Key Amendments to Japan’s “Business/Management” Visa Effective October 16, 2025

If you’re a foreigner looking to obtain Japan’s “Business/Management” visa (also known as the Business Manager Visa), there have been significant updates to the eligibility criteria. These changes, implemented on October 16, 2025, aim to ensure that businesses are stable, legitimate, and actively managed. I’ll explain the main points in simple English, based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). Note that these rules apply to new applications and extensions after the date, with some transitional measures for existing holders.

1. Minimum Capital or Investment Requirement

• You now need at least 30 million yen (about $200,000 USD, depending on exchange rates) in capital or invested funds to start or run the business.
• For companies: This means paid-in capital for stock companies or total contributions for partnerships/LLCs.
• For individuals: This includes all funds invested in things like securing an office, one year’s employee salaries, equipment, and other operational costs.
• Why? To prove the business is financially viable and not just a shell.

2. Japanese Language Proficiency

• Either you (the applicant) or at least one full-time employee must have business-level Japanese skills (equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher).
• Proof options include:
  • Passing JLPT N2 or above.
  • Scoring 400+ on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.
  • Living in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident for 20+ years.
  • Graduating from a Japanese university or higher education institution.
  • Completing Japanese compulsory education and high school.
• Full-time employees proving this can include foreigners with certain work visas (Table I statuses).

3. Full-Time Employee Hiring

• You must hire at least one full-time employee (besides yourself) who works regularly at the business.
• Eligible employees: Japanese citizens, special permanent residents, or foreigners with permanent-type visas (e.g., permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, or long-term residents). Foreign workers on temporary visas don’t count.
• This ensures the business is operational and not a one-person show.

4. Your Qualifications and Experience

• You need either:
  • A doctoral, master’s, or professional degree in a field related to business management or the specific industry (including equivalent foreign degrees), OR
  • At least 3 years of experience in business management or a related field.
• Experience can include time spent preparing a startup under a “Specific Activities” visa.

5. Business Plan Review

• Your business plan must be reviewed and confirmed by a qualified expert for being specific, realistic, and feasible.
• Approved experts (as of October 2025): Certified management consultants (e.g., SME consultants), certified public accountants, or tax accountants.
• Note: Only these professionals can do this—others like lawyers or administrative scriveners might violate laws if they charge for document preparation.

6. Business Operations and Premises

• The business must show real management activity—you can’t just outsource everything or act as a passive owner.
• You need a dedicated business office suitable for the company’s scale. Using your home as the office is generally not allowed anymore.
• Obtain any required business licenses or permits. If you can’t get them right away (e.g., because you need the visa first), submit them at your next visa extension.

7. Compliance with Taxes and Insurance

• For visa extensions, you’ll be checked for paying all required public dues, including:
  • Labor insurance (e.g., employment and workers’ compensation premiums).
  • Social insurance (health and pension).
  • National and local taxes (e.g., income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax, resident tax).
• Prolonged absences from Japan (e.g., more than half your visa period) without good reason could lead to denial, as it shows lack of active involvement.

Transitional Measures (For Existing or Pre-Amendment Cases)

• Applications before October 15, 2025: Old rules apply if your application was already submitted and under review.
• Current visa holders: You have until October 16, 2028 (3 years grace period) to comply. During this time, extensions might be approved based on your business performance and plans to meet the new rules. After 2028, full compliance is mandatory.
• Switching from “Specific Activities” visas (e.g., startup or future talent visas): If your prep work started before October 16, 2025, old rules may apply; otherwise, new ones do.
• Permanent residency or switching to “Highly Skilled Professional” visas tied to this category won’t be approved if you don’t meet the new criteria after 2028.

Important Notes

• These changes make the visa stricter to prevent abuse, but they support genuine entrepreneurs.
• Always consult a qualified immigration expert or lawyer for your specific case, as requirements can vary.

This should give a clear overview—feel free to ask if you need more details on any part!