- 1 Japan’s New “Business Manager” Visa Requirements (Effective October 2025): What Foreign Entrepreneurs Need to Know
Japan’s New “Business Manager” Visa Requirements (Effective October 2025): What Foreign Entrepreneurs Need to Know
— Capital Requirement Raised to ¥30 Million, At Least One Full-Time Employee Required, and Business Plans Must Be Reviewed by Experts
Quick Overview
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Announcement: On August 26, 2025, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) released a draft ministerial ordinance revision for the “Business Manager” visa and opened a public comment period until September 24, 2025.
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Implementation: The revision is expected to be promulgated in early October and enforced in mid-October 2025.
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Main Changes (Draft Proposal):
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Business scale requirements will now require both a capital of ¥30 million or more and the employment of at least one full-time staff member.
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Applicants must hold a relevant degree (Master’s, Doctorate, or Professional) or have 3+ years of management experience.
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Business plans must be evaluated by a qualified business expert.
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More stringent documentation will be required for both new applications and renewals.
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Why the Change?
This reform is part of Japan’s Comprehensive Policy for Foreign Human Resource Acceptance and Coexistence (2025 update). The government aims to crack down on “paper companies” and ensure that only entrepreneurs with substantial investment, credible business plans, and sustainable operations can obtain and renew a Business Manager visa.
Current vs. New Requirements (Side-by-Side Comparison)
| Item | Current Rules | New Rules (Draft Ordinance, Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Scale | Either: (1) Hire 2+ full-time employees OR (2) Invest ¥5 million+ OR (3) Equivalent scale | Both required: (1) Hire at least 1 full-time employee and (2) Invest ¥30 million+ |
| Applicant’s Eligibility | Limited listing of qualifications | Must hold a relevant academic degree (Master’s/Doctorate/Professional) or have 3+ years of management experience |
| Business Plan | Checked for format and plausibility | Must be evaluated by a certified business expert |
| Documentation (New/Change Applications) | Could submit proof of “employees” OR “capital” OR “other” | Must submit both employee-related and capital-related documents |
| Documentation (Renewals) | Same “either/or” approach | Renewals also require both types of documents |
Key Points Explained
1. Business Scale: No More “Either/Or”
Previously, applicants could choose between investing ¥5 million or hiring two employees. From October 2025, you must invest ¥30 million AND employ at least one full-time worker. The “equivalent scale” clause has also been removed, leaving little room for flexibility.
2. Applicant Requirements
Applicants must now show they are qualified to run a business. This means having:
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A degree in a relevant field (business, management, or the specific industry of the business), or
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At least three years of management experience.
3. Expert Evaluation of Business Plans
From now on, every business plan must be reviewed by an independent expert in management or business. While the draft ordinance does not specify exactly who qualifies, it is likely to include:
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Certified SME consultants
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Tax accountants or CPAs
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University faculty with MBAs or management expertise
4. Stricter Documentation — Even for Renewals
Applicants will now have to submit both employment records and capital evidence for new applications, changes, and renewals. Renewal applicants can no longer rely on minimal documentation — proof of actual investment and employment is now mandatory.
Timeline and Public Comment
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Public comment deadline: September 24, 2025 (must be received by this date).
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Promulgation: Early October 2025.
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Enforcement: Mid-October 2025.
Who Will Be Affected?
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New Applicants (COE & Change of Status): All new applicants after enforcement must meet the new rules.
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Renewals: Documentation standards will tighten immediately. Whether renewals will also require meeting the full ¥30 million capital requirement is not explicitly stated in the draft — but stricter interpretation is expected.
According to media reports, only about 4% of current visa holders meet the new capital requirement, highlighting how dramatic this shift is.
Action Steps for Entrepreneurs
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Rebuild your financial plan: Secure a path to raising ¥30 million in capital and budgeting for at least one full-time hire.
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Seek expert partners early: Connect with a certified business consultant, CPA, or SME advisor who can formally evaluate your business plan.
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Prepare dual documentation: Collect both employee-related and capital-related evidence.
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Submit before enforcement if possible: If your business plan and capital are not yet ready, consider submitting an application before October 2025 to be judged under current rules.
Conclusion
This upcoming reform represents the most significant tightening of Japan’s Business Manager visa requirements in recent years. For foreign entrepreneurs, it means higher barriers to entry but greater credibility for those who succeed.
If you are considering applying, it is crucial to start preparing now — adjust your financials, secure expert support, and prepare documentation to align with the new standards.
At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we specialize in guiding foreign entrepreneurs through these changes. If you are planning to apply for or renew a Business Manager visa, contact us for tailored support.
Contact Us
If you are considering applying for the Tokyo Startup Visa, contact us today.
Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com
Address：3F-1-1-1 Kajimachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, Japan