Following the legal amendment that took effect on October 16, 2025, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa have become significantly stricter.
For those who already hold this visa, understanding how to navigate the transition period is essential for a successful renewal.
The Three-Year Grace Period (Until October 16, 2028)
Current Business Manager Visa holders are granted a grace period until October 16, 2028. During this time:
- Visa renewals may be processed under the pre-amendment standards.
- However, the review process is not limited to current requirements; The Immigration Services Agency will also assess overall business performance and tax compliance.
- A key factor in the review will be the likelihood of the applicant meeting the new requirements by the time of their next renewal after the grace period ends.
The Strategic Importance of Increasing Capital
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the minimum capital requirement to 30 million JPY.
Increasing your company’s capital in advance during the grace period can be highly beneficial since it demonstrates a reasonable prospect of meeting the new standards in the future.
Steps to Conduct a Capital Increase
A capital increase is generally carried out through the following process:
- Depositing the increased capital into the company’s bank account.
- Preparing and submitting required documents in accordance with the Companies Act.
- Registering the capital increase with the Legal Affairs Bureau.
Alternative Approaches and Practical Considerations
Where it is difficult to prepare new funds for a capital increase, an alternative approach may be available in practice.
If the company has outstanding loans from a parent company or shareholders, these loans can be converted into share capital through Debt Equity Swap (DES).
Once the capital increase is properly registered, the funds do not need to be kept as a fixed cash balance. The increased capital can be used freely for ordinary business operations.
