2025: Japan Business Visa Statistics Report for Foreign Nationals
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[Latest in 2025] Statistical Report on Business Residence Status for Foreigners in Japan
What You Will Learn from This Article
- Latest 2025 Statistics on Business Manager Visa
- Breakdown and Trends by Nationality
- Actual Approval Rate for Applications
- Comparison with Other Business Visas
39,616 people
As of June 2024, the number of Business Manager Visa holders
has more than doubled over the past 10 years!
About Business-related Residence Status in Japan
For foreigners who want to work as business owners in Japan, the Business Manager Visa is one of the most important residence statuses. This article provides a detailed explanation based on the latest 2025 statistics.
Main Business-related Residence Statuses
| Residence Status | Eligible Individuals | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Business Manager | Foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers | Residence status for establishing and managing a business |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Engineers, sales professionals, translators, etc. | Employed by Japanese companies to engage in specialized work |
| Highly Skilled Professional | Individuals with advanced academic background or career | Preferential treatment based on a point system |
| Designated Activities (Startup) | Foreign entrepreneurs preparing to start a business | Allows stay during preparation phase for launching a company |
Latest Trends Among Foreign Residents in Japan
Statistics as of the end of 2024
Number of mid-to-long-term foreign residents in Japan: Approximately 3,410,992 people (+10.9% year-on-year increase)
Top Nationalities (as of the end of 2023)
- 1st: China - 820,000
- 2nd: Vietnam - 570,000
- 3rd: South Korea - 410,000
- 4th: Philippines - 320,000
- 5th: Brazil - 210,000
Increase in Employment-related Residence Status
| Residence Status | Number of Residents (End of 2023) | Year-on-Year Increase Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Approx. 362,000 | +16.2% |
| Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) | Approx. 208,000 | +59.2% |
| Technical Intern Training | Approx. 404,000 | +24.5% |
| Permanent Resident | Approx. 891,000 | +3.2% |
Detailed Analysis of the Business Manager Visa
Trends in Number of Holders
The number of Business Manager Visa holders has more than doubled over the past 10 years, reflecting the Japanese government's startup support policies and the increase in foreign entrepreneurs.
| Year | Number of Holders | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| June 2015 | 16,294 | Reference year |
| End of 2020 | Approx. 32,000 | Pre-COVID level |
| End of 2021 | Approx. 34,000 | - |
| End of 2022 | Approx. 36,000 | - |
| End of 2023 | Approx. 38,000 | - |
| June 2024 | 39,616 | Latest Data |
Number of Holders by Nationality (June 2024)
Key Point
93.4% of holders are from Asia, with a majority being Chinese nationals.
| Nationality | Number of Holders | Composition Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| China | 20,551 | 51.9% |
| South Korea | 3,104 | 7.8% |
| Nepal | 1,531 | 3.9% |
| Pakistan | 1,200 | 3.0% |
| Taiwan | 1,159 | 2.9% |
Application and Approval Insights
Estimated Approval Rate for Business Manager Visas (based on expert analysis)
60–70%
- Annual New Applications: Estimated 3,000–4,000 cases (2023–2025)
- Total Applications: Over 40,000 as of March 2025
- Approval Rate: Tends to be lower than other work visas
- Renewals: Relatively easy with stable operations and tax records
Main Reasons for Denial
- Incomplete documentation
- Inadequate business plan
- Failure to meet office requirements
Comprehensive Comparison of Business-related Residence Status
| Residence Status | Main Eligible Individuals | Number of Holders (2024) | Main Nationalities | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Manager | Foreign entrepreneurs, corporate executives, managers | Approx. 39,616 | China, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan | Involves company establishment and management. Clear requirements for office location, capital, etc. |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | Engineers, researchers, interpreters, marketing professionals, etc. | Approx. 418,706 | China, Vietnam, India, South Korea, etc. | Largest category of work visa. Covers a wide range of industries and companies. Requires academic background. |
| Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) | Skilled workers in 14 sectors such as food service, caregiving, construction, agriculture | Approx. 208,000 | Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, etc. | For sectors with labor shortages. Requires skill test and Japanese language ability. Transferable jobs. Not directly linked to permanent residency. |
| Technical Intern Training | Interns acquiring practical skills | Approx. 404,000 | Vietnam, Indonesia, China, etc. | Aims at skill transfer. Often criticized for its labor supply aspect and human rights issues. |
| Highly Skilled Professional (e.g., Type 1 Ro) | Researchers and engineers with advanced academic and career backgrounds | Approx. 28,708 | China, India, South Korea, USA, etc. | Point-based. Offers many benefits such as permanent residency, spouse employment, family accompaniment. Applicable to corporate managers. |
| Designated Activities (Startup) | Foreign entrepreneurs preparing to start a business | 716 or more (cumulative) | China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, etc. | Preparation period supported by local governments. Assumes transition to Business Manager Visa within one year. |
Latest Trends and Future Outlook
Key Trends
- Although the Business Manager Visa is relatively difficult to obtain, the number of holders is steadily increasing
- The proportion of Chinese nationals remains high
- A variety of business entry paths are being established, including Highly Skilled Professionals and Startup Visas
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services has become the main pathway for foreign workforce inflow
For Those Considering Applying for a Business Manager Visa
Applying for a Business Manager Visa is complex and requires specialized knowledge.
To increase your chances of success, the support of experienced professionals is essential.
Sources
Free consultation here
If you are interested in obtaining a business management visa, please feel free to contact us!
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- 外国人の日本在留資格に関する最新分析レポート（2025年版）－ 概要編 / Latest Analysis Report on Status of Residence in Japan for Foreign Nationals / 关于外国人在日本地位的最新分析报告。
外国人の日本滞在資格について、統計データと制度動向につき、2025年時点での最新状況をわかりやすくまとめています。/ Easy-to-understand summary of the latest statistical data and trends regarding foreign nationals' status to stay in Japan. / 通俗易懂地概括了有关外国人在留资格的最新统计数据和趋势。 - Latest Analysis Report on Status of Residence in Japan for Foreign Nationals (2025 Edition) - OverviewEasy-to-understand summary of the latest statistical data and trends regarding foreign nationals' status to stay in Japan.
- 2025: 日本外国人商务签证统计报告
本报告重点介绍以商务为目的在日本逗留的日本商务签证，特别是 "日本经营管理签证"。 - 关于在日外国人状况的最新分析报告（2025 年版） - 摘要部分。通俗易懂地概括了有关外国人在留资格的最新统计数据和趋势。
- 2025年最新：外国人の日本ビジネスビザ統計レポート － 詳細編 / 2025: Japan Business Visa Statistics Report for Foreign Nationals / 日本外国人商务签证统计报告本レポートでは、最新（2025年時点）の統計データをもとに、ビジネス目的で日本に滞在するための主要な在留資格、特に「経営・管理ビザ」を中心に、他のビジネス関連のビザ（「技術・人文知識・国際業務」「高度専門職」「スタートアップビザ」等）と比較しながら、その実態を包括的に分析します。/ this report focuses on Japanese Business Visa statuses for staying in Japan for business purposes, particularly the "Business Manager Visa". / 本报告重点介绍以商务为目的在日本逗留的日本商务签证，特别是 "日本经营管理签证"。
- 2025: Japan Business Visa Statistics Report for Foreign Nationalsthis report focuses on Japanese Business Visa statuses for staying in Japan for business purposes, particularly the "Business Manager Visa".
