How to obtain a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" in case of operating deficit - EN

To put it simply, a business loss does not immediately lead to a denial of your renewal application. However, the hurdles for renewal have become higher as you are now required to comply with the new standards.

This article explains the key points for renewing your Business Manager visa, even if your business is facing a deficit, based on the latest legal amendments.

Key Points of the Legal Amendments and Their Impact on Renewals

The October 2025 revision has made the following requirements more stringent:

• Capital/Total Investment: A minimum of 30 million JPY in principle.
• Manager's Experience/Education: At least 3 years of business management experience or a master's degree or higher in a related field.
• Full-time Employee Requirement: Mandatory employment of at least one full-time employee (Japanese national, permanent resident, etc.).
• Japanese Language Proficiency: The manager or a full-time employee must have a proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher.
• Third-Party Review of Business Plan: A mandatory review by a certified expert, such as a Registered Management Consultant.

For current visa holders, transitional measures are in place for a period of three years, until October 16, 2028. After this period, you will be required to meet these new standards for any subsequent renewals.

When Can a Renewal Be Approved Despite a Business Loss?

Even after the transitional period ends, if you cannot fully meet the new standards, your renewal may still be approved if you satisfy the following conditions:

• The business is in good financial health: It's not just about a single year's loss. The trend of sales and profits, as well as future prospects for improvement, are crucial. Whether the company is insolvent will also be strictly reviewed.
• Proper payment of taxes and public dues: Failure to pay social insurance premiums and taxes is a critical issue for renewal.
• A reasonable expectation of meeting the new standards by the next renewal: You must provide a concrete business plan and financial projections that logically explain how you will meet the new requirements in the near future.

Key Points for a Successful Visa Renewal

• A Business Plan Demonstrating Improvement: It is vital to create a business plan that details the reasons for the loss and how you will return to profitability, and to have its feasibility verified by an expert like a Registered Management Consultant.
• Fulfillment of Public Obligations: Timely payment of taxes and social insurance premiums is the most fundamental element in demonstrating business stability. Ensure you pay them on time.
• Early Consultation with a Specialist: As renewal requirements have become more complex, consulting with a specialized administrative procedures legal specialist (Gyoseishoshi) as soon as your financial statements are ready is key to success.