- 1 Japan’s Business Manager Visa Requirements Set to Tighten Capital Investment and New Employee Criteria
Japan’s Business Manager Visa Requirements Set to Tighten
Capital Investment and New Employee Criteria
What is the Business Manager Visa?
For foreign entrepreneurs looking to run a business or start a company in Japan, the Business Manager Visa is one of the most important immigration statuses. This visa allows entrepreneurs to live and operate their business in Japan. It also enables them to bring family members along, making it an appealing choice for those looking to build a life and business in Japan.
New Changes to the Business Manager Visa Requirements
According to recent news from August 2025, Japan’s immigration authorities are finalizing changes to the requirements for the Business Manager Visa. The main update is the capital investment requirement, which will be raised from the current 5 million yen to 30 million yen. Additionally, the requirement for full-time employees will be introduced, demanding the hiring of at least one full-time employee.
These adjustments are being made to tighten the eligibility criteria for the Business Manager Visa, which is crucial for preventing its misuse and ensuring that foreign businesses in Japan contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Key Changes to the Requirements
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Capital Investment: The required capital investment will increase from the current 5 million yen to 30 million yen.
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Full-Time Employees: A new requirement for one full-time employee will be added.
These changes are expected to come into effect after a regulatory amendment in late 2025.
Why Are the Requirements Tightening?
Until now, the requirements for the Business Manager Visa were relatively lenient compared to other countries. For example, the threshold for capital investment was only 5 million yen, and it was possible to qualify with two full-time employees. While these requirements allowed many entrepreneurs to easily obtain the visa, there were concerns about misuse—where applicants with insufficient or non-serious business plans were granted the visa.
The tightening of these requirements is aimed at ensuring that only legitimate entrepreneurs with viable business plans can operate in Japan, promoting sustainable growth for businesses while also safeguarding against exploitation of the system.
What Impact Will These Changes Have?
The new 30 million yen capital investment requirement may seem like a significant challenge for many foreign entrepreneurs. However, it can be seen as a positive step in ensuring that only businesses with strong financial backing are allowed to operate. This will also help foster a stable business environment, which benefits both entrepreneurs and the Japanese economy.
Moreover, the introduction of the requirement to hire at least one full-time employee aims to promote job creation and business expansion, which ultimately benefits Japan’s labor market and supports the integration of foreign entrepreneurs into the local economy.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Changes
For anyone considering applying for the Business Manager Visa in Japan, these new requirements are an important factor to consider. With the increase in capital investment and the new employee hiring criteria, applicants will need to revisit their business plans, ensure sufficient funding, and prepare to hire staff as part of their operational strategy.
Although the changes may seem daunting, they are ultimately designed to support legitimate entrepreneurs and enhance the competitive edge of Japan’s business environment. If you’re planning to apply for the Business Manager Visa, now is the time to start preparing and seeking professional advice to ensure your application meets the new criteria.
How Trust Administrative Scrivener Office Can Support You
At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we specialize in helping foreign entrepreneurs navigate the process of obtaining the Business Manager Visa. From preparing your business plan to ensuring your application meets the new criteria, our team of experienced administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to start your journey toward business success in Japan!
Contact Us
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