【Part 3】Business Manager Visa Reform Explained: Post-October 2025 Requirements and Local Government Support Special Provisions

This article provides a detailed explanation of the latest examination standards for the Business Manager status of residence (commonly known as the Business Manager Visa), based on the visa requirement reforms effective October 16, 2025.

▶ Official Guidelines (Japanese)

In Part 3, we introduce the reform details effective October 16, 2025, and the "Special Provisions for Startup Support by Local Governments," focusing on specific requirements and documentation.

Overview of Business Manager Visa Requirement Reforms Effective October 16, 2025

The requirements for obtaining a Business Manager Visa were significantly reformed effective October 16, 2025. The major changes are as follows:

🔍 Key Changes to Approval Standards

While these reforms have raised the barriers to starting a business in Japan, special provisions allowing partial requirement relief through local government startup support have been established.

Special Provisions for Startup Support by Local Governments

By utilizing startup support programs implemented by local governments, special provisions may be granted for the business scale requirement (30 million yen or more).

🔍 Overview of Special Provisions

This system allows applicants to meet business scale requirements even if their own funds fall short of 30 million yen, by receiving substantial startup support from local governments (prefectures or municipalities).

📋 Eligibility Requirements

The following requirements must all be satisfied:

• Certification as a recipient of startup support implemented by a local government
• Residence in an incubation facility owned or designated by the local government
• Recognition that the local government bears office expenses (such as rent) or consulting fees on behalf of the applicant

💰 Benefits of Support

Amounts recognized as being borne by the local government (such as office rent differentials or expert consultation fees) can be combined with the applicant's own invested funds (such as capital), up to a maximum of 2 million yen per year.

📄 Required Documentation: Startup Support Recipient Certificate

Applications require submission of a "Startup Support Recipient Certificate" issued by the local government, which must include the following information:

• Name and date of birth
• Name of the startup support program and detailed business description
• Support details (facilities, costs, duration)
• Estimated costs for private use and calculation basis for support
• Applicant's self-funded amount

⚠️ Important Considerations

When utilizing these special provisions, please note the following:

• When approved using the special provisions, the period of stay is generally determined to be "1 year"
• These measures are premised on local government support
• For renewal applications after support ends, the standard 30 million yen requirement must be met

The special provisions are temporary measures, and a business plan with a view to the future is crucial.

Period of Stay

When these special provisions apply, the period of stay is generally "1 year".

Article Summary

Throughout Parts 1-3 of this series, we have explained the Business Manager Visa reform content effective October 16, 2025.

In Part 3, we have reviewed in detail:

• New requirements after the reform (30 million yen capital, management experience, full-time employee hiring, Japanese language ability, expert review)
• How to utilize local government support programs and special provisions

By properly understanding these new systems and preparing the necessary documentation, business development in Japan and stable acquisition of residence status become more certain even under the post-reform standards.

For those aiming to obtain a Business Manager Visa, preparation based on the reform content is essential. Please proceed with application preparation in coordination with professionals.