The biggest reason the Business Manager visa has become harder to obtain

1. The capital threshold is six times higher, and employment is now required as well

Previously, applicants only needed to meet either “capital of ¥5 million or more” or “two or more full-time employees.” Since the amendment, they must meet both “capital of ¥30 million or more” and “at least one full-time employee.” Full-time employees are limited to Japanese nationals, permanent residents and similar status holders, so international students and others do not count. For small restaurants and individual entrepreneurs, securing both the initial funding and a hire is a major hurdle. katsumi-office

2. Japanese language and background requirements have been added

Either the applicant or a full-time employee must have Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N2 (B2) or higher. In addition, the applicant needs either a master’s or doctoral degree in business management or at least three years of business management experience.

3. The business plan must now be reviewed by an expert

The business plan must be reviewed by an SME management consultant, certified public accountant or tax accountant. Because the plan is assessed for how specific, reasonable and feasible it is, a plan prepared just for show will not pass.

4. A genuine business premises is required

Virtual offices, or a home office without a clearly separated business space, are unlikely to be accepted as business premises. Renting property in Japan usually requires a guarantor and a screening process, which is often difficult for foreign nationals who have not yet moved to Japan.

5. Concerns about misuse are behind the changes

The tightening reflects growing concern about shell companies with no real business being used to obtain visas. As a result, the review now focuses not just on whether the paperwork is in order, but on whether there is a genuine, operating business.

6. Renewals are no longer guaranteed

Current visa holders benefit from a transitional measure. Those who were already residing in Japan before the amendment have a three-year grace period, until October 16, 2028, during which they may still renew even if they do not fully meet the new criteria. However, renewals filed after the transitional period ends on October 16, 2028 are, in principle, expected to require compliance with the new standards. Even during the transitional period, the review considers whether the applicant is likely to meet the new criteria. kokusaihomechiyoda-gyosei

In short, applicants now need to meet requirements for capital, staffing, Japanese language ability, background and plan quality all at once. Combined with practical obstacles such as opening a bank account and securing an office, the visa has become far more difficult to obtain than before.