Important Announcement: Revisions to the Approval Criteria for the “Business Manager” Visa (Effective October 16, 2025)

2025,10,12

This is a critical update for foreign nationals currently managing a company in Japan, as well as for those planning to start a business here.

On October 10, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced significant revisions to the approval criteria for the “Business Manager” status of residence. These new rules will take effect on October 16, 2025.

The amendments substantially tighten the application requirements and are expected to have a significant impact on future business plans and visa renewal procedures. This article provides a clear overview of the main changes.

1 1. Key Revisions for New Applications
2 2. Important Points for Visa Renewals
3 Comparison of Business Manager Visa Requirements
4 Conclusion

1. Key Revisions for New Applications

For new “Business Manager” visa applications filed on or after October 16, 2025, the following requirements must generally be met.

Employment of Full-Time Staff
It is now explicitly required to employ at least one full-time staff member who is a Japanese national, a Permanent Resident, or holds a similar status.
Capital Amount
The standard for business scale has been raised. A capital or total investment amount of 30 million JPY or more will now be required.
Japanese Language Proficiency
Either the applicant or one of the full-time employees must possess a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency (e.g., JLPT N2 or higher).
Management Experience or Academic Background
The applicant must have at least three years of practical experience in business or management, or a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
Professional Review of Business Plan
To objectively demonstrate its viability, the business plan must be reviewed and verified by a qualified professional, such as a Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant or a Certified Tax Accountant, before submission.

2. Important Points for Visa Renewals

These revisions are also highly relevant for those who currently hold the “Business Manager” status of residence.

Transitional Measures
For renewal applications filed within three years of the effective date (until October 16, 2028), transitional measures are in place. Even if the new standards are not immediately met, applications will be assessed comprehensively based on the business’s operational status.
After the Transitional Period
However, for renewal applications submitted after the three-year grace period ends, it will be necessary, in principle, to comply with the new approval criteria. Reviewing your business plan with the future in mind is crucial.
Status of Public Dues Payments
At the time of renewal, your compliance with tax payments and social insurance premiums will be verified more strictly than before.
Impact on Permanent Residence Applications
Please be aware that if you plan to apply for Permanent Residence, you will not be approved if you do not meet the revised criteria for the “Business Manager” status.

Comparison of Business Manager Visa Requirements

Requirement	Current	New System (Effective Oct 16, 2025)
Capital / Total Investment	5 million JPY	30 million JPY
Experience / Education (for the Manager)	None	3+ years of management experience (Note 1) OR a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field
Employment Obligation	None (Hiring 2+ full-time employees was an alternative to the capital requirement)	Mandatory employment of 1 or more full-time employees (Note 2)
Japanese Language Proficiency	None	Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have a considerable level of Japanese proficiency (CEFR B2 equivalent) (Note 3).
Expert Confirmation of Business Plan	None	Mandatory confirmation of a new business plan by an expert with professional knowledge of management

Notes:

Note 1: “Management experience” includes time spent on startup preparation activities under the “Designated Activities” status of residence.
Note 2: “Full-time employees” for this requirement are limited to Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, and holders of a status of residence from Appended Table 2 of the Immigration Control Act (e.g., “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” etc.). It excludes foreign nationals on most work visas.
Note 3: For the Japanese language proficiency requirement, the definition of “full-time employee” is expanded to include foreign nationals residing in Japan with a work visa (from Appended Table 1 of the Act).

Conclusion

It is said that the background for these revisions is a response to the frequent misuse of the “Business Manager” visa. It was reportedly used as a means of residency by individuals not genuinely engaged in management activities, as its requirements were perceived as being less strict than other work visas.
In light of this, these changes aim to clarify and reinforce the requirements for serious entrepreneurs who intend to operate stable and continuous businesses in Japan. The hurdles for new applications, in particular, have been raised significantly.
Those who currently hold a Business Manager visa should also begin preparing for the changes that will take effect in three years.

*Please accept our apologies, but due to a high volume of inquiries, we are not accepting new cases or consultations for “Business Manager” visa applications at this time. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.