5 Reasons Why a Japanese Business Manager Visa Application May Be Denied (and How to Address Them): A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs - EN
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[Revised October 16, 2025] Foreign nationals wishing to start a business or manage a company in Japan must obtain a "Business Manager" visa. However, the requirements were significantly tightened in October 2025, making the application process much more challenging. This article explains the five main reasons why a Business Manager visa may be denied under the new criteria and provides countermeasures.
1. Lack of Reliability and Objectivity in the Business Plan
❌ Reasons for Denial
- The business plan has not been verified by a certified expert (e.g., Registered Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Tax Accountant).
- The revenue model and sales strategy are unclear, and the plan is deemed to have a low probability of success.
- There are inconsistencies in the financial figures, such as sales and expenses.
✅ Countermeasures
- Consult with an expert from the planning stage to refine the content of your business plan.
- Have a Registered Management Consultant, CPA, or tax accountant prepare a confirmation letter regarding the objectivity and feasibility of the business plan.
- Create detailed financial projections for 3 to 5 years and clarify the basis for these calculations.
📝 Get Your Business Plan Reviewed by an Expert →
2. Failure to Meet the 30 Million JPY Capital Requirement
❌ Reasons for Denial
- The capital or total investment is less than 30 million JPY.
- The source or formation process of the 30 million JPY cannot be proven.
✅ Countermeasures
- Secure a business scale of 30 million JPY or more through personal funds, loans, or investments.
- Prepare objective documents to prove the source of the funds (e.g., bank balance certificates, remittance records, loan agreements).
- Consider using special exemptions available through startup support programs offered by local governments.
💰 Worried About Your Financial Plan? →
3. Insufficient Managerial Experience or Academic Background of the Applicant
❌ Reasons for Denial
- The applicant does not have at least three years of practical experience in business management or administration.
- The applicant does not hold a master's degree or equivalent in a field related to business management.
✅ Countermeasures
- Clearly demonstrate over three years of management experience with documents like a detailed resume and certificates of employment.
- Submit academic transcripts and diplomas from graduate school to explain the relevance of your major to the business.
- If your own experience or education does not meet the requirements, consider appointing another officer who does.
🏢 Need Advice on Experience Requirements? →
4. Failure to Meet Employment and Japanese Language Requirements
❌ Reasons for Denial
- Failure to employ at least one full-time employee (who is a Japanese national, Permanent Resident, etc.).
- Neither the applicant nor any full-time employee can prove Japanese language proficiency (equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher).
- The applicant is not substantially involved in key management decisions and is deemed to have insufficient operational engagement.
✅ Countermeasures
- Create a hiring plan and employ at least one full-time staff member (e.g., a Japanese national, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident).
- The applicant or a full-time employee must submit a certificate of passing the JLPT N2 or an equivalent qualification.
- Clearly demonstrate your specific duties and involvement in decision-making as a manager to prove you are not just a manual worker.
👔 Have You Sorted Out Your Personnel Requirements? →
5. Non-compliance with Office Requirements and Legal Obligations
❌ Reasons for Denial
- An independent office has not been secured (e.g., using a home office).
- Failure to enroll in social/labor insurance or non-payment of taxes.
- Failure to obtain necessary licenses or permits for the business (e.g., a restaurant business license).
✅ Countermeasures
- Secure an independent office and submit the lease agreement (a home office is generally not permitted).
- Complete enrollment procedures for social and labor insurance and pay public dues properly.
- Obtain the necessary permits for your business in advance and submit copies of the licenses.
📌 Worried About Compliance? →
To Successfully Obtain Your Business Manager Visa
The revised Business Manager visa application process demands a higher standard of business specificity, financial strength, managerial competence, and legal compliance than ever before. Thorough preparation is essential for success.
🔹 What You Can Do Now
- ✔ Understand the new requirements accurately and consult with an expert to check your situation.
- ✔ Develop a concrete financial plan to secure the 30 million JPY business scale.
- ✔ Start creating a high-precision business plan that includes verification by a certified expert.
📞 Start with a Free Consultation! →
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If you are considering applying for a Business Manager visa, please feel free to contact us for a consultation!
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