Business Manager Visa Reform Japan 2025 – New Requirements Explained

【Japan Visa Update】Business Manager Visa Reform Effective October 16, 2025

– New capital requirement of 30 million yen, at least one full-time employee, and management experience criteria –

As of October 16, 2025, Japan has implemented new and stricter requirements for the Business Manager Visa.
These revisions aim to ensure that only genuine business operators with sustainable and transparent operations can qualify for residence in Japan.

🔹 Key Changes from October 2025

Item	New Requirement	Before Revision
Capital Investment	Minimum JPY 30 million	JPY 5 million or more
Employment	At least 1 full-time employee (Japanese national, permanent resident, or spouse of Japanese national)	Either 2 employees or capital of 5 million yen
Experience / Education	3 years of business or management experience, or a Master’s / Professional degree	Not explicitly required
Japanese Language Ability	Applicant or one full-time staff must have Japanese proficiency B2 (JLPT N2 level)	Not required
Business Plan Evaluation	Certified evaluation by tax accountant, CPA, or SME consultant required	Simple self-prepared plan acceptable
Office	Real, physical business premises required (home office not accepted)	Some exceptions allowed

🔹 Transitional Measures for Current Visa Holders

For those already holding a Business Manager visa before the reform,
a three-year transitional period has been introduced, valid until October 15, 2028.
During this period, renewals will still consider current business performance and compliance even if the new standards are not fully met.

However, applicants must:

Submit an “Activity Report” describing business and management activities during the latest period of stay
Provide proof of genuine business operation, employment, tax, and social insurance compliance
Show a gradual alignment toward the new 2025 standards

Note: The transitional period is not an exemption but a preparation phase to adjust your business toward the new criteria.

🔹 Our Support Services

Preparation of revised business plans and professional evaluation reports
Templates for “Business Activity Statement” required for renewal
Capital increase and compliance planning for the new JPY 30M requirement
Support for full-time employee hiring, social insurance registration, and licensing
Assistance during renewal and reapplication under transitional rules

Contact:
Tommy’s Legal Service (Administrative Scrivener Office)
102, THE HUB Yokohama Motomachi,
1-13-2 Ishikawa, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 231-0868
TEL: 045-550-5135　Mail: mail@gyosei-tominaga.com
Representative: Daisuke Tominaga