【Latest Guide -Part1- 】Guide to Obtaining a "Japanese Business Manager Visa" for Foreign Nationals (Corresponding to the 2025 October revision) -EN

The “Business Manager Visa” is an essential status of residence for foreign nationals aiming to start or operate a business in Japan. From October 16, 2025, the revised regulation will significantly tighten the requirements for obtaining this visa. This article provides a clear explanation of the latest post-revision requirements for foreign managers to obtain a Business Manager Visa in Japan, based on the official guidelines of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

▶ Click here for the official guidelines (Immigration Services Agency)

What is the Business Manager Visa?

The Business Manager Visa (status of residence “Business Manager”) is intended for foreign nationals who establish and manage a company in Japan or manage an existing business entity.

To qualify for this visa, one must not be a mere executive in title but be substantively engaged in actual business management and operations.

Main Screening Points and Requirements after Revision (Effective October 16, 2025)

① Significant Increase in Required Capital or Investment Amount

Before revision: 5 million yen → After revision: 30 million yen

The business scale requirement has been significantly tightened, now requiring a capital or total investment amount of 30 million yen. However, exceptions apply if the applicant is supported by a local government entrepreneurship assistance program.

② New Requirements for Manager’s Career and Academic Background

For the first time, the applicant’s personal background is subject to mandatory evaluation:

• At least 3 years of experience in business management or administration, or
• A master’s degree or higher in a field related to business or management.

Immigration authorities will directly assess whether the applicant possesses sufficient capacity and knowledge to execute the proposed business activities.

③ Mandatory Employment of at Least One Full-Time Employee (New)

Hiring at least one full-time employee is now mandatory. Eligible full-time employees must fall under one of the following residence statuses:

• Japanese national
• Special permanent resident
• Permanent resident
• Spouse or child of a Japanese national
• Spouse or child of a permanent resident
• Long-term resident

Note: Foreign employees holding statuses under Table 1 of the Immigration Control Act, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” do not qualify as full-time employees under this requirement.

④ Japanese Language Proficiency Requirement (New)

Either the applicant or a full-time employee must meet one of the following Japanese language proficiency conditions:

• Certified at JLPT N2 level or higher
• Score of 400 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
• Graduate of a Japanese university or higher education institution
• Has resided in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident for 20 years or more

⑤ Business Plan Verification by Licensed Professionals (New)

A business plan must now be verified by one of the following licensed professionals:

• Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Licensed Tax Accountant

This requirement ensures third-party verification of the objectivity and feasibility of the business plan.

⑥ Active Participation in Actual Business Management

To be granted status, the applicant must be substantively engaged in the following activities:

• Decision-making on major company operations
• Involvement in business execution, accounting, or auditing functions

Merely holding a position in name is insufficient; active participation in management decisions is essential.

⑦ Requirements for Business Premises (Tightened)

Applicants must secure an independent business office suitable for conducting business activities consistent with the scale of the enterprise:

• The premises must be an independent location where continuous business activities are conducted
• Short-term rental spaces or stalls are generally considered ineligible
• Using a home as both residence and office is, in principle, no longer permitted.

For exceptions where a residence is also used as an office, additional conditions must be satisfied:

• The lease agreement must explicitly authorize business use by the landlord
• There must be a dedicated room for business equipped with office facilities
• A company nameplate or signage must be installed
• Utility payments must be clearly documented

If the above conditions are not met, the visa application may be rejected.

⑧ Special Measures for Local Government Startup Support

Applicants who receive significant startup support from local governments (prefecture, city, or municipality) may be eligible for special measures even if their personal capital is below 30 million yen:

• Must be officially certified as a recipient of local government startup support
• Must operate within an incubation facility owned or designated by the local government
• The local government must be recognized as covering certain operational costs (e.g., rent, consulting fees) on behalf of the applicant

Note: If approved under these special measures, the residence period granted will be limited to one year.

Transitional Measures for Current Visa Holders

For those already residing in Japan under the “Business Manager” status, a grace period has been established to ease the impact of sudden regulatory changes:

• Grace period: Three years from the enforcement date (until October 16, 2028)
• During renewal within this period: Applications for extension during these three years will be reviewed comprehensively based on the latest business performance and specific prospects for compliance with the new standards, even if not fully meeting them yet.
• After the grace period: Starting October 17, 2028, compliance with the new standards will, in principle, be mandatory for all applications.

Examples of Approved and Rejected Cases

✅ Approved Cases

• Leased property explicitly designated “for office use” in the contract
• Property owned by a Chamber of Commerce used as a branch office
• Office established with separate entrance from residence, including company signage and office equipment

❌ Rejected Cases

• Portion of a private home with only daily goods placed, submitted as an “office”
• Lease contract under an employee’s name instead of the applicant’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use part of my home as an office?

A: Under the new rules, this is generally not permitted. Applicants must secure an independent office suitable to their business scale.

Q2: Can I apply if I cannot speak Japanese?

A: Either the applicant or at least one full-time employee must have Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher.

Q3: What if I cannot prepare 30 million yen in capital?

A: You may apply through special measures if supported by a local government’s startup assistance program. However, the approved residence period will be limited to one year.

Q4: Who can verify my business plan?

A: Verification must be conducted by a licensed professional, such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, or Licensed Tax Accountant.

Consult a Professional

If you are uncertain about obtaining a Business Manager Visa in Japan, it is recommended to consult with a professional, such as an administrative scrivener corporation.

At the Japan Business Visa Center, both administrative scriveners and certified SME management consultants support you in preparing business plans and handle company incorporation through visa acquisition in full compliance with the new requirements.

In Conclusion

For foreign entrepreneurs seeking to reside in Japan under “Business Management,” this visa represents the essential first step. Although the revised regulation effective October 16, 2025, introduces stricter criteria, understanding the system correctly and reflecting it in your business plan enables smooth residence and successful business development.

Existing visa holders benefit from a three-year transition period, but new applicants must comply fully with the revised standards. Early preparation and consultation with professionals are strongly advised.

We hope this article will assist you in realizing your business goals in Japan.