Information on the New Requirements Following the Revision of the “Business Manager” Status of Residence (Effective October 2025)

Introduction

For foreign entrepreneurs who are planning to start a business in Japan or who are already operating a business in Japan:
On October 16, 2025, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency substantially revised the landing permission criteria and examination requirements for the “Business Manager” status of residence.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Revision of the Permission Criteria for the “Business Manager” Status of Residence
These revisions are intended to eliminate nominal or “paper” companies and attract entrepreneurs who will establish more substantial and sustainable businesses in Japan.
Therefore, anyone planning to apply for a Business Manager visa should first understand the latest changes accurately and take the necessary steps to prepare for a successful application.

Who is Subject to the New Requirements?

1. As a general rule, applicants submitting a new application on or after October 16, 2025 must satisfy all of the new requirements.

2. A three-year transitional period has been provided for individuals who already hold a Business Manager status of residence and are residing in Japan. Therefore, the new requirements do not apply immediately. However, from October 16, 2028, applicants renewing their status will generally need to meet the new requirements, including the increased capital requirement and employment requirements. During the transitional period, existing businesses should take steps such as expanding their business operations to meet the new standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Do I need to have \30 million in a Japanese bank account from the beginning?

1. Yes. As a general rule, an investment (capital contribution) of at least \30 million is required when submitting a new application. Even when starting a business as a sole proprietor, applicants are required to objectively demonstrate that at least \30 million in total funds has been invested in the business, such as through remittance records and bank statements. The source of the funds and how the funds were accumulated will also be subject to stricter examination than before.

2. Is it impossible to apply if I, as a foreign business owner, cannot speak Japanese?

2. No, it is not impossible. However, certain conditions apply. If the business owner does not have the required Japanese-language proficiency (CEFR B2 or JLPT N2 or higher), the company must employ at least one full-time employee who meets the language requirement and is either a Japanese national or a foreign national without work restrictions, such as a Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident. In other words, obtaining a Business Manager status of residence is no longer possible for a company consisting solely of a non-Japanese-speaking business owner with no qualifying full-time employee.

3. Is it absolutely impossible to start a business if I do not have “at least three years of management experience” or a “master’s degree or higher”?

3. As a general rule, objective evidence of these qualifications is now required. Previously, even applicants with no prior management experience could apply as long as they met the capital requirement. Under the new criteria, however, the applicant’s qualifications and suitability as a business manager are subject to stricter scrutiny. If you do not meet these requirements, an individualized strategy may be necessary, such as appointing a qualified co-manager or first obtaining another status of residence and subsequently transitioning to the Business Manager status. Please consult our office for advice tailored to your circumstances.

4. I already have a Business Manager visa. Do I need to increase my capital to \30 million immediately?

4. No, you do not need to increase your capital immediately. However, you will need to take the necessary steps during the transitional period through October 2028. Individuals who obtained their Business Manager status on or before October 15, 2025 may, in principle, continue to renew under the previous criteria for up to three years following the implementation of the revised requirements, until October 16, 2028. After that period, however, applicants will generally need to satisfy the new requirements, including increasing capital to \30 million and employing qualifying full-time personnel. It is therefore important to systematically work toward strengthening the company’s capital and organizational structure during the transitional period.

5. Will a business plan prepared by the applicant themselves be rejected?

5. No. An applicant may prepare the business plan themselves. However, under the revised requirements, a review and written assessment from an external qualified professional is required. A qualified professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Tax Accountant, or Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, must review the feasibility of the business plan and the appropriateness of its financial projections and provide a professional opinion. Our office can provide comprehensive support for the preparation of the required professional opinion, covering both immigration procedures (administrative scrivener services) and financial and tax matters (accounting and tax services).

Consultation and Inquiries

If you have concerns such as “I am not sure whether I can apply based on my background” or “I would like advice on how to restructure my existing company before 2028,” please feel free to contact our office for a consultation.