Latest Information for International Students: Business Manager Visa (Updated for 2025 Revisions)

Are you an international student thinking about starting a business in Japan? The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa have changed significantly due to the institutional changes on October 16, 2025. While the hurdles have been raised in some areas, there are also advantages for international students with high levels of expertise. It is essential to correctly understand the new rules and formulate an appropriate strategy.

1. Compensating for Lack of Business Experience (New Educational Requirements)

The biggest challenge for international students has been the lack of business experience, but with this revision, educational background has become a direct evaluation factor. Leverage the following points:

• Leveraging Education: Research achievements and expertise in graduate school are now recognized as a substitute for practical experience.
• Alignment of Major and Business: Creating a business plan that utilizes your specialized knowledge is more important than ever.
• Proof of Japanese Proficiency: JLPT N2 or higher (or possessed by a full-time employee) has become a requirement.

[Important] New Standards for Education and Experience (Post-Revision)

Under the revised standards, meeting one of the following is now mandatory:

• 3 years or more of practical experience in management or administration
• Or, a Master's degree or higher equivalent in management/administration or a field related to the business

In other words, international students with a Master's degree in a relevant field may be able to clear this requirement even without practical experience.

2. Creating a Persuasive Business Plan and Expert Certification

The business plan is the key to obtaining a Business Manager Visa. In addition to the four elements that have traditionally been important, "verification by an expert" is now mandatory.

1. Market Analysis: Detailed analysis of target market size, growth potential, and competitive landscape.
2. Business Model: Clear explanation of the flow from procurement to sales.
3. Operation Plan: Specific methods of company operation and necessary personnel/qualifications.
4. Financial Model: Rational explanation of sales forecasts, expenses, and profit projections.

[New] Mandatory Verification by Experts

It is now legally required to have your business plan confirmed (certified) by an expert with a national qualification, such as a Small Municipal Enterprise Management Consultant (SME Consultant), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Licensed Tax Accountant. The plan must be guaranteed for its objectivity and feasibility.

Tips for Creating a Business Plan

• Aim for simple and easy-to-understand content.
• Use diagrams and photos effectively to make it visually easier to understand.
• Aim for about 5-6 A4 pages; be careful not to make the volume too large.

3. Alignment of Performance and Plan

When renewing the Business Manager Visa, consistency between the initial business plan and actual performance is important. Creating a realistic and achievable plan is crucial.

Points for Renewal

• Keep detailed records of business progress.
• If there is a significant divergence between the plan and actual results, be prepared to clearly explain the reason.
• Non-payment of taxes or social insurance will be a direct cause for denial of renewal.

4. New Requirements for Business Manager Visa (From October 16, 2025)

From October 16, 2025, the permission criteria have been significantly reviewed.

List of Major Changes

Mitigation Measures and Special Exceptions

While "30 million JPY capital" is a very high hurdle, it is not mandatory in all cases. If you receive certification for startup support from a local government (J-Startup, National Strategic Special Zones, etc.) and move into an incubation facility, you may be eligible for special measures such as relaxation of capital requirements. Check local government information.

Systems Already Implemented (From Jan 2025)

• Nationwide Expansion of Startup Visa: It has become easier to conduct activities for preparing to start a business anywhere in the country.
• Utilization of Grace Period: You can use the startup visa etc. as a preparation period to meet the requirements.

5. Utilizing Professional Support

Creating a business plan and application procedures are complex. Especially under the new system where "prior plan verification by an expert" has become mandatory, the presence of a partner expert is indispensable.

Benefits of Professional Support

• Receive advice based on the latest legal revision information.
• Comply with the mandatory "expert verification of business plan".
• Support for creating documents to prove complex capital requirements, etc.

Conclusion

For international students, the requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa have become stricter, but changes that can be said to be opportunities for international students with expertise, such as the evaluation of "personnel with a Master's degree", are also included. Although there is a wall of 30 million yen, let's realize your dream of starting a business in Japan by making full use of local government support systems, making careful preparations, and obtaining the support of experts.

Related Links

• Immigration Services Agency: Foreign Entrepreneur (Program for Promoting Foreign Entrepreneurial Activities)

[Note] This article is based on information as of December 2025. Please be sure to check the latest official information regarding future legal revisions and operational changes.