The Government of Japan has significantly tightened the requirements for its ‘Business Manager’ visa, which is aimed at foreign entrepreneurs and managers. Japan’s Ministry of Justice announced changes to the rules for the Business Manager visa on October 10, 2025. The new ordinance, which took effect on October 16, 2025, introduced stricter requirements for both new applicants and current visa holders seeking renewals.
The most notable change is the increase in minimum capital requirements from ¥5 million to ¥30 million (approximately $197,000), a six-fold hike designed to ensure substantive business operations and discourage the establishment of nominal companies.
The Business Manager Visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Japan to start, manage, or invest in a business.
In addition, the revised framework introduces several new requirements:
Employment: Applicants must now employ at least one full-time staff member who is either a Japanese national, permanent resident, long-term resident, or the spouse/child of one of these categories.
Japanese language proficiency: Either the applicant or the full-time employee must meet Japanese language standards equivalent to CEFR B2, including:
JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 or higher
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or above
Graduation from a Japanese high school or university
Completion of Japanese compulsory education, or 20+ years as a mid-to-long-term resident in Japan.
Career and academic criteria: Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in business or a related field, or demonstrate a minimum of three years’ management experience.
Verification of business plans: Business plans must now be validated by certified professionals such as SME management consultants, certified public accountants, or tax accountants to ensure feasibility and credibility.
Compliance checks (for renewals): Renewal applications will involve stricter verification of compliance with tax and social insurance obligations, as well as labour insurance coverage.
Business activities: Actual operations will be carefully reviewed; mere registration will not suffice.
Business premises: Physical offices are mandatory. Virtual offices or nominal addresses will no longer be accepted.
Overseas travel during stay: Extended absences from Japan without valid justification will be treated as a lack of actual activity and may disqualify renewal.
Permits and licenses: Applicants must submit proof of acquiring all necessary permits and licenses relevant to their business.
The Ministry clarified that these changes apply not only to new applicants but also to those already living in Japan on Business Manager visas or holding Highly Skilled Professional visas for both extensions of stay and status changes.
AloJapan.com