.

Ready to plan your business trip to Japan?

Whether you're flying out for a quick meeting or moving to set up your company, the travel side should be the easy part.