Business Manager Visa Renewal – Transitional Measures 2025

Business Manager Visa Renewal – Transitional Measures after the 2025 Reform

Effective October 16, 2025, Japan has implemented new, stricter standards for the Business Manager Visa.
For those who already hold this visa, a three-year transitional period has been established, allowing renewals to be judged flexibly based on real business performance.
Below is a detailed explanation of what this transition means, who it applies to, and how to prepare for renewal.

🔹 Background of the Reform

Starting October 16, 2025, Japan’s “Business Manager” visa underwent major revisions.
The new rules require a higher level of genuine business activity, including:

Minimum capital of JPY 30 million
At least one full-time employee (Japanese national or PR holder)
Three years of management experience or a Master’s degree
Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N2 (B2 level)
Professional evaluation of the business plan

The purpose is to prevent visa acquisition through shell companies and ensure that only sustainable, transparent enterprises are approved.

🔹 Transitional Period for Current Visa Holders

According to the Ministry of Justice, a three-year transition period applies to current visa holders until October 15, 2028.
During this time, renewals can still be approved under the old standards if the applicant demonstrates genuine and continuous business activity.

Eligible: Anyone who held the Business Manager visa before October 16, 2025
Period: October 16, 2025 – October 15, 2028
Content: Renewals assessed comprehensively, considering business performance and compliance even if new criteria are not fully met

🔹 Key Points Reviewed at Renewal

Even during the transitional period, immigration officers will focus heavily on business substance and compliance rather than formalities.
Be prepared to demonstrate the following:

Actual operation of the business (sales, contracts, tax payments)
Active participation in management and decision-making by the applicant
Existence of a real office (virtual or home offices are generally not accepted)
Proper payment of taxes, social insurance, and employee management
Evidence of full-time staff or ongoing employment

From July 2025, submission of a “Business Management Activity Report” became mandatory for all renewals.
This document explains what business and management activities were performed during the last period of stay.

🔹 Common Misunderstandings

“The old rules apply for three years” is incorrect.
The transition period is not a grace period but a phase-in period.
Applicants must show efforts to meet the new 2025 standards.
Preparation should start immediately.
After October 2028, renewals will require full compliance with the new criteria—capital, employment, language, and plan evaluation.
Incomplete documentation may lead to short-term approval or denial.
Maintain contracts, tax certificates, employee records, and accounting books to prove genuine operation.

🔹 Support by Tommy’s Legal Service

We provide complete bilingual assistance for visa renewals and documentation under the new rules:

Preparation of the required Business Management Activity Report
Revision of business plans and professional evaluations for renewal
Capital increase / hiring / compliance planning for transition to new standards
Application support for renewal, extension, and re-application

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