The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced that it will tighten the visa requirements for the Business Manager Visa, effective October 16, 2025.
New Requirements
- Minimum capital: JPY 30 million
- Applicant qualifications: Must have at least three years of managerial experience or hold a master’s degree or higher in business management or a related field
- Employment requirement: Must employ at least one full-time employee, limited to Japanese nationals or foreign nationals with unrestricted work status
- Japanese language proficiency: Either the applicant or at least one full-time employee must have sufficient Japanese language ability (e.g., JLPT N2 level or higher)
- Business plan evaluation: The business plan must be reviewed and evaluated by a qualified professional, such as a certified public accountant or a registered management consultant
Applications Submitted Before the Effective Date
Although the new rules will take effect on October 16, 2025, visa applications submitted before October 15, 2025 will not be subject to the new requirements.
Three-Year Grace Period (Until October 16, 2028)
For current holders of the Business Manager Visa and Highly Skilled Professional Visa under the business management category, renewal applications submitted by October 16, 2028, will not be automatically denied even if the new criteria are not fully met.
Each case will be comprehensively assessed, taking into account the current business performance and the likelihood of meeting the new requirements in the future.
However, during the review process, applicants may be requested to submit documents evaluated by a business professional, such as a certified public accountant or management consultant.
Permanent Residency Applications
For applications for permanent residence submitted after October 16, 2025, individuals holding a Business Manager Visa or Highly Skilled Professional Visa under the business management category must meet the revised criteria under the new rules.
If you are considering establishing a business in Japan, we recommend carefully assessing your circumstances under the revised requirements and seeking professional guidance.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
