Japan Business Manager Visa: 2025 Changes

Japan will revise its Business Manager Visa rules in October 2025. Both new applicants and current visa holders will face stricter requirements.

Quick Overview

• Capital: Raised from ¥5M to ¥30M.
• Employee: One full-time hire is now required.
• Renewals: The new, stricter rules apply to everyone.
• No exceptions: The “equivalent scale” option is gone.

Key Differences

Old Rules

Previously, applicants had three choices. They could hire two staff. They could show ¥5M in capital. Or they could prove an equivalent scale. This system offered some flexibility.

New Rules

Now, applicants must meet two conditions. You must hire at least one full-time employee. You must also show ¥30M in capital. The “equivalent scale” path is gone, making the process much more rigid.

Applicant Profile

Applicants need a graduate degree in business. Alternatively, they can show three years of management experience. Preparatory work on a “Designated Activities” visa may also count.

Visa Renewals

Renewals are now much stricter. The rules match those for first-time applications. You must prove both capital and employee status again. Failure to meet these conditions can lead to denial. Ongoing compliance is essential.

Document Checklist

Business Plan

You need an expert-reviewed business plan. A self-written plan is not enough and will likely be rejected.

Proof of Scale

Provide payroll and resident records for your employees. You must also submit official capital records. Other documents are no longer valid for proving your business scale.

Education or Work Proof

Show your degree certificates or work history. This rule applies to all managers and administrators.

Practical Effects

New Applicants

Getting the visa is now harder. The capital requirement is six times higher. A full-time hire is also mandatory from the start. Many smaller startups may no longer qualify.

Current Holders

Renewal has become riskier. For example, your renewal could be denied. This can happen if capital drops below ¥30M. It can also happen if an employee leaves. You must replace them quickly. Careful planning is vital.

How to Prepare

For Renewals

• Keep your capital above ¥30M. This reduces compliance risk.
• Plan for staff turnover. A backup hiring strategy lowers renewal risk.
• Check payroll and capital records monthly. This helps you find problems early.

For New Entrants

• Stage your investments. Build capital gradually before you apply.
• Use co-investment to share risk with partners. This also eases the personal cost.
• Get your business plan reviewed by a professional. This helps prevent critical errors.

Global Comparison

Other countries have similar visas. Singapore’s EntrePass requires job creation and funding. The UK’s Innovator visa needs funds and an endorsement. Japan’s new rule is different. It demands ¥30M capital plus a full-time hire.

Timeline

• Publication: early October 2025
• Effective date: mid-October 2025
• Source:
  
  e-Gov Public Comment
  

FAQs

Do part-time staff count?

No. Only full-time employees living in Japan count. Therefore, part-time staff are excluded.

Do retained earnings count as capital?

No. Only paid-in capital of ¥30M or more qualifies. Retained earnings are not valid for this requirement.

Are exceptions possible?

No. The “equivalent scale” clause is gone. You must meet both conditions. There are no exceptions.