Japan Business Manager Visa Renewal Guide (2025 Reform)

Already in Japan with a Business Manager Visa?

What the 2025 Reform Means for Your Next Renewal

This guide explains how the reform effective October 16, 2025 impacts:

• Business Manager renewals

• Compliance obligations during your stay

• What must be prepared before 2028

📌 For new applicants, see the separate guide:
“Japan’s Business Manager Visa Overhaul (Effective Oct 16, 2025)”

1️⃣ Big picture: You are not “safe for 3 years”

If you are already living in Japan with a Business Manager visa, this article tells you exactly what to prepare for your future renewals — and how to avoid unexpected refusal.

From 16 October 2025, the Immigration Services Agency introduces much stricter standards:

• 1+ full-time employee
  (Japanese / Special Permanent Resident / or certain Table-II status foreign nationals such as PR, Spouse of Japanese, etc.)

• 30 million yen business scale
  (Paid-in capital / total investment)

• B2 Japanese ability
  (either by the applicant or a full-time employee)

• Degree or 3+ years management experience

• Business plan reviewed by an expert
  (SME consultant / CPA / Licensed Tax Accountant)

• Home-office no longer acceptable
  (Independent office required)

There is a 3-year transition period for people who already hold Business Manager status.

👉 But this does not mean:

“I can ignore everything for 3 years and fix it later.”

Renewal checks are already becoming stricter.

2️⃣ Timeline: How the new rules apply to existing visa holders

(1) Applications filed before 16 Oct 2025

→ Examined under the old standards
→ Future renewals after 2028 must meet new standards

(2) Renewals filed between 16 Oct 2025 – 16 Oct 2028

• Renewal may be approved even if you do not yet meet all new standards

• Review focuses on:

  • Business activity & substance

  • Progress toward 30M scale & hiring

  • Realistic plan to meet new standards by next renewal

👉 “Grace period with strict monitoring”

(3) Renewals filed after 16 Oct 2028

New standards become mandatory

• 30M business scale

• 1+ eligible full-time employee

• B2 Japanese

• Degree/experience

• Office appropriate to the scale

• Full compliance with taxes & insurances

If not satisfied → renewal refusal is very likely

Permanent Residency / HSFP upgrades based on Business Manager will also become difficult.

3️⃣ What has already changed (even before 2028)

At renewals now, ISA examines:

✔ Real management substance

Not only outsourcing or unclear business activity

✔ Office

Home-office setup → in principle no longer accepted

✔ Public dues compliance

• Labor insurance

• Social insurance (if mandatory)

• All national & local taxes

Missing enrollment/payment = major negative factor

✔ Long stay outside Japan

More than half of stay outside Japan → renewal risk

4️⃣ Three dangerous misunderstandings

👉 Waiting until the last moment = very dangerous

5️⃣ What to start doing now – Practical checklist

(A) Capital / 30M scale plan

Corporation: consider investment increase
Sole proprietor: show actual investment documents

(B) Hiring plan

Where does the first full-time employee fit in the timeline?

(C) Japanese ability

Decide who satisfies B2 (you or employee) and gather proof

(D) Degree / experience

Collect diplomas / certificates / employment records

(E) Office improvement

Move away from home-office model

(F) Dues compliance

Correct any social insurance or tax issues now

(G) Travel records

Avoid majority overseas stays without solid justification

6️⃣ Renewal documents: What you will actually need

Business Manager renewals now require:

Basic documents

• Renewal application form

• Photo

• Passport & Residence Card

Business documents

Corporation:

• Financial statements

• Commercial registry

• Licenses/permissions
  Sole proprietor:

• Tax returns / P&L

• Evidence of actual investment

Category documents

(Category 1–4 classification based on company type)

Employment / Japanese ability evidence

• Full-time employee proof (contract, payslips)

• B2/N2 proof (N2, BJT, school history)

Personal tax evidence

• Resident tax certificates (living city/ward)

Public dues (very important)

• Labor insurance enrollment & payments

• Social insurance enrollment & payments (if mandatory)
  or written explanation if exempt

• National/local tax payment certificates

Official reference downloads

Required Documents for Renewal
▶ Immigration Services Agency Official List (PDF)

7️⃣ FAQ for current Business Manager holders

Q1. My capital is below 30M. Can I still renew?
→ During transition period: possibly yes
→ After Oct 2028: very difficult

Q2. Can my Japanese employee cover the B2 requirement?
→ Yes (if full-time & correct status)

Q3. I used Startup Visa/DA No.51 before. What happens?
→ Change of status timing matters
→ Renewals follow same timeline as others

8️⃣ When you should consult a professional ASAP

• Capital far below 30M / no plan

• Business model relies mainly on outsourcing

• Office still home-based

• Insurance/tax compliance unclear

• Aiming for PR / HSFP upgrade

These cases require early analysis and planning.

9️⃣ Need case-specific advice?

Every Business Manager case is different:

• Business size and sector

• Company structure

• Family situation

• Visa history

• Future goals (PR, HSFP, Long-Term resident, etc.)

📌 We cannot provide individual legal advice through a general article.

If you would like:

• Risk analysis under the new rules

• Renewal schedule planning

• Compliance support (insurance/tax/licenses)

• Roadmap toward 2028 / PR

📩 Please consider booking a paid online consultation with Our office.

Quick general questions → email or LINE welcome
Detailed guidance → consultation only

Conclusion

If you already hold Business Manager status:

Do not wait until 2028.
Start preparing now.

Your business, finances, and compliance record over the next few years
will determine whether you can stay in Japan long-term.

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com