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New Criteria for "Management and Administration" Visa and Company Incorporation Manual

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Important: Effective October 16, 2025, the requirements for the "Management and Administration" visa have been significantly tightened. The conventional wisdom of "investing 5 million yen" or "starting a business alone" no longer applies.

October 16, 2025 marks a historic turning point for foreigners seeking to start a business in Japan. The previous standard of 5 million yen in capital is now a thing of the past, and the new standard, which requires extremely high capital and management skills, is now in effect.

In this column, we explain the process from incorporation to visa acquisition based on the latest laws and regulations from a practical perspective.

STEP
Securing ¥30 million in capital and establishing a corporation

In the case of a joint stock company, etc., the paid-up capital is30 million yen or moreWe will prepare it for you.

For sole proprietorships, the total amount of investment, including capital investment and salary for one year, must be at least 30 million yen.

STEP
Hiring of full-time staff (at least one)

It is now a requirement to employ at least one full-time employee, such as a Japanese national or permanent resident.

Note that foreigners with work visas such as "business administration" are not counted in this category.

STEP
Securing independent offices

The size of the office must be commensurate with the revised size.

In principle, it is no longer permitted to use one's home as an office.

STEP
Confirmation of the business plan by an expert

Confirmation of the contents of the plan by a small and medium business consultant, certified public accountant, or certified tax accountant is now obligatory.

The preparation of the application itself must be done by a Gyoseishoshi Lawyer or an attorney, in accordance with the Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Law.

Three new standards

High Japanese language proficiency: Applicant or full-time staff must have JLPT N2 or higher (or BJT 400 or higher).

Solid background: Master's or doctoral degree in management or administration, or at least 3 years of work experience.

Strict taxes and public dues: Ensure that social insurance and labor insurance are in place, and that corporate and income taxes are properly paid.

1. "New Standard" for Establishing a Company: The 30 Million Yen Capital Wall

First, the framework of the corporation requires an order of magnitude more financial resources than in the past.

  • Paid-in Capital In the case of a joint stock company, etc., as the amount of paid-in capital30 million yen or moreThe following is a list of the items that must be prepared.
  • For sole proprietors:. The total amount of investment, including securing business premises, staff salaries for one year, and capital investment expenses, will be judged to be 30 million yen or more.
  • Certification of Articles of Incorporation and Registration:. The basic rules of the company are established, and after certification by a notary public (for joint stock companies only), the company is registered at the Legal Affairs Bureau.

2. personnel and location: hiring full-time staff and securing office space

Under the new system, it is now virtually impossible for a single manager to start small.

  • Full-time staff employment:. Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, or foreigners with permanent resident/settled resident status, etc,At least one full-time employeeThe new law requires that the company must
  • Securing business premises:. The appropriate office for the revised size is required .
  • Prohibited for home use:. In principle, it is no longer permissible to use one's home as a place of business.

3. "Management/Administration" visa: Qualities of the manager to be tested

After the registration is completed, an application will be filed with the Immigration Office, and all of the following new requirements must be met.

  • Japanese Language Proficiency: 1 The applicant himself/herself or a full-time employee,JLPT N2 or higher(or BJT score of 400 or above) in Japanese language is required.
  • Background Requirements:. Master's, doctoral, or other degree in business or management, orAt least 3 years of experience in management and administrationis required.
  • Expert confirmation of business plan:. A small business consultant, certified public accountant, or licensed tax accountant will be consulted on the plan to be submitted.Content verification is now mandatory. The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Note: Authority to prepare documents

While small business consultants, certified tax accountants, and certified public accountants are responsible for "content verification" of business plans, lawyers and certified public accountants will continue to be able to prepare applications to be submitted to government offices for a fee.paralegal qualified to prepare legal documents on administrative matters, e.g. immigrationOnly

Entrepreneurial Strategies in an Era of Selection

The revision requires foreign entrepreneurs to have extremely high comprehensive ability: sufficient funds, human resources, language skills, and a solid business plan.

We will accompany our clients through this complex and rigorous new system to ensure that they are able to enter the Japanese market.

Manual for setting up a business in Japan and obtaining a "Management/Administration" visa

Japan_Business_Visa_2025_Navigator-1-1

In an age when there is no "right answer," we need a reliable "guidepost.

In October 2025, Japan's "Management and Administration" visa system reached a historic turning point. The new standards are: capital of 30 million yen or more, and the obligation to hire full-time staff ....... The new standards are extremely strict and no common sense can be applied.

I would like to be a companion for entrepreneurs challenging this high wall by mobilizing my 35 years of administrative experience at the Kyoto Prefectural Government and my knowledge as an international administrative scrivener.

The blue ribbon on my chest is a testament to my creed of "integrity" and "fortitude. I believe that beyond the complicated and bizarre administrative procedures, there lies the success of your business and a bright future for Japan.

From Kyoto to the world. Let's take a solid step forward together.

Representative of Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Alex International Office Dakei Matsutani

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