Maeda International Administrative Office

Business Manager Visa Japan

Requirements After the October 2025 Law Revision — 2026 Guide

The Business Manager Visa allows foreign nationals to establish and operate a business in Japan, or to take on a management role within an existing Japanese company. It is the primary immigration route for entrepreneurs, investors, and overseas executives conducting business in Japan on a long-term basis.

Important: The requirements for this visa were significantly tightened effective October 16, 2025. The changes represent the most substantial revision to this visa category in over a decade. Anyone planning to apply — or currently holding this visa — should review the new requirements carefully before taking any steps.

📌What Changed in October 2025 — At a Glance

📌Full Requirements — New Applications

📌Application Process

📌Period of Stay and Renewal

The Business Manager Visa is initially granted for 1 year. Subsequent renewals may be granted for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on business performance.

At each renewal, immigration authorities now scrutinize:

Whether the business is actively operating and generating revenue
Whether the ¥30,000,000 capital and qualifying employee requirements continue to be met
Whether tax filings and public dues are current
Whether the applicant continues to hold a genuine management role

📌For Current Visa Holders — Transitional Period

📌Is the Business Manager Visa Still the Right Path?

With the October 2025 revisions, the realistic minimum outlay to establish and operate under this visa — capital plus the cost of a qualifying full-time employee — is approximately ¥35,000,000 to ¥40,000,000 or more in committed funds. This places the visa out of reach for small-scale sole-operator businesses that could previously qualify.

For larger businesses with genuine Japanese operations, multiple staff, and Japanese-speaking management, the new requirements describe a typical established company. For these applicants, the revision is more procedural than a fundamental barrier.

For applicants who cannot meet the new requirements, alternative paths may include:

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa (employment-based, if you can secure a job with a Japanese company)
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (points-based, for highly qualified individuals)

We can advise on which path is most appropriate based on your individual situation.

📌How We Can Help

Our office supports Business Manager Visa applicants with:

Initial consultation on eligibility under the revised requirements
Review of business structure and capital planning (in coordination with accounting professionals)
Preparation and submission of the Certificate of Eligibility application
Guidance on renewal requirements and transitional measure planning for existing holders
Coordination with certified professionals for business plan verification

Remote consultation is available, and Stripe payment is accepted for international clients.

📌Get Started with a Free Consultation

Given the significant upfront costs and complexity of the revised requirements, we strongly recommend beginning with a consultation to confirm eligibility before committing to company establishment.

Email us first. We will review your situation and advise on whether the Business Manager Visa remains a realistic path for you under the new rules — before any paid commitment.