Japan Considering Raising Capital Requirement for Business Manager Visa to 30 Million Yen
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan is reportedly considering a significant change to the Business Manager visa.
Under the current rules, applicants must invest at least 5 million yen in capital or hire two full-time employees.
The proposed reform would raise the minimum capital requirement to 30 million yen — six times the current level.
Officials say the aim is to prevent the misuse of the visa by paper companies and ensure that only entrepreneurs with genuine business capacity operate in Japan.
If implemented, this change could have a major impact on foreign entrepreneurs, especially those planning small-scale or start-up operations.
While no official date has been announced, businesses are advised to follow developments closely and be prepared to adjust their plans accordingly.
経営・管理ビザの現在の資本金要件 Current Capital Requirement for the Business Manager Visa
- 資本金または出資額が500万円以上
- または、常勤職員を2名以上雇用 この基準は長年変わらず運用されてきましたが、今後大きく見直される可能性があります。
- A capital or investment amount of at least 5 million yen
- OR employment of at least two full-time staff members.
- This standard has been in place for many years without change, but there is a possibility it may be significantly revised in the future.
資本金要件引き上げ案の概要 Overview of the Proposed Increase in the Capital Requirement
入国管理庁では、資本金要件を3,000万円以上に引き上げる方向で検討中と報じられています。
現時点では省令改正前であり、公式発表はされていません。
It has been reported that the Immigration Services Agency is considering raising the capital requirement to 30 million yen or more.
At present, the ministerial ordinance has not yet been amended, and no official announcement has been made.
なぜ3,000万円に？引き上げ検討の背景 Why 30 Million Yen? Background to the Consideration of Raising the Requirement
・ペーパー会社や不正利用の抑止
・実質的な事業運営能力を持つ起業家の選別
・周辺国との制度水準調整（例：韓国は約3,000万円）
・Preventing paper companies and fraudulent use
・Screening for entrepreneurs with genuine business management capability
・Aligning the system’s standards with neighboring countries (e.g., South Korea’s requirement is around 30 million yen)
京都市では多くの外国人起業家がビジネスを展開しています。
町家を破壊して無計画に建物を建て替えるケースや、観光客向けの過剰な広告看板などが問題視されています。
また、住宅地での短期宿泊施設運営に伴う生活騒音やゴミ問題も増加しています。
・景観保全と地域秩序維持
In Kyoto City, many foreign entrepreneurs are running businesses.
There are growing concerns about cases where traditional townhouses are demolished and replaced with new buildings without proper planning, as well as excessive advertising signs targeting tourists.
In addition, issues such as noise and garbage associated with the operation of short-term lodging facilities in residential areas are on the rise.
・Preservation of the cityscape and maintenance of community order
外国人起業家への影響 Impact on Foreign Entrepreneurs
資本金要件の引き上げは、事業計画・資金計画・雇用計画に直結します。
特に、小規模・低資本での起業が難しくなる可能性が高まります。
The increase in the capital requirement directly affects business plans, funding plans, and employment plans.
In particular, it is likely to make starting a business on a small scale or with low capital much more difficult.
今からできる準備 Preparations You Can Start Making Now
・最新の制度改正情報を定期的にチェック
・資金計画の再検討と必要資金の明確化
・実現可能性を裏付ける事業計画書の整備
・京都市や府の景観条例・用途地域規制の確認
・Regularly monitor the latest updates on regulatory changes
・Prepare a business plan that demonstrates feasibility
・Check Kyoto City and Kyoto Prefecture’s regulations on cityscape preservation and zoning restrictions
・Review and clarify your funding plan and required capital
焦らず冷静に動くためのポイント Key Points for Moving Forward Calmly and Without Rushing
制度改正の方向性を見極めながら、確実に条件を満たす準備を進めましょう。
短期的な駆け込み申請よりも、長期的に安定した事業運営が重要です。
While carefully monitoring the direction of regulatory changes, steadily prepare to meet the requirements.
Long-term stable business operations are more important than rushing to submit applications at the last minute.
まとめ Summary
経営・管理ビザの資本金要件の引き上げは、単なる外国人起業家の振るい分けだけでなく、京都の景観や社会秩序を守るための一環としても、重要な意味を持つ可能性があります。
国際観光都市としての価値を維持するため、制度と地域ルールの双方を理解し、持続的な事業を行うことが求められます。
The proposed increase in the capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa is not only a measure to screen foreign entrepreneurs but also holds significant importance in protecting Kyoto’s cityscape and social order.
To maintain its value as an international tourist city, it is essential to understand both the regulations and local rules, and to conduct sustainable business operations.
