Requirements for Japan’s Business Manager Visa have become stricter

1. What Is the Business Manager Visa? An Overview

The “Business Manager” (Keiei-Kanri) status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who run companies or manage businesses in Japan. It is widely known as the “business owner visa” or “business manager visa.”

The visa was once said to be relatively easy to obtain. However, growing misuse and concerns about businesses with no real operations led to a significant tightening of the approval criteria, effective October 16, 2025.

2. Five New Requirements Effective October 16, 2025

The requirements were amended the ministerial ordinance on landing criteria and related rules, putting new approval criteria into effect. The five main changes are as follows.

① Mandatory Employment of a Full-Time Employee

The applicant’s company must now employ at least one full-time employee holding a status listed in Appended Table II of the Immigration Act, such as a Japanese national, special permanent resident, permanent resident or long-term resident.

A full-time employee must work at least 30 hours per week and at least 217 days per year, and must be enrolled in employment insurance, among other conditions. Note that foreign nationals holding a status listed in Appended Table I, such as international students, do not count as full-time employees for this purpose.

② Capital of ¥30 Million or More

A corporation must have paid-in capital of at least ¥30 million. 

③ Japanese Language Ability (B2 Level or Higher)

Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese language ability equivalent to B2 or higher under the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. Even if the applicant does not meet these conditions, the requirement is satisfied if a full-time employee does.

④ Clarified Background Requirement

The applicant must now hold a doctoral, master’s or professional degree in business management, or have at least three years of business management experience. Time spent on startup preparation activities under the Startup Visa (Designated Activities No. 44) can be counted toward the years of experience.

⑤ Mandatory Expert Review of the Business Plan

The business plan submitted with an application for a Certificate of Eligibility or for a change of status of residence must now be reviewed by an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant. The reviewer confirms that the plan is specific, reasonable and feasible. Note that officers or employees of the applicant’s own company cannot serve as reviewers.