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For the "3 or more years of business management experience" requirement of the 「経営・管理」 visa, must the business started in Japan be in the same field as the business managed in the home country?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 30 October 2026　／　Supervised by 柳舘亮一行政書士

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from the applicant themselves about the business management experience requirement for the 「経営・管理」 (Business Manager) visa.

Answer

I believe it does not necessarily have to be similar. Criterion No. 4 (基準第4号) of the examination guidelines (審査要領) states 「事業の経営又は管理について3年以上の経験を有している事」 (having 3 or more years of experience in the management or administration of a business), and there is no limitation to the same type of work. On the other hand, I think you need to clearly demonstrate, in the business plan and other documents, why you chose this field and whether the business is feasible, stable and sustainable.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the applicant themselves about the business management experience requirement for the 「経営・管理」 (Business Manager) visa.

Subject: 経営・管理
Application type: 在留資格認定証明書交付申請 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility) (経営・管理)
Situation: The applicant, an Indian national, runs a software development company in the home country. In Japan, the applicant is considering running a company in the restaurant business.
Question: Must the business field of the company the applicant intends to run in Japan be the same as, or similar to, the field of the business the applicant has actually managed for 3 or more years?

Must the business started in Japan be in the same field as the business managed in the home country?

I believe it does not necessarily have to be similar.

I believe it does not necessarily have to be similar. Criterion No. 4 (基準第4号) of the examination guidelines (審査要領) states 「事業の経営又は管理について3年以上の経験を有している事」 (having 3 or more years of experience in the management or administration of a business), and there is no particular limitation to the same type of work.

What should I be careful about when starting a business in a different field?

I think you need to clearly demonstrate, in the business plan and other documents, why you chose this field and whether the business is feasible, stable and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must the management experience for the 経営・管理 visa be in the same field as the business started in Japan?

I believe it does not necessarily have to be similar. The criteria in the examination guidelines (審査要領) do not limit it to the same type of work.

What should I prepare when starting a business in Japan in a field different from my business in my home country?

I think you need to clearly demonstrate, in the business plan and other documents, why you chose that field and whether the business is feasible, stable and sustainable.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.