The Japan Business Manager Visa will undergo significant changes in October 2025, raising the capital requirement to ¥30 million, requiring at least one full-time employee, and demanding expert-reviewed business plans. These new rules have left many current visa holders—especially those who started with around ¥5 million in capital—feeling uncertain about renewal.
However, renewal is not automatically impossible. Immigration authorities will still review each case individually, focusing on genuine business activity and future plans. Importantly, applicants must now submit a new written explanation of their recent business management activities, in free format.
In this article, we explain what these changes mean for current visa holders, what Immigration requires for renewal, and how our office can support you in preparing the necessary documents.
Why Current Visa Holders Are Concerned
In October 2025, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency will enforce new rules for the Business Manager Visa. These changes include:
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A required capital investment of ¥30 million or more
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Employment of at least one full-time staff member
Note: The “full-time employee” must be someone who is legally allowed to work in Japan without restrictions — such as Japanese nationals, permanent residents. Employees with statuses like “Student” or “Dependent” cannot be counted toward this requirement.
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A business plan reviewed by an external business expert（※１）
For entrepreneurs who started their companies with around ¥5 million in capital, this shift may feel overwhelming. Many current visa holders are now worried about whether they can successfully renew their visas.
The requirement that a business plan must be reviewed by an external business expert is written into the landing requirements. This means it applies primarily to:
・Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications
・Change of Status applications It is not explicitly required for renewal applications under the current wording of the ordinance. However, Immigration may still examine the credibility of your business plan at renewal, and in practice, having an expert-reviewed plan can strengthen your case. Applicants should be aware of this distinction when preparing their documents.
Important Note: Approval Cannot Be Guaranteed
It is very important to clarify:
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The final decision always rests with the Immigration Bureau.
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No administrative scrivener or lawyer can guarantee approval.
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Each renewal application is reviewed on an individual basis.
That means: even if you do not meet the new “¥30 million + 1 employee” standard, your renewal is not automatically denied. Immigration will carefully examine your case, focusing on whether your business is genuine and sustainable.
What Immigration Requires for Renewal
Starting with the new rules, applicants must now submit an additional document:
“A written explanation [free format] describing the details of your business management activities during your most recent period of stay, including reasons for any changes since your previous application.”
This is not a fixed template but a free-format document. In practice, it functions like an activity report, where you explain:
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What you have actually done in your business during the visa period
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How your business has changed compared to your last application
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Your future plans and growth strategy
This document will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of renewal applications under the new rules.
Because of its importance, we strongly recommend preparing it with the support of a professional — such as an administrative scrivener experienced in visa applications — to ensure your explanation is clear, persuasive, and properly aligned with Immigration’s expectations.
How Our Office Can Support You
At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we help prepare this important renewal document, along with other required materials. Our support includes:
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Drafting the written explanation of your recent business activities
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Creating a future-oriented business plan aligned with Immigration’s expectations
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Organizing and presenting your documents to highlight genuine business operations
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Advising on how to explain your efforts and strategy clearly
While we cannot guarantee results, we can help make sure your renewal application is as clear, professional, and persuasive as possible.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 reform raises the bar for the Business Manager Visa, but it does not mean automatic denial for current visa holders. Each case will continue to be judged individually by the Immigration Bureau.
If you are concerned about your renewal, do not give up. By carefully preparing the written explanation of your activities together with a credible business plan, you can still demonstrate the seriousness of your business.
👉 If you would like professional assistance, please contact us. We will guide you step by step, always mindful that the final discretion belongs to Immigration.
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